At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a mission-driven charity supporting the Armed Forces community and drive strategic delivery.
- Company: Forces Employment Charity, the UK's leading employment charity for veterans.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, hybrid working, health plans, and employee assistance programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on veterans' lives and lead a respected organisation.
- Qualifications: Proven executive leadership experience and strong strategic capability.
- Other info: Inspiring culture focused on inclusion, wellbeing, and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 96000 - 144000 Β£ per year.
The Forces Employment Charity (FEC), the UKβs leading employment charity supporting the Armed Forces community, is seeking a dynamic and influential Chief Executive to lead the organisation through its next chapter of national impact.
FEC provides life long, life changing employment support to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families, including those in the justice system. With a history dating back to 1885 and now operating at a scale of Β£10m revenue, 200 staff, and 12 major programmes, FEC works in close partnership with the MOD, NHS, OVA, employers and military charities to deliver specialist support across the UK.
As Chief Executive, you will:
- Lead a mission driven charity with deep credibility and national reach.
- Drive strategic delivery, financial sustainability and operational excellence across all regions and programmes (including CTP and Op NOVA).
- Strengthen and diversify income through government, philanthropic and corporate partnerships.
- Act as an influential ambassador for veteran employment, representing FEC across media, policy forums and Cobseo.
- Inspire a values led culture of expertise, compassion, resilience and collaboration.
About you
You are an inspiring, values-led senior leader who brings the confidence, integrity and strategic acumen required to lead an organisation of significant national importance. You will bring:
- Proven executive leadership experience within the charity, public or corporate sector, delivering complex programmes at scale.
- Strong strategic capability, with the ability to translate long term vision into clear plans, KPIs and performance.
- Financial literacy and stewardship, capable of overseeing multi-million-pound operations with rigour and transparency.
- Credibility with senior stakeholders including government, employers, funders, the media and partner organisations.
- Outstanding communication and ambassadorial skills, enabling you to represent FEC confidently on the national stage.
- A people centred leadership style, able to motivate diverse teams, nurture talent and champion inclusion, safeguarding and wellbeing.
- A commitment to evidence-based decision making, continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- A deep empathy for the Armed Forces community, with a genuine desire to help veterans and their families build fulfilling civilian careers.
FEC offers a comprehensive package including generous annual leave, hybrid working, a Simply Health plan, 24/7 employee assistance programme, matched pension contributions, birthday leave, cycle to work scheme, discounts, and more.
For further information and details on how to apply, please visit an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisors at Berwick Partners: William Pringle, Partner, Head of Charity, Arts, Culture & Heritage Practice.
Closing date for applications: Friday 6th March 2026.
Chief Executive in London employer: Forces Employment Charity
Contact Detail:
Forces Employment Charity Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive in London
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the charity sector, especially those involved with veteran support. Attend events, join forums, and donβt be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
β¨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to express your genuine commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your dedication.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their programmes, values, and recent news. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that youβre genuinely interested in leading FEC towards its mission.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, go ahead and submit your application today!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive in London
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Chief Executive role. Highlight your relevant experience in leading charities or similar organisations, and show how your values align with those of the Forces Employment Charity.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to see your people-centred leadership style shine through. Share examples of how you've motivated diverse teams and championed inclusion in your previous roles. This will help us understand how you can inspire our team at FEC.
Demonstrate Financial Acumen: Since this role involves overseeing multi-million-pound operations, be sure to highlight your financial literacy. Include specific examples of how you've managed budgets or improved financial sustainability in past positions.
Be Authentic and Passionate: Let your genuine passion for supporting the Armed Forces community come through in your application. Weβre looking for someone who truly cares about helping veterans and their families build fulfilling careers, so donβt hold back!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forces Employment Charity
β¨Know Your Mission
Before the interview, dive deep into the Forces Employment Charity's mission and values. Understand how they support the Armed Forces community and be ready to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their goals. This shows genuine interest and commitment.
β¨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
Prepare to articulate your long-term vision for the charity. Think about how you would drive strategic delivery and financial sustainability. Bring examples from your past experiences where you've successfully implemented complex programmes at scale.
β¨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in building relationships with senior stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how youβve collaborated with government bodies, employers, and other charities. This will demonstrate your credibility and ability to represent FEC on a national stage.
β¨Emphasise People-Centred Leadership
Be prepared to talk about your leadership style and how you motivate diverse teams. Share specific examples of how you've nurtured talent and championed inclusion in your previous roles. This is crucial for inspiring a values-led culture within the organisation.