Chief Executive

PILGRIMS HOSPICES IN EAST KENT; Canterbury, Ashford, Thanet District; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent invites applications for the Chief Executive to lead our charity across East Kent (Canterbury, Ashford, Thanet). This is a permanent post offering a salary circa £130,000 plus excellent benefits and scope to influence care quality and financial sustainability.

The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with operational excellence, lead a diverse workforce, work with the Board, supporters and partners, and strengthen the charity’s reputation and income

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or postgraduate qualification in management (MBA) or equivalent experience.
• Extensive senior leadership experience in a large, complex organisation.
• Experience of formulating and implementing organisational strategy.
• Experience promoting an organisation externally and raising its profile.
• Experience of income generation/marketing to support organisational aims.
• Natural leadership qualities that inspire others.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Income generation

External profile building

Natural leadership

Education

Degree level or MBA

Job description

Chief Executive

Location: Flexible across East Kent (Canterbury, Ashford, Thanet)

Status: Permanent

Salary: circa £130,000 + excellent benefits

Closing date: 21/10/2026

About Us

Pilgrims Hospices is one of the UK’s largest and most respected hospice charities, providing outstanding end-of-life care and support across east Kent. Our team of more than 400 staff and 1,600 volunteers supports thousands of patients and families each year, delivering expert care, comfort and dignity at some of life’s most challenging moments.

Through our inpatient units in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet, we cared for almost 1,000 patients last year, while our Therapy Centres, Counselling and Spiritual Care services support more than 600 people every month. Whether in our hospices, people’s homes or community settings, we are committed to helping people live well for as long as possible.

With a turnover of £20m, around 80% of our income comes from voluntary giving, including fundraising, our hospice lottery, 33 charity shops and gifts in wills. This presents a significant opportunity for our next Chief Executive to lead a much loved organisation with a strong reputation, deep community roots and a vital mission.

We are seeking an inspiring and visible leader who can build on strong foundations while shaping our future. Combining strategic vision with operational excellence, you will lead a talented workforce, work closely with our Board, supporters and partners, and ensure Pilgrims Hospices continues to deliver outstanding care while remaining financially sustainable in a changing healthcare landscape.

Above all, this is an opportunity to lead a remarkable charity that makes a profound difference to the lives of patients and families every day.

About You

• Educated to degree level or post graduate qualification in management (e.g. MBA) or equivalent experience.
• A successful and extensive track record at senior leadership management level in a diverse and complex organisation of scale.
• Experience of formulating and implementing organisational strategy and design.
• Experience of operating in a high-profile role with a track record of promoting an organisation externally and positively raising its profile.
• Experience of commercial development/income generation/marketing to support organisational aims.
• Natural leadership qualities that inspire and galvanise others.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Wednesday 21 st October