Chief Executive Officer - Circadian Trust

Moon Executive Search; Thornbury; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Circadian Trust, an award-winning charity and social enterprise delivering community health services in South Gloucestershire, seeks an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation after the planned retirement of their long-serving CEO in April 2027.

The CEO will be a visionary, energetic and values-driven leader who can sustain a people-centred culture while driving commercial growth, strategic innovation and long-term sustainability.

Qualifications

• Strong governance and charity sector leadership experience.
• Track record in stakeholder engagement with local and national partners.
• Expertise in corporate finance and fundraising.
• Ability to inspire and manage a large, diverse workforce.

Responsibilities

• Lead Circadian Trust’s strategic plan and wellbeing services.
• Develop funding strategies to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Strengthen collaboration with South Gloucestershire Council and NHS partners.
• Uphold values-driven, inclusive culture across ~600 colleagues.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Financial governance

Strategic leadership

People leadership

Job description

Chief Executive Officer – Circadian Trust

Job Ref: MC2737 Closing Date: Midnight, Sunday 13th September 2026

Our client, Circadian Trust, is an award‑winning charity and social enterprise recognised as a high‑performing leader in the public leisure sector. Operating five Active Lifestyle Centres across South Gloucestershire, the Trust delivers outstanding physical activity, wellbeing and community health services, inspiring active lifestyles for all.

They are now seeking to appoint an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation into its next strategic chapter following the planned retirement of their long‑serving CEO in April 2027.

This role requires a visionary, energetic and values‑driven leader who can act as an ambassador for the Trust, sustaining its unique people‑centred culture while driving commercial growth, strategic innovation and long‑term sustainability. You will work closely with South Gloucestershire Council, national bodies such as Sport England, NHS partners and Community Leisure UK, ensuring the Trust continues to deliver high‑quality services and meaningful social impact.

For this role we are keen to hear from candidates with:

• Strong political awareness and confidence navigating complex stakeholder environments
• Expertise in corporate finance, business management and charity governance
• A track record of delivering organisational change, strategic growth and positive culture Experience securing and managing multiple funding streams
• The ability to inspire, empower and motivate a diverse workforce of c.600 colleagues

This is an outstanding opportunity to lead a respected, financially resilient and community‑rooted charity at a pivotal moment in its evolution. The new CEO will shape the future of public leisure and wellbeing services across South Gloucestershire, championing innovation, inclusion and healthier communities.