Chief Executive Officer

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) is the professional body for the UK’s recruitment and talent sector. With a heritage dating back to 1930, the REC exists to support recruitment and staffing businesses to grow, raise standards, and shape a better labour market. The REC brings together over 2,500 member businesses, from SMEs to global firms, and is defined by its relevance and reach. Positioned at a critical junction between talent, enterprise, and economic growth, it plays a central role in enabling careers, supporting business success, and contributing to the broader economy. Its purpose is not abstract, it is measurable in the opportunities it creates, the organisations it supports, and the impact it delivers at scale.

The organisation is entering a pivotal phase. Building on a strengthened external profile and policy influence, the next chapter will focus on deepening member value, driving commercial performance, and ensuring the REC remains the authoritative voice of a rapidly evolving recruitment and talent market.

THE ROLE

The REC is seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through its next phase of development, combining external authority with strong commercial and organisational leadership.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• External leadership and influence: Acting as the authoritative public voice of the REC, shaping debate and influencing government policy on labour markets, skills, regulation, technology, and access to talent.
• Membership value and commercial performance: Driving membership growth, retention, and engagement, ensuring the REC’s products, services, and pricing deliver clear and sustainable value to members.
• Strategic leadership: Working with the Board to define and deliver a clear strategy that positions the REC for long-term relevance, resilience, and impact in a changing recruitment and talent landscape.
• Organisational leadership and culture: Leading and developing a high-performing, people-focused executive team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder engagement: Building strong relationships with members, the Board, the Advisory Council, and wider stakeholders, maintaining confidence across a highly engaged and commercially astute membership base.
• Governance and stewardship: Ensuring effective governance, financial sustainability, and organisational performance, maintaining the REC’s reputation as a credible, trusted, and professional body.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• A credible and authoritative leadership presence, with the ability to operate as a national public voice on complex and high-profile issues.
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience of driving growth, income, and customer value within a membership, professional services, or related environment.
• A deep understanding of stakeholder management, with the ability to build trust across diverse groups, including SMEs, large corporates, government, and regulators.
• Experience of operating at Board level, supporting effective governance and organisational stewardship.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, with a strong commitment to people-focused leadership.
• The judgement and adaptability to balance external influence, member expectations, and internal delivery.
• An understanding of labour markets, professional services, or regulated sectors, and the impact of technology and AI on workforce and business models.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary of £180,000-£185,000 plus performance-related bonus. Benefits include a defined contribution pension scheme, private health cover, life insurance, and additional benefits. We are an equal opportunities recruitment partner and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background.