At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-impact organisation supporting baby banks and families in need.
- Company: Join the Baby Bank Alliance, a growing movement tackling child poverty across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity to make a real difference, and strong support network.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving change and building partnerships for sustainability.
- Why this job: Shape the future of an impactful organisation and help thousands of families thrive.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in charity or social impact, with a track record in fundraising.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 € per year.
Across the UK, over 4 million children are currently living in poverty, driving increasing demand for essential items and support for families with young children. In 2024 alone, baby banks supported over 219,000 families, a 35% increase on the previous year. Baby banks are community‐led organisations that provide essential items such as clothing, nappies and equipment to families with young children experiencing poverty or crisis. They operate in diverse ways and often offer support and signposting in addition to the material goods, reflecting the needs of their local communities.
The Baby Bank Alliance (BBA) exists to support, unite and advocate for baby banks: strengthening collective impact, unlocking national opportunities, and helping a fast‐growing and diverse movement operate with greater voice, reach and resilience. BBA was co‐founded by Purposeful Ventures, Save the Children UK, Little Village and the Bristol Baby Bank Network. Since its founding, BBA has built strong national partnerships, secured significant funding and goods for baby banks, and raised the profile of the sector through national media and corporate partnerships.
Currently incubated by Purposeful Ventures and Save the Children UK, BBA is now moving into its next phase: in Summer 2027 we will become an independent organisation and are on the journey to build the national recognition, scale and sustainability to meet growing need. BBA continues to work closely with its co‐founders and incubating partners, who are expected to remain important collaborators as the organisation transitions to independence.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a high‐impact organisation at a pivotal moment. BBA's achievements to date include:
- A national member network of 256+ baby banks
- Current income of ~£1m, with clear ambition to grow significantly
- Grants of over £650k in unrestricted funding to members, with more to follow in Summer 2026
- Distribution of significant gift‐in‐kind: 13 electric vans; 326 laptops; over £400k worth of toiletries; hundreds of pieces of equipment like prams and high chairs; thousands of toys, nappies, and books
- National media coverage, including features in the Independent, a leading segment on ITV's Good Morning Britain, plus coverage on BBC News, BBC Breakfast, the One Show, ITV Calendar News, Radio 5 Live, Times Radio and local BBC radio stations
- Confirmed and in‐principle support commitments from key partners, providing a strong platform for growth
We are looking for a CEO who can:
- Secure major income and strategic partnerships
- Build BBA's profile and credibility as the national voice of baby banks
- Lead the successful transition to independence and long‐term sustainability
- Keep baby banks and the families they support at the heart of BBA's work
Initially, this role will be employed by Purposeful Ventures. Once BBA becomes independent, the CEO and other members of the BBA team will transfer to direct BBA employment under TUPE. Your terms and conditions of employment will remain unchanged.
What success looks like:
- Income growth: 50% increase in income by 2028, enabling increased funding to member baby banks and investment in BBA's own capability and resilience.
- Public awareness: increased awareness of baby banks, driving stronger partnerships, broader public support and greater ability to unlock income and influence.
- Independence: a successful transition to an independent organisation in Summer 2027, retaining strong relationships with co‐founders and incubating partners.
- Organisational leadership: a small but highly effective central team, operating in line with BBA's principles and with the needs of baby banks at the heart of decision‐making.
The Chief Executive Officer will lead the Baby Bank Alliance through its transition to independence and into its next phase of growth. This is a unique opportunity to shape a growing national organisation — building long‐term sustainability, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring BBA can continue to support baby banks across the UK. The role is externally focused, with a strong emphasis on growing income, building partnerships and raising BBA's profile, alongside leading a small, committed team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Fundraising & Income Growth: Lead an ambitious approach to income growth, increasing and diversifying funding to support BBA's long‐term sustainability.
- Strategic Leadership & Independence: Lead BBA's transition from incubation to independence, shaping its future model, governance and direction.
- External Profile & Sector Leadership: Build BBA's reputation as the trusted national voice of baby banks.
- Governance & Board Partnership: Work closely with the Chair and Board to ensure strong governance and accountability.
- Organisational Leadership & Delivery: Provide clear, values‐led leadership, creating a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Safeguarding, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Ensure safeguarding is appropriately embedded in BBA's work, with clear oversight and proportionate approaches.
- Financial Stewardship: Hold overall responsibility for BBA's financial sustainability.
Person Specification:
- Essential Experience: Senior leadership experience (CEO, Director or equivalent) within a charity or social impact organisation.
- Essential Skills & Attributes: Strong strategic thinking with a practical, delivery‐focused approach.
Chief Executive Officer employer: Purposeful Ventures
The Baby Bank Alliance (BBA) is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of families experiencing poverty across the UK. With a strong focus on employee growth and collaboration, BBA fosters a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, while providing unique opportunities to lead a high-impact organisation during a pivotal transition to independence. Employees can expect to engage in strategic partnerships and fundraising efforts that directly contribute to the sustainability and expansion of vital community services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former employees of BBA. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to chat with someone from BBA, make sure to express why you care about supporting baby banks and families in need. Authentic enthusiasm can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching BBA’s impact and future goals. Familiarise yourself with their achievements and challenges. This will not only help you answer questions but also allow you to ask insightful ones, showing you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining the team at BBA. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for the cause and how your experiences align with our mission at BBA. Don't be afraid to share personal stories that highlight your commitment to supporting families in need.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the CEO role. Highlight your relevant experience in leadership, fundraising, and partnerships. Show us how your skills can help BBA grow and transition to independence. A one-size-fits-all approach won't cut it!
Showcase Your Impact:We love seeing quantifiable achievements! When discussing your past roles, include specific examples of how you've secured funding or built partnerships. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve increased income or expanded networks, make sure to shout about it!
Follow the Application Process:To ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and makes it easier for us to review your application. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Purposeful Ventures
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the Baby Bank Alliance's mission and recent achievements. Familiarise yourself with their partnerships and funding strategies. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential CEO, it's crucial to convey your leadership philosophy. Prepare examples of how you've led teams through change or growth in previous roles. Highlight your collaborative approach and how you prioritise values like equity and inclusion in decision-making.
✨Prepare for Tough Questions
Expect questions about your strategies for income growth and partnership building. Think about specific challenges you’ve faced in fundraising and how you overcame them. Being ready with concrete examples will demonstrate your capability to lead BBA through its transition to independence.
✨Engage with the Panel
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about BBA’s future direction and how they envision the role of the CEO. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and vision.
