Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Big Issue Invest in driving impactful investments for social enterprises.
- Company: Big Issue Invest is a leading social impact investor, financing sustainable social enterprises since 2005.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for hybrid working and travel across the UK.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the social finance sector while driving innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in fund management and direct investment; strong strategic leadership skills required.
- Other info: This full-time role requires presence in the London office, with occasional travel.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Reference: 14118 New
CEO, Big Issue Invest, London, UK
We are working with Big Issue Invest who are looking to hire a CEO based in London to lead the team. Founded in 2005, Big Issue Invest offers social enterprises, charities and profit-with-purpose businesses loans and investment. This is a phenomenal role for someone truly passionate about the impact space who brings fund management experience.
About our client
Founded in 2005, BII extends The Big Issue’s mission by financing the growth of sustainable social enterprises.
Big Issue Invest offers social enterprises, charities and profit-with-purpose businesses loans and investment from £20,000 to £3 million. Since 2005, the group has invested more than £90m in over 500 social enterprises and charities across the UK becoming one of the UK’s leading social impact investors.
Their investment operations are comprised of a direct lending platform together with a number of FCA regulated funds operating under the BII Fund Management entity (BIIFM). Their direct lending business is designed to provide smaller loans, often on a blended finance basis to charities, social enterprises and a community-led housing facility. Their funds offer a range of investment and impact strategies, two of which remain open for investment; their Growth Impact Fund, focused on diversity in enterprise, and their social debt fund investing in social housing, social care and social infrastructure. Their investment activity is backed by an award-winning impact team which also supports other Big Issue Group mission-focused services.
What the job involves
As CEO you will work with various stakeholders including the Big Issue Invest (BII) and Big Issue Group (BIG) Boards to develop and execute on BII’s overarching strategy of delivering meaningful investment into social enterprises which have impactful social purpose.
The role requires an outgoing, energetic and entrepreneurial commercial leader, driving innovation and financial sustainability whilst at all times observing the mission of BIG. The CEO reports jointly to the Chairman of the BII board and the BIG CEO.
The main BII office is in Finsbury Park in London, co-located with various other parts of BIG. This is a full-time role and the CEO is expected to be physically present in the office for most of the time; however, hybrid working is not unusual. A reasonable amount of travel around the UK is an intrinsic part of the job; visiting investee organisations, networking, fundraising and generally representing BII as an ambassador of BIG.
Responsibilities are not limited to, but include:
- Working with stakeholders, define and execute the BII strategy in line with BIG mission.
- Manage the product portfolio and BII P&L in line with desired commercial and impact outcomes, at all times driving financial sustainability to fund future innovation and create operational resilience.
- Take the lead on innovative investment product development in line with sector needs.
- Drive fundraising activity from both commercial investors and central/local government and related agencies identifying and securing investment into the business and its investment vehicles.
- Be a member of: the BII and BIIFM boards; the BIIFM investment committee; the BII Lending Committee; the BIG Senior Leadership Team.
Who we are looking for
- You have a demonstrable proven track record in the management and growth of a fund and have extensive experience in direct investment.
- You can demonstrate an understanding of the drivers behind the social finance sector and social impact investment.
- You can raise investment finance from a diverse range of investors for use by a variety of investment vehicles.
- You are strong on strategy and can demonstrate that you have led a business (not necessarily as CEO) through a period of growth and product development.
- You can demonstrate an ability to deliver outcomes to a variety of stakeholders in line with expectations, strategic goals and wider brand values.
- You can be a leader and ambassador for BIG and the whole social investment sector.
- You believe in The Big Issue and support their social objectives.
- You are a self-starter who makes timely, appropriate and rigorous decisions.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
CEO, Big Issue Invest, London, UK employer: PER
Contact Detail:
PER Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CEO, Big Issue Invest, London, UK
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the social finance sector. Attend industry events, conferences, and seminars where you can meet key stakeholders and potential collaborators. Building these relationships can give you insights into the role and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarize yourself with Big Issue Invest's current projects and impact metrics. Understanding their portfolio and the specific social enterprises they support will allow you to speak knowledgeably about how you can contribute to their mission during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your passion for social impact investment by sharing relevant experiences. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've driven innovation or financial sustainability in previous roles, as this aligns closely with what Big Issue Invest is looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest trends in social finance and impact investing. Being knowledgeable about current challenges and opportunities in the sector will not only prepare you for interviews but also show your commitment to staying informed and proactive.
We think you need these skills to ace CEO, Big Issue Invest, London, UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Mission: Before applying, take the time to understand Big Issue Invest's mission and values. Reflect on how your experience aligns with their goals in social impact investment.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize your proven track record in fund management and direct investment. Provide specific examples of how you've driven growth and innovation in previous roles.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Demonstrate your leadership capabilities by sharing instances where you've successfully led teams or initiatives. Highlight your ability to engage with various stakeholders and drive strategic outcomes.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements outlined in the job description. Use keywords related to social finance and impact investment to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at PER
✨Show Your Passion for Social Impact
Make sure to express your genuine passion for social enterprises and the impact space. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to social causes in your previous roles, as this aligns with Big Issue Invest's mission.
✨Demonstrate Fund Management Expertise
Prepare to discuss your experience in fund management in detail. Highlight your track record in managing and growing funds, and be ready to explain how you can apply that experience to drive financial sustainability at Big Issue Invest.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Management
Be prepared to talk about your experience working with various stakeholders. Discuss how you've successfully navigated complex relationships and driven strategic initiatives that align with stakeholder expectations.
✨Innovative Investment Product Development
Think about innovative investment products you've developed or contributed to in the past. Be ready to share your ideas on how to create new investment opportunities that meet sector needs and align with Big Issue Invest's goals.
