At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic growth and optimise operations for a tech-enabled SME.
- Company: Fast-growing tech-enabled SME focused on trades and small businesses.
- Benefits: Six-figure salary, equity stake, and potential earnout on revenue milestones.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a dynamic company with significant growth potential.
- Qualifications: Proven B2B revenue growth experience and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; ideal for exited founders or proven operators.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Our client, a fast-growing early phase tech-enabled SME serving trades and small businesses is seeking a strategic MD / CEO (full-time preferred, fractional considered) or a fractional Exec Chair to drive this growth trajectory while navigating normal growing pains. EBITDA positive, with strong asset utilisation they are targeting significant scale (3 to 5-year plan: multi-£m ARR, 25%+ margins, £20m+ valuation potential). Ideal for exited founders / execs, or proven No.2 operators, ready for another play with good equity upside possibilities.
The Role
- Shape overall strategy in conjunction with board / investors, lead B2B growth into target market, optimise operations / unit economics, to scale efficiently.
- Managing a lean team, leverage tech and partnerships for rapid revenue expansion while maintaining profitability.
- Flexible in terms of the delivery scope for the right person, whether full-time, fractional CEO (2 to 3 days per week) or Exec Chair (1 to 2 days per week plus strategic input).
Indicatively, it includes:
- Execute ambitious growth plan to multi-£m ARR with industry-leading utilisation and margins.
- Drive B2B sales and customer acquisition via digital channels and partnerships.
- Optimise unit economics, cashflow, and ops in asset-intensive model.
- Deliver effective investor reporting (PE/VC experience valued).
- Build and coach small very capable core team to deliver significant revenue/profit targets in leading the business to a successful exit.
Person Profile
- We are keen to explore this opportunity with a range of proven individuals, however it is likely that the successful will:
- Be an exited founder (marketplace / platforms / logistics / asset management / subscriptions / automotive) seeking a second venture (full or fractional role).
- Or perhaps be a corporate divisional COO / CCO / Head of Growth / Head of Ops who’s scaled something and keen to test yourself in a more entrepreneurial setting with ‘skin in the game’, e.g. £1–10m P&L for a subsidiary.
- Demonstrate proven revenue growth in a B2B sector (great if exposed to small businesses / Tradesman); having some B2C may resonate too.
- Have investor / board exposure and be comfortable with the challenges of scaling an early phase business to a significant multi-£10m+ exit, such as cash-flow as momentum builds.
- Show a strong founder’s ops mindset: unit economics, customer retention, lean team leadership.
- Be UK focused.
- Be open to either a full-time CEO, fractional CEO (e.g. 2 to 3 days per week), or fractional Exec Chair (1 to 2 days per week plus strategy – note there are NEDs in situ already).
Package
Six Figure FTE equivalent + significant equity stake subject to remit + earnout on revenue / EBITDA milestones. Wealth creation potential for the right leader.
Application
Please share your CV ASAP, including:
- Brief summary of your most relevant growth achievement.
- Preferred working structure (full-time CEO / fractional CEO / Exec Chair).
- Guide to remuneration expectations and notice / availability.
Location flexible but London / Home Counties could be beneficial re Investors.
Chief Executive Officer (Full-time or Fractional) in England employer: Norrie Johnston Recruitment - Global Executive Search & Interim Management
Contact Detail:
Norrie Johnston Recruitment - Global Executive Search & Interim Management Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer (Full-time or Fractional) in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, attend events, and join relevant online communities. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that CEO gig.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a personal brand by sharing insights on platforms like LinkedIn. Write articles or post updates about your experiences in scaling businesses – it’ll get you noticed by the right people.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring team or decision-makers. A personal touch can make all the difference in standing out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on our website for opportunities! We’re always looking for talented individuals who can drive growth. Applying through us gives you a better shot at being seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer (Full-time or Fractional) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your most relevant growth achievements. We want to see how your experience aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your successes!
Be Clear About Your Preferences: In your application, clearly state whether you're looking for a full-time CEO role, a fractional CEO position, or an Exec Chair role. This helps us understand how you envision your involvement with the company.
Showcase Your Strategic Mindset: Since this role involves shaping overall strategy, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully driven B2B growth and optimised operations in your previous roles. We love seeing that strategic thinking!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Norrie Johnston Recruitment - Global Executive Search & Interim Management
✨Know Your Numbers
As a potential CEO, you need to be on top of the financials. Brush up on key metrics like EBITDA, margins, and cash flow. Be ready to discuss how you've driven revenue growth in previous roles and how you plan to optimise unit economics for this company.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
Prepare to articulate your vision for scaling the business. Think about how you would execute an ambitious growth plan and leverage technology and partnerships. Be specific about strategies you've used in the past that could apply here.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a lean team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've built and coached teams in the past. Highlight your experience in leading small, capable teams to achieve significant revenue and profit targets.
✨Engage with Investors
Since investor reporting is crucial, come equipped with insights on how you've successfully communicated with boards or investors before. Discuss your experience with PE/VC environments and how you can maintain transparency while driving growth.