At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a pioneering mental health organisation and drive positive change in communities.
- Company: Second Step, a leader in community mental health support in the South West.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence systems and improve outcomes for vulnerable individuals.
- Other info: Join a values-driven team focused on hope, courage, trust, and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mental health and support those in need.
- Qualifications: Substantial senior leadership experience in voluntary, health or local authority sectors.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Second Step believes in a world where everyone affected by mental health problems can create a positive future. For almost 40 years, we have been a pioneer in community mental health and multiple disadvantage support across the South West. Today, we are the leading voluntary sector provider in Bristol and the West of England, working alongside people experiencing severe and enduring mental health needs, homelessness and multiple disadvantage. Our approach is trauma-informed, recovery-focused and shaped by lived experience and co-production.
Following a period of significant growth under our longstanding Chief Executive, we are seeking an exceptional leader to guide Second Step into its next chapter. This is an opportunity to lead an organisation with deep roots in its communities, strong partnerships across the NHS, commissioners, local government and voluntary sector, and a clear ambition to influence systems and improve outcomes for some of the most vulnerable people in society.
We are looking for a leader who combines strategic vision with operational rigour and compassionate leadership. You will bring substantial senior leadership experience, ideally gained across the voluntary, health or local authority sectors, alongside a track record of leading change, building partnerships and delivering organisational performance and growth. Experience of working within complex, place-based systems and a commitment to equity, inclusion and lived experience are essential.
Above all, you will share our values of hope, courage, trust, diversity and continuous learning and believe, as we do, that everyone affected by mental health challenges deserves the opportunity to build a positive future.
For more information and to apply, please visit: https://starfishsearch.com/jobs/secondstepceo/
Closing date: Friday 17th July 2026.
Chief Executive in Bath employer: Second Step
Second Step is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the well-being of both clients and staff. Located in the heart of the Southwest, we offer our employees comprehensive benefits, including generous annual leave and extensive training opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth in the rewarding field of mental health support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive in Bath
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Second Step.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like Second Step.
✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive in Bath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Second Step.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Second Step. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Second Step
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Second Step, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Second Step, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Second Step could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Second Step as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
