At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage Worcester Students' Union, ensuring excellent services for students.
- Company: Worcester Students' Union, a charity dedicated to enriching student lives.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape strategy, work with passionate teams, and make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be a strategic leader in a vibrant student-led environment, driving change and inclusivity.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience, strategic thinking, and a passion for student engagement.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to equality, diversity, and student voice.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
Worcester Students' Union (WSU) exists to represent, support, and enrich the lives of students at the University of Worcester. As a charity, everything they do is guided by a commitment to members, ensuring they have a voice, access to outstanding services, and a community they are proud to be part of. This is a genuinely exciting moment for the organisation. WSU has a fantastic opportunity to reshape its strategy and culture, supported by a dedicated and talented staff and officer team, and is determined to deepen its reach across a diverse student body, strengthen partnerships, and build on the energy and momentum that defines life at Worcester.
As CEO, you’ll provide overall leadership and management of WSU, taking responsibility for delivering its charitable objectives and ensuring excellent services for students. You will develop a sustainable, strategically focused organisation that is ready to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead. Working in close partnership with elected student leaders and the Board of Trustees, you will bring professional expertise to support governance, operational delivery, and long‑term planning. You will lead a committed staff team, model the values of the organisation, and ensure that WSU continues to grow in reach, relevance, and impact across the student community.
WSU are looking for a strategic and inspirational leader with significant senior leadership experience in a complex organisation, and a demonstrable track record of developing and delivering successful organisational strategy. You’ll be financially and commercially astute, able to interpret data to inform sound decisions, and experienced in working constructively with Boards and senior external stakeholders. Experience within the higher education, students' union, charity, or membership sectors is desirable, though not essential. You’ll be an empowering and energetic leader, someone who builds inclusive, high‑performing teams, encourages creativity, and is willing to engage with operational delivery as well as strategic direction. You’ll bring the ability to balance challenge and support, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability across the organisation. Above all, WSU are looking for someone with a genuine commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a real passion for working in a democratic, student‑led environment. You’ll believe in the importance of student voice, be able to communicate a compelling shared vision to a wide range of stakeholders, and demonstrate a lasting commitment to WSU’s charitable objectives and long‑term development.
Please visit the Atkinson HR website, https://www.atkinsonhrconsulting.co.uk/job-opportunities, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and find details of how to apply. For an informal conversation about the role and application process, please contact Nida at nida@atkinsonhrconsulting.co.uk.
Key dates:
- Closing date: midday, Tuesday 5th May 2026
- Longlist interviews (remote): Tuesday 26th May 2026
- Final stage interviews (In-person, Worcester): Monday 1st June 2026
CEO in Worcester employer: Worcester Students' Union
Contact Detail:
Worcester Students' Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CEO in Worcester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the higher education and charity sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching WSU thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. We want to see you demonstrate your passion for student representation and how you can contribute to their goals during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss how you’ve built inclusive teams and fostered collaboration in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and empower others, so share those success stories!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out for an informal chat – we’re here to help you through the process.
We think you need these skills to ace CEO in Worcester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. WSU is all about representing and supporting students, so make sure your application reflects that passion for student life and community.
Be Authentic: We want to see the real you! Don’t just list your qualifications; share your experiences and what drives you. Show us your commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and how you embody these values in your leadership style.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with WSU’s goals. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to lead a diverse team effectively.
Follow the Instructions: It might sound simple, but following the application guidelines is crucial. Head over to our website to download the Candidate Information Pack and ensure you include all required documents. We’re excited to see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Worcester Students' Union
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research Worcester Students' Union and its mission. Understand their values and how they support students. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a CEO, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your approach to leading teams and fostering collaboration. Share specific examples of how you've empowered others and built high-performing teams in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
WSU is looking for someone who is financially astute. Brush up on key financial concepts and be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform strategic decisions in the past. This will show that you can manage resources effectively.
✨Emphasise Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Given WSU's focus on equality and diversity, be sure to highlight your commitment to these values. Share experiences where you've promoted inclusivity in your previous roles, and discuss how you plan to continue this work as CEO.