CEO opportunity at Business West

Business West; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading business support organization is seeking a CEO to inspire and drive its strategic vision. The successful candidate will lead a high-performing organization and advocate for regional economic development. This position requires strong entrepreneurial instincts and the ability to navigate transitions, ensuring continuity while fostering innovation. The role is based in Bristol with a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead a high-performing organization.
• Experience in representing business interests at various levels.
• Commitment to regional economic development.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and deliver a strategic vision for Business West.
• Serve as a civic leader and advocate for the business community.
• Lead the organization through transitions while ensuring continuity.

Skills

Inspirational leadership

Entrepreneurial instincts

Strategic acumen

Civic engagement

Job description

Overview

CEO opportunity at Business West: A rare and fascinating leadership role for an inspirational, entrepreneurial leader

Location: Leigh Court, Bristol / Hybrid Working
Salary: Competitive six figure salary + Benefits

About the opportunity

Business West is the leading independent business support and representation organisation in the South West. It aims to make our region the best part of the UK to start, run and grow a business while being a great place to work, live and learn.

With devolution on the agenda, what Business says and does matters—both for the region and, at times, for the UK. Phil Smith, our Managing Director for over 30 years, will be retiring, and we are now starting the search for a new CEO to lead Business West into its next phase. This is a wonderful opportunity for a talented, committed individual to take the enviable platform that Phil has helped create and stamp their own vision on where it goes next.

About Business West

A certified B-Corp with 170 dedicated staff and an annual turnover of £12 million, we deliver multi-million-pound contracts and award-winning services that focus on internationalisation, innovation, and skills and helping businesses thrive locally, nationally, and globally.

As an Accredited Chamber of Commerce, we are deeply rooted in our regional business communities, representing businesses of all sizes and sectors while lobbying government on key business issues—nationally via the British Chambers of Commerce and regionally via our local chambers in Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire.

Through Futures West, we have a key role in convening our anchor businesses, to work with our world class universities and local authorities to describe and enable a future regional economy that is exciting, sustainable and for everyone.

About the role

This is a fascinating and rare opportunity to lead a unique organisation poised to make the move to the next level. Supported by an experienced and cohesive Board and Executive Team, the new CEO will be an inspirational and entrepreneurial leader. Beyond the usual CEO accountabilities, this role demands a deep commitment to place-centred, sustainable economic prosperity and the ability to champion private sector business growth while fostering business engagement in the public realm.

Key responsibilities

• Inspire a Strategic Vision: Lead the organization into its next stage of development, inspiring and delivering a clear, compelling vision for the future of Business West.
• Drive Strategic Prioritisation: balance the interests of members, customers, and colleagues with commercial success, while staying true to our social purpose.
• Civic Leadership: Serve as a regional and national advocate for the business community and its role in society. Working with other organisations to position the region to take advantage of immediate opportunities and to face the long-term challenges.
• Manage Organisational Transition: Lead the internal and external transitions following the retirement of a long-standing leader, ensuring continuity while embracing innovation and change.

About the person

We are seeking a dynamic leader with a unique mix of skills: part organisational CEO, part private sector entrepreneur, and part civic leader. The ideal candidate will bring the following qualities:

• A proven ability to inspire and lead a high-performing organisation.
• Strong entrepreneurial instincts, combined with strategic and operational acumen.
• The ability to represent the interests of the business community at local, regional, and national levels.
• A deep commitment to regional economic development, and a passion for making a positive, long-term impact on society.
• This is a unique opportunity for an exceptional leader to leave their mark on an organisation that plays a vital role in shaping the future of the South West and the UK.

How to apply

Please download the full application pack (includes the job description, information about Business West and an equal opportunities form).

To apply for this role please:

• Upload your CV via the relevant vacancy page on our website
• Upload a covering letter describing your skills and experience, including answers to the following questions:

• Question 1 – Explain why you are interested in the CEO role at Business West and how your values and vision align with our mission?
• Question 2 – Please describe your leadership philosophy. What is your leadership style, decision-making approach, and how do you lead teams through growth, change, or challenge?
• Question 3 – What do you see as the key opportunities and challenges of the role of CEO at Business West?

• Upload a completed equal opportunities form.

Close date for completed applications: Friday 3rd October 2025 at 12 noon

Interview process:

• w/c 13th October 2025 – 1st interviews on Teams
• 29th October 2025 – 2nd interviews in person at Leigh Court, Bristol
• 5th November 2025 – Final interviews in person at Leigh Court, Bristol

We are a disability confident committed employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the application or recruitment process, please email [e-mail]. If you need any help or assistance completing the application process, please let us know and we will be happy to help you.

Business West is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit.

If you have any questions or would like an informal conversation, please email our Director of People, Andrea Crombleholme – [e-mail] or call on 07713 680784.