Chief Executive Officer in London

Chief Executive Officer in London

London Full-Time 75000 - 117800 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
National Savings and Investments

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead NS&I in delivering secure savings and innovative financial solutions for millions.
  • Company: A trusted government agency with a rich history and a commitment to customer security.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and the chance to make a national impact.
  • Other info: NS&I values diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of savings while driving transformation in a respected institution.
  • Qualifications: Proven strategic leadership and experience in managing major transformations.

The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 £ per year.

National Savings and Investments (NS&I) is both a government department and an Executive Agency of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and its origins can be traced back more than 164 years to 1861. When customers invest in NS&I products, they are lending to the Government. In return, the Government offers 100% security on all deposits and pays interest or prizes for Premium Bonds. This means that NS&I is backed by HM Treasury, keeping its 24 million customers' savings safe.

This is the opportunity to lead an organisation trusted by millions of savers and offers the rare chance to deliver tangible national impact while driving innovation, digital transformation and outstanding customer outcomes. The role sits at the intersection of public service and commercial discipline, providing the challenge of stewarding a highly trusted brand, modernising complex operations, and shaping the future of secure savings for customers across the UK.

The Chief Executive is also the Director of Savings and Principal Accounting Officer to NS&I. As such, they are fully accountable and responsible to Treasury Ministers and to Parliament for all aspects of the NS&I business. This will be an autonomous CEO role reporting to both the NS&I Board and HM Treasury, with end-to-end accountability for transformation and performance of the organisation.

Whilst NS&I is successfully meeting its targets for savings and funding for the Government, and service levels to most customers, it is undergoing a major transformation programme and has experienced significant operational failings recently. Both these issues are operationally complex and must be resolved alongside continuing operations to build confidence and credibility with its stakeholders and customers alike. It is therefore crucial that a highly capable, credible CEO is appointed to lead the organisation through these challenges and re-establish NS&I's reputation and standing as a trusted, efficient and effective national institution.

The successful candidate will:

  • Lead the creation and implementation of NS&I's business strategy to deliver cost-effective financing to HM Treasury.
  • Balance the interests of customers, the taxpayer, wider government objectives, and the broader financial services sector in the context of NS&I's activities.
  • Provide direction and leadership to the executive team, setting clear short- and long-term objectives and maximising the skills within the team.
  • Effectively manage and incentivise NS&I's operational partners at a senior level to deliver the agreed business plans efficiently and in line with NS&I's values.

The successful candidate will bring:

  • Experience of operating at Senior Executive or equivalent, with a strong track record of strategic leadership and operational delivery experience.
  • Experience of delivering a major change/transformation programme within consumer-facing industries, at scale, with a track record of managing elevated risk profiles and leading commercial negotiations at a senior level.
  • A track record of promoting a positive personal and organisational profile in external communications. This should include experience of managing consumer-facing operations, including resolving operational issues, reputation management and recovery.
  • Ability to manage financial budgets and clear demonstration of effective resource management.
  • Experience within the consumer financial services environment or similar including within retail savings institutions, regulators, trade associations, and other relevant stakeholders would also be desirable.

NS&I is committed to achieving greater diversity across all levels of the organisation. Given this, they particularly welcome applications from women, disabled, and minority ethnic candidates, as under-represented groups.

The closing date for this role is Sunday 28 June 2026 at 23:55.

Chief Executive Officer in London employer: National Savings and Investments

National Savings and Investments (NS&I) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a trusted government agency with a rich history of over 164 years. With a commitment to innovation and digital transformation, NS&I fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and diversity, ensuring that every team member can contribute to meaningful national impact while enjoying the security of a government-backed organisation. This role not only provides the chance to shape the future of secure savings for millions but also offers the autonomy to drive significant change in a complex operational environment.

National Savings and Investments

Contact Details:

National Savings and Investments Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

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

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the financial services sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching NS&I's recent initiatives and challenges. Show us that you understand the organisation's mission and how you can lead it through its transformation programme. Tailor your responses to highlight your strategic leadership experience.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for NS&I and how you plan to balance customer interests with government objectives. We want to hear how you’ll drive innovation while maintaining trust and efficiency.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

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

Strategic Leadership
Operational Delivery
Change Management
Risk Management
Commercial Negotiation
External Communications
Reputation Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand NS&I and its mission. Tailor your application to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals of delivering secure savings and driving innovation.

Be Authentic:We want to see the real you! Share your unique experiences and insights that demonstrate your leadership style and how you've tackled challenges in the past. Authenticity goes a long way in making your application stand out.

Showcase Your Achievements:Highlight specific examples of your strategic leadership and operational delivery. Use metrics where possible to illustrate your impact, especially in transformation programmes or managing risk profiles.

Follow the Application Process:Make sure to apply through our website for a smooth process. Double-check your application for any errors and ensure it’s submitted before the deadline. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at National Savings and Investments

Know Your NS&I Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into NS&I's history, mission, and recent developments. Understand their transformation programme and operational challenges. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment and readiness to lead the organisation effectively.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with NS&I's values. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams through change and managed complex operations. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others towards a common goal.

Prepare for Tough Questions

Expect questions about managing risk and delivering results in challenging environments. Think about your past experiences where you've navigated operational issues or reputation management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

Demonstrate Financial Acumen

As a CEO, you'll need to manage budgets and resources effectively. Be ready to discuss your experience with financial management and how you've balanced stakeholder interests in previous roles. Show that you can make data-driven decisions that benefit both customers and the organisation.