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- Tasks: Lead a charity, drive strategic planning, and oversee service delivery.
- Company: The Rainy Day Trust supports those in the home-improvement sector with financial and emotional aid.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for impactful work, and a chance to shape the future of a charity.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real difference in people's lives while fostering a culture of inclusivity.
- Qualifications: 10 years of senior management experience and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Based in Bromsgrove, UK, with travel across the country; applications close on 30th June 2025.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
The Rainy Day Trust is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead our small but mighty charity as we enter an exciting new strategic planning cycle. If you’re an enthusiastic, dynamic leader ready to roll up your sleeves and drive real change for those who’ve worked in the home-improvement sector, this is your opportunity to steer an 182-year-old charity into its next decade.
About Us
The Rainy Day Trust provides practical, financial and emotional support to people who work - or have worked - in the home-improvement and enhancement industries (builders’ merchants, DIY, garden centres, tradespeople and related sectors). We deliver grants, debt relief, apprenticeship funding, fuel-poverty assistance, legal advice, counselling and e-learning, partnering with industry peers to tackle poverty through both direct intervention and prevention. We pride ourselves on punching above our weight to ensure every beneficiary lives with dignity.
The Role
As CEO, you will work in partnership with the Board to finalise and own our new five-year business plan, ensuring its successful delivery. You’ll combine strategic vision with hands-on leadership, overseeing service delivery, fundraising, financial stewardship and regulatory compliance, while modelling our core values of transparency, fairness, energy, inclusivity and compassion.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Co-create, implement and evaluate the new five-year strategy, business plan and budgets.
- Operational Management: Lead a small core team and manage partner relationships (e.g. Maximus for casework). Ensure high-quality, cost-effective service delivery and robust risk controls.
- Income Generation: Devise and deliver a diversified fundraising strategy (corporate partnerships, events, digital campaigns) to secure financial stability in a demanding climate.
- Governance & Compliance: Act as Nominated Individual to the Charity Commission; support the Board in trustee recruitment, training and governance best practice.
- External Relations: Serve as chief spokesperson; build and sustain partnerships across the home-improvement sector to raise awareness and influence.
- Culture & Values: Foster an organisational culture of learning, innovation, professionalism and integrity that reflects our values at every level.
Key Details
- Salary: circa £70,000 per annum
- Contract: Permanent, full-time (evenings and occasional weekends; UK travel required)
- Location: Head office in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, with travel across the UK
Person Specification
Essential
- Graduate or equivalent vocational qualification.
- At least 10 years’ senior-management experience in a comparable organisation (charity, social enterprise or commercial).
- Proven track record of income generation across varied channels.
- Experience of strategic planning, budget management and regulatory compliance (Charity Commission, SORP).
- Strong leadership skills: able to inspire small teams and foster collaborative partnerships.
- Excellent communicator, both orally and in writing; adept at presenting complex issues succinctly.
- Financially literate: able to interpret spreadsheets, set forecasts and manage risk.
Desirable
- Experience in the home-improvement, construction or retail sectors.
- Familiarity with mental-health or preventative-welfare work.
- Background in formal collaborations/joint ventures.
Attributes
- Values-driven, demonstrating integrity, empathy and inclusivity.
- Strategic thinker with a results-oriented, commercial mindset.
- Resilient under pressure, well organised and adaptable to changing priorities.
- Curious and innovative: open to new ideas and continuous learning.
If you would like to receive an Information Pack for this role with details on how to apply, please send an expression of interest and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile in confidence to our consultant, Jenny Hills at executive@harrishill.co.uk. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny at the above address with suitable times to speak.
Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 30th June 2025.
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) employer: HARRIS HILL EXECUTIVE SEARCH
Contact Detail:
HARRIS HILL EXECUTIVE SEARCH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
✨Tip Number 1
Network within the charity and home-improvement sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences to meet key players and learn about current trends. Building relationships can give you insights into the role and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Rainy Day Trust's mission and values. Understanding their core principles will allow you to align your leadership style and vision with theirs, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in income generation and strategic planning. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led similar initiatives in the past, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with current or former employees of the Rainy Day Trust on platforms like LinkedIn. Gaining insights from their experiences can provide you with valuable information that can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Organisation: Before applying, take the time to thoroughly understand The Rainy Day Trust's mission, values, and the specific challenges they face. This will help you tailor your application to demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your senior management experience, particularly in the charity or social enterprise sectors. Provide specific examples of your income generation successes and strategic planning achievements.
Showcase Leadership Skills: As a CEO, strong leadership is crucial. Use your application to illustrate your ability to inspire teams and foster partnerships. Include anecdotes that showcase your collaborative approach and how you've navigated challenges in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your enthusiasm for the role but also reflect your understanding of the charity sector. Discuss how your values align with those of The Rainy Day Trust and outline your vision for leading the organisation into its next decade.
How to prepare for a job interview at HARRIS HILL EXECUTIVE SEARCH
✨Understand the Charity's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand The Rainy Day Trust's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work in the home-improvement sector and be prepared to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a CEO, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to create and implement strategic plans. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led similar initiatives, particularly in the charity or social enterprise sectors.
✨Highlight Income Generation Experience
Income generation is crucial for this role. Prepare to discuss your previous successes in fundraising and income diversification. Bring specific examples of strategies you've implemented that resulted in financial stability for your organisation.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Team Management Skills
The role requires strong leadership skills. Be prepared to talk about how you've inspired and managed teams in the past. Share instances where you've fostered collaboration and built partnerships, especially in challenging environments.
