At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a pioneering environmental charity and shape community-led projects.
- Company: East London Waterworks Park, a community-focused charity reconnecting people with nature.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape a new role in a dynamic, values-driven organisation.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to transforming urban landscapes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on urban green spaces and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership and a passion for environmental sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About East London Waterworks Park
East London Waterworks Park is a community-led charity working to reconnect people and nature. Starting from nature-first principles, and with inclusivity at the heart of everything we do, we work with communities to co-design spaces to unlock a chain of positive changes that culminate in the long-term transformation of people and place.
Our work includes:
- Co-designing East London Waterworks Park with the East London community, working towards purchasing a 14-acre Thames Water depot in Waltham Forest and transforming it into a biodiverse urban park with free, accessible wild swimming and welcoming community spaces.
- Co-designing other nature-first spaces on disused or brownfield land in London, returning land to nature in collaboration with local communities to encourage long-term community stewardship.
- Hosting engagement, education, and empowerment activities that build skills, confidence and deeper connections to nature.
East London Waterworks Park is a sociocratic organisation, with a decentralised organisational structure and a transparent and collaborative approach to decision making. We have grown organically since 2019, responding flexibly to the challenges we have encountered but always committed to our core vision: creating a new kind of urban green and blue space: one that is ecologically rich, inclusive, and shaped by the people and wildlife who use it.
East London Waterworks Park is currently entirely run by volunteers but we recognise the need to transition to a more sustainable structure. We want to introduce paid employees to ensure we can deliver the exciting projects planned in 2026 and beyond, while retaining our strong community-led ethos.
The opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and values-led Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead East London Waterworks Park in this next phase of our development. This is a rare opportunity to shape the first paid executive leadership role in a pioneering environmental charity.
The CEO role is wide-ranging and dynamic, and will evolve as East London Waterworks Park grows. The CEO will provide strategic leadership to help realise our ambition to purchase the Thames Water depot site in East London, while strengthening our capacity to deliver community-led rewilding and nature-recovery projects across London in partnership with landowners, local authorities and other stakeholders.
An important aspect of the role will involve introducing a sustainable staffing model that complements and develops East London Waterworks Park’s existing volunteer ecosystem, and strengthens our culture, vision and values. The CEO will be supported in this work by long-standing volunteers at both trustee board and operational level, who believe in the benefits this organisational change will bring.
More information
If this sounds exciting, please download the recruitment pack.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role by 13 February 2026.
Chief Executive Officer employer: Radix Solutions
East London Waterworks Park is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a pioneering environmental charity dedicated to reconnecting communities with nature. With a strong emphasis on inclusivity and collaboration, employees will thrive in a sociocratic work culture that values transparency and community engagement, while also benefiting from the chance to shape sustainable projects that have a lasting impact on urban green spaces. As we transition to a paid staffing model, this role promises significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, allowing them to play a crucial part in our mission to create ecologically rich environments in East London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the environmental sector, especially those involved with community-led projects. Attend local events or workshops to make connections and show your passion for nature-first initiatives.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to showcase your leadership style! Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, particularly in collaborative settings. This will help demonstrate that you can thrive in our sociocratic organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Research East London Waterworks Park thoroughly! Understand our mission, values, and current projects. This knowledge will not only impress us but also help you articulate how your vision aligns with ours during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our community-led journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and the organisation. Dive into East London Waterworks Park's mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their community-led approach.
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the CEO role. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re on the same page and you get what we’re all about.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for nature and community work, and explain why you’re the perfect fit for leading East London Waterworks Park. Keep it engaging and personal!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and shows you’re keen to be part of our journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Radix Solutions
✨Know the Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into East London Waterworks Park's mission and values. Understand their community-led approach and how they aim to reconnect people with nature. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a CEO candidate, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership style. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in collaborative environments. Highlight any experience with sociocratic or decentralised structures, as this aligns with their organisational model.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about strategic planning and community engagement. Think of examples where you've developed sustainable models or worked on community projects. Be prepared to share your vision for how you would lead East London Waterworks Park towards its ambitious goals.
✨Engage with Their Community Focus
East London Waterworks Park thrives on community involvement. Be ready to discuss how you would foster relationships with local stakeholders and volunteers. Share ideas on how to enhance community stewardship and ensure inclusivity in all projects.
