Chief Executive

Chief Executive

Help Shape the Next Generation of Britain's Young Leaders

Leadership. Resilience. Responsibility. Excellence.

Every year, thousands of young people develop these qualities through the UK's Cadet Forces. Behind that success stands an organisation that has quietly shaped standards, supported excellence and worked alongside the Ministry of Defence for more than half a century.

The Council for Cadet Rifle Shooting (CCRS) is the nationally recognised, MOD-sponsored charity responsible for promoting excellence in cadet target shooting across all three Services. Working with Defence, the Cadet Forces, National Governing Bodies, and an outstanding volunteer network, it provides opportunities that develop confidence, discipline, teamwork, and leadership in young people, while nurturing future national and international sporting talent.

Following the planned retirement of its long-serving Chief Executive, the Chair and Board of Trustees have exclusively retained The List to identify a successor of exceptional calibre.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally respected organisation with influence far beyond its size. Reporting directly to the Chair and Board of Trustees, you will shape strategy, provide inspirational leadership, strengthen relationships across Defence and the sporting community, and ensure CCRS continues to thrive as the recognised national authority in its field.

This is a career-defining leadership appointment for an individual with the credibility to operate at senior level across Defence, government, the voluntary sector, and sport. You will be an accomplished executive with exceptional judgement, strategic vision, and the ability to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders. A military background or experience of the Cadet Forces would be advantageous, but more important is your ability to inspire people, lead change and uphold the highest standards of governance and integrity.

For many, this will be more than a Chief Executive appointment. It is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy—leading a nationally respected charity that helps young people discover their potential while supporting an enduring partnership between Defence, education, and sport.

At this stage I seek initial expressions of interest in the form of an up to date CV or the url to an equally current Linked In profile. It would be prudent to add a few lines amplifying your interest in the covering e-mail.

Some headlines to assist your initial decision-making:

• To assume the appointment by Easter 2027 – conceivably earlier.
• It is a full-time PAYE appointment.
• Essentially office or event based at Bisley – with some hybrid working.
• Open to all potential SQEPs (suitably qualified and experienced people) including all 3 UK Armed Services. SC clearance is required as are other certifications.
• Salary is competitive for the 3rd sector.
• A filter will be conducted on initial applications/expressions of interest; thereafter a full JD and brief will be made available to selected individuals to participate in the selection process.
• At this stage, you should not talk to - or seek advice from - anyone at CCRS or Board Members; The List has been exclusively retained to conduct the search assignment by the Board – it follows that all communication must be through The List, please.