At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead with compassion, setting strategic direction and driving financial sustainability for St Catherine’s.
- Company: Join a trusted hospice dedicated to exceptional care and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension contributions, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; must have a full driving licence.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while leading a modern, sustainable organisation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in complex organisations, ideally within health or related sectors.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
As Chief Executive, you will provide visible, compassionate and credible leadership across the organisation. Working closely with the Board, Senior Leadership team, staff, volunteers and supporters, you will set strategic direction, drive financial sustainability and champion exceptional care for those who need us most.
You will be the primary ambassador for St Catherine’s, developing and managing key NHS and system wide partnerships, influencing locally and regionally, and ensuring the hospice remains a trusted, valued partner within an evolving health and social care landscape.
Key priorities
- Values‑led leadership – living and breathing our core values every day, fostering a culture of energy, courage, expertise, connection, and not forgetting Human!
- Strategic delivery – translating our vision into clear priorities that keep St Catherine’s relevant, responsive and impactful.
- Financial sustainability – navigating ongoing financial challenges faced by the hospice sector, strengthening income generation and ensuring long‑term resilience.
- Partnership & influence – building strong, constructive relationships with NHS partners, other hospices and third sector organisations, commissioners and system leaders.
- Modern and digitally savvy – ensuring the organisation continues to evolve, embracing digital innovation and using data and technology to improve care, efficiency and reach.
- People & culture – empowering staff and volunteers, developing talent and leading change with clarity and empathy.
About you
You will be an experienced, credible leader with a strong strategic mindset and a track record of leading complex organisations through change. You may come from the hospice, health, public, voluntary or related sectors, but you will bring clear understanding of partnership working, financial stewardship and the realities of operating in a constrained funding environment. Above all, you will share our values, believe deeply in our mission and be motivated by the opportunity to lead St Catherine’s confidently into a modern, sustainable future.
This post is offered on a permanent, full-time basis, working 37.5 hours per week, (flexible working patterns would be considered for the successful candidate). At St Catherine’s we offer work from home opportunities, however this is adaptable depending on business need and regular onsite attendance is required. Please note, the successful candidate will be an essential car user, therefore candidates must have a full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
The recruitment process will be a four-stage process:
- Application process closes 17 July 2026
- Shortlisting and testing 20 August 2026
- Presentations to our stakeholders 4 September 2026
- Interview Panel 7 September 2026
Employees at St Catherine’s Hospice can enjoy a variety of benefits including:
- Generous annual leave starting at 27 days, (rising to 32 days after completion of probation) and 36 days with length of service, plus Bank Holidays, and an opportunity to buy / sell annual leave days.
- Plus we offer a day off for volunteering & moving house.
- Generous Pension scheme with up to 9% employer contributions or honour of NHS pension.
- Life Assurance Scheme, Counselling Offering, and a range of discounts.
- Enhanced maternity and adoption pay.
How to Apply: If you join St Catherine’s, you’ll be joining a supportive team all working towards a big ambition: a future where everyone approaching death and those who love and care for them can access compassionate, specialist palliative and end of life care. If that sounds like something you’d find fulfilling, please apply today.
We want our recruitment process to be accessible to everyone, and we are proud to be a Disability Confident Level 2 Employer, committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you need any help completing your application form please contact our HR team.
Terms & Conditions: This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check. By applying you are confirming you have read the Enhanced Check Privacy Policy for applicants and understand how DBS will process my personal data and the options available to me for submitting an application. Please ensure you have read our employee and recruitment privacy statement prior to applying for this role. Must be authorised to work in the United Kingdom, please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorships. Please note a requirement of all roles at St Catherine’s is to complete mandatory E-learning training and remain compliant with this throughout your employment.
If you require any additional information or would like an informal discussion with our current Chief Executive, please visit our website for contact information and we will arrange this.
Chief Executive in Southgate employer: St Catherine's Hospice
St Catherine’s Hospice is an exceptional employer that prioritises compassionate leadership and a values-driven culture, making it a fulfilling place to work for those dedicated to providing outstanding palliative care. With generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are empowered to thrive in a supportive environment that champions innovation and collaboration. Located in the heart of Crawley, the hospice offers flexible working arrangements and a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that every team member feels valued and engaged in their mission to make a meaningful impact.
