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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Harrogate BID, driving projects and engaging with local businesses.
- Company: Harrogate BID enhances the town's vibrancy and economic success.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, NEST pension scheme, and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a nationally recognised town and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership, place management, and stakeholder engagement required.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a commitment to inclusivity in recruitment.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Chief Executive Officer
Salary: £50,000-£60,000 per annum (DOE)
Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire (Due to the nature of this role, the CEO will be expected to work most of their hours from Harrogate, either in the office or meeting with businesses)
Full time | Permanent (subject to successful ballots every five years. Notice period is three months)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (flexible working required)
Benefits:
- NEST Pension Scheme
- 25 days annual leave plus public holidays
Closing date: 19th November 2025
Are you passionate about championing place, business and community in a thriving destination town?
Harrogate BID (Harrogate Business Improvement District) is seeking a dynamic, strategic and hands-on Chief Executive Officer to lead the delivery of its ambitious 2024–2028 business plan.
Representing around 500 town centre businesses, the BID plays a vital role in promoting, enhancing and shaping Harrogate as a vibrant, successful and attractive place to live, work and visit.
As CEO, you’ll be the public face and driving force of the organisation – forging strong partnerships, championing the business community, managing the team and contractors, and ensuring projects and services deliver real, measurable impact.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has senior leadership experience in BIDs, place-making, town centres or economic development.
- Is a confident communicator and relationship-builder with both private and public sector stakeholders.
- Brings strong financial, project and team management skills.
- Has a creative, proactive and business-savvy mindset.
- Can balance strategy with hands-on delivery.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK’s most celebrated destinations.
To apply for this exciting leadership opportunity, please submit:
Subject line: CEO Application – Harrogate BID
- An up-to-date CV
- A covering letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your interest and suitability for the role
On receipt of your cv and covering letter you will be sent the full recruitment pack outlining the role in more detail.
Key Dates:
- Application deadline: Wednesday 5 November 2025
- Interviews: 18/19 November 2025
Harrogate BID is committed to being an inclusive and equitable organisation. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, and we are actively working to ensure our recruitment processes are as fair and open as possible.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS ROLE HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY ADVERTISED. PLEASE DO NOT APPLY AGAIN AS YOUR DETAILS HAVE ALREADY BEEN CONSIDERED.
Chief Executive Officer employer: Harrogate BID
Contact Detail:
Harrogate BID Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with local business leaders and stakeholders in Harrogate. Attend community events or town hall meetings to establish connections and demonstrate your commitment to the area.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and opportunities facing Harrogate's businesses. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations and showcase your understanding of the local economic landscape.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership experiences in similar roles. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully driven change or improved community engagement, as this will resonate with the expectations for the CEO position.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your strategic vision for Harrogate BID during interviews. Be ready to share innovative ideas on how to enhance the town centre's vibrancy and support local businesses, showing that you're proactive and forward-thinking.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take the time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Chief Executive Officer position at Harrogate BID. Familiarise yourself with their Business Plan and how it aligns with your experience.
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be no more than two pages and clearly articulate why you are the right fit for this role. Highlight your leadership experience in BIDs or economic development, and provide specific examples of how you've driven projects forward.
Update Your CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and reflects your relevant experience, skills, and achievements. Focus on your leadership roles, project management capabilities, and any partnerships you've built with public and private sector organisations.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread both your CV and cover letter. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are clear, concise, and professional.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harrogate BID
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before the interview, make sure you have a clear understanding of what the Chief Executive Officer role entails. Familiarise yourself with Harrogate BID's Business Plan and the key priorities of local businesses. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a CEO, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership skills. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams, managed projects, or influenced stakeholders. Highlight your ability to drive initiatives that have had a tangible impact on the community or organisation.
✨Engage with Local Context
Since this role is deeply rooted in the Harrogate community, show your knowledge of the town and its businesses. Discuss any previous experiences you have in place management or economic development, and how you can leverage that to benefit Harrogate BID.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions about the challenges facing Harrogate BID and the expectations for the CEO role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your vision and values.