Chief Executive Officer

Are you a strategic leader with vision and a passion for helping people find their purpose?Do you enjoy managing multiple, complex projects and building strategic relationships?Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership is seeking a dynamic CEO to lead the charity through its next phase of growth, ensuring more adults and young people across our county to develop confidence and skills that lead to life changing opportunities. You will be accountable for the charity’s impact, financial health, partnerships, fundraising, operations, and governanceAbout SLLPSurrey Lifelong Learning Partnership (SLLP) is a registered charity (Charity No. 1143680) that helps hundreds of people re-engage with learning each year. The Charity's mission is to work with partners to ensure that those in Surrey and other parts of Southern England who have missed out on learning in the past have opportunities to learn and to reach their full potential.The charity employs a small number of staff and volunteers to run learning projects, social enterprises (such as the Bike Project) and work with a range of Surrey partners.Thanks to the vision of its leaders and the dedication of its staff and volunteers, SLLP has become one of Surrey’s leading community development charities.Our Impact and OperationsHelping hundreds of people every year in Surrey and the Southeast.Generating an annual income of over £0.5m.Operating two bike repair shops, which provide alternative learning programmes and apprenticeships for young people (16-25) and a vital income stream.Managing a dedicated team of staff and volunteers at our local community hubs which is key to our success in providing a range of new opportunities for adults and young people to re-engage in learning and gain confidence, skills and employment.Piloting new approaches to engage children who are falling out of education and need support to continue their lifelong learning journey.Developing projects in partnership for maximum impact. Role SummaryThe Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight and external representation for Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership, ensuring successful delivery of potentially life-changing learning programmes underpinned by evidence and robust evaluation, sustainable income generation (donations, grants, contracts and social enterprise), relevant partnerships across Surrey and robust governance with the trustees. The CEO will manage some of the small team across Surrey, support and scale the charity’s social enterprise activity, safeguard beneficiaries and ensure financial sustainability consistent with SLLP’s mission. (Full-time / flexible hours negotiable.) Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic leadership: develop and deliver a 3-year strategy that increases reach, outcomes and financial resilience.Be proactive in seeking new opportunities as well as delivering existing programmesOperational leadership: guide and lead teams to deliver impactful and engaging workOperational management: line-manage the small staff team, oversee programme delivery, quality assurance and monitoring/evaluationIncome generation: secure and renew grant funding and contracts, grow trading income from social enterprise activity (Bike Project), and diversify funding streams. External relations: represent SLLP to local partners (Surrey councils, schools, referral agencies, voluntary and community sector organisations, local employers), funders and community stakeholders.Governance & compliance: work with trustees to ensure regulatory and financial compliance, prepare board papers and support good governance. People & culture: recruit, develop and line-manage staff; maintain a safe, inclusive environment for learners and volunteers.Financial stewardship: lead budgeting, forecasting and risk management to protect modest reserves, meet contractual obligations and secure funding continuity.Current Strategic Priorities 1.     Review and possible restructure of the executive and operational positions.2.     Collate evidence of community and learning needs to inform the development of new projects.3.     Build or renew strategic partnerships with Surrey education and skills bodies.4.     Strengthen board reporting to support trustee evaluation of social impact.5.     Review staffing and volunteer deployment to optimise delivery and value for money.6.     Scale and/or improve Bike Project operations and revenues.What we’re looking forWe’re seeking an individual who must have:Senior leadership experience in charity, education, social enterprise or public sector (senior manager/CEO/Director).Proven experience of fundraising and contract income generation and stewardship of modest budgets (£0.5m scale). People management experience (managing small multi-disciplinary teams).Strong external stakeholder track record (local authorities, funders, schools).Excellent communication and governance literacy (reporting to trustees).And preferably has:Experience of adult learning, employability programmes or community education.Experience running a social enterprise or trading subsidiary.Knowledge of emerging Surrey local political ecosystems.Essential skills:Understanding of charity governance, compliance, safeguarding, and the duties of trustees.Ability to set vision, priorities, and direction that align with SLLP’s charitable objectives and long-term sustainability.Strong relationship-building skills with funders, partners, local authorities, and community networks.Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a small multi-disciplinary team, maintaining trust and performance.Proven skill in fundraising, bid-writing, contract management, or growing earned/social enterprise income.Confidence in budgeting, financial control, risk management, and interpreting management accounts for trustee reporting.Commitment to inclusive leadership and the removal of barriers to participation for learners and staff.Sound judgment under pressure and an evidence-based approach to prioritising limited resources.What you will getJob Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)Responsible to: The Chair and to the Board of TrusteesReporting lines: Line Manage all senior team membersHours of Work: 37 hours per week, flexible working pattern considered for school runs, etc.Location: Based at the Knaphill, Woking Hub, Hybrid working can be considered.Remuneration and conditions of service:The salary scale is between £65,000 to £70,000 full time pro rata. (Dependent on experience)Holiday entitlement: 35 days inclusive of Statutory Holidays.Pension contributions available.Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK / provide a Right to Work.Must abide with the ethics and policies of SLLP – available on application.Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership welcomes applications from all backgrounds and is committed to ensuring that every candidate has equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills and potential.We will make reasonable adjustments at every stage of the recruitment process to remove barriers for applicants with disabilities, long-term conditions, or other needs.If you require adjustments to the application or interview process (for example, additional time, alternative formats, remote interviews, or accessible documents), please contact Simon Meekings in confidence before the closing date.Any information disclosed will be used solely for the purpose of facilitating your participation and will not affect the assessment of your application.How to applyPlease forward your CV together with a covering letter, (no more than 2 pages of A4) highlighting your suitability for the job role to Simon Meekings.We will interview people during the December to January period who can show in their covering letter that they meet what we’re looking for in the job specification, but we will review CVs on application and may be in touch. We will use an anonymised screening process, and a fair scoring interview and assessment process to establish if candidates have both the necessary essential qualities and competencies. References from suitable sources, including current employer, is encouraged prior to contract being issued.