Chief Executive Officer in Leeds

Chief Executive Officer in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 120000 - 140000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Hollybank Trust

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a charity transforming lives for those with profound disabilities.
  • Company: Hollybank Trust, a leading UK charity with a mission to empower individuals.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and the chance to shape futures.
  • Other info: Join us in our journey of growth and excellence.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference while leading a passionate team towards innovation.
  • Qualifications: Proven executive experience and a commitment to social impact.

The predicted salary is between 120000 - 140000 £ per year.

Hollybank Trust is one of the UK's leading specialist charities, providing outstanding education, residential care, therapies and enrichment opportunities for children, young people and adults with profound and multiple disabilities. With a proud history and an ambitious future, we are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead our next chapter of growth, innovation and impact.

Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic and inspirational leadership to a complex organisation dedicated to helping people live lives full of dignity, achievement and opportunity. You will champion quality, safeguarding and inclusion, while ensuring long-term sustainability, commercial growth and operational excellence.

We are looking for a values-driven leader with significant executive experience in a complex, regulated environment. You will bring strong commercial and financial acumen, a track record of developing new opportunities and partnerships, and the ability to inspire people behind a shared vision.

This is a rare opportunity to combine strategic leadership with genuine social impact. Every decision you make will help shape brighter futures for the people Hollybank supports and the families who depend on its services.

We are seeking an exceptional leader who combines strategic vision with commercial acumen and a deep commitment to improving lives. The successful candidate will be an inspiring and visible Chief Executive, capable of leading a complex organisation with confidence, empathy and ambition. They will have a proven track record of delivering organisational growth, building high-performing teams and developing new income streams, alongside the resilience and judgement required to navigate a demanding and evolving environment. Above all, they will share Hollybank's unwavering belief in the potential of people with profound and multiple disabilities and be driven by a genuine passion to ensure every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Ready to make a lasting difference? If you are an ambitious, compassionate and courageous leader who can combine commercial success with an unwavering commitment to improving lives, we would love to hear from you. Click Apply and help lead Hollybank Trust into its next era of excellence, innovation and impact.

Closing date: 09:00, Tuesday 1st September 2026

Chief Executive Officer in Leeds employer: Hollybank Trust

Hollybank Trust is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being of both its employees and the vulnerable individuals it serves. With a flexible working environment, opportunities for personal growth, and a strong commitment to community values, you will find meaningful work that makes a real difference. Join us in Lower Hopton, where your contributions are valued and rewarded in a supportive culture.

Hollybank Trust

Contact Details:

Hollybank Trust Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in Leeds

Get Involved Locally

Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Hollybank Trust.

Tap into Professional Networks

Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Hollybank Trust.

Showcase Your Commitment

When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Hollybank Trust.

Utilise Online Platforms

We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Hollybank Trust. Apply directly through us to stand out!

We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in Leeds

Strategic Leadership
Commercial Acumen
Financial Acumen
Partnership Development
Inspiring Leadership
Organisational Growth
Team Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Hollybank Trust. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.

Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.

Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Chief Executive Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.

Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.

How to prepare for a job interview at Hollybank Trust

Show Your Passion for Social Change

When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Hollybank Trust. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.

Highlight Project Experience

We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.

Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices

Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!