Chief Executive

HARRIS HILL EXECUTIVE SEARCH; Hurn; Hybrid; GBP 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional charity and social enterprise is looking for a Chief Executive to lead efforts in service delivery and strategic growth. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in health and social care, demonstrating a track record of successful contract management and partnership building. This role offers hybrid working conditions and the opportunity to make a significant positive impact in local communities. Applications are encouraged from all backgrounds.

Benefits

Hybrid working

Opportunity to lead growth

Qualifications

• Experienced CEO or senior director in health & social care or community organizations.
• Proven track record in winning commissioned contracts.
• Skilled at building strategic partnerships at senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead a values-driven regional charity and social enterprise.
• Strengthen partnerships with NHS and local authorities.
• Inspire and develop a high-performing leadership team.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Partnership building

Budgeting

Contract management

Job description

Overview

Chief Executive — Help & Care
Location: Home-based within easy reach of Dorset (regular travel across the region)
Salary: circa £85,000 per annum
Contract: permanent, full-time (37 hours per week)

Are you ready to lead a values-driven regional charity and social enterprise that helps people to live the lives they choose?

Help & Care has been supporting communities across Dorset and the south coast since 1985. We deliver person-centred services that promote dignity, independence and connection - from dementia coordination and health coaching to our award-winning Roots gardening programme and social prescribing partnerships. Working with over 25 partners across health, housing and the voluntary sector, we co-produce services that make a real difference to older people, those with long-term conditions, carers and people at risk of isolation.

As our next Chief Executive, you will:

• Strategic leadership: Set and deliver a clear, values-led strategy that secures long-term impact and sustainable growth.
• Values leadership: Put Help & Care’s values - social justice, innovation, personal and collaborative - at the heart of decision-making and model them.
• Growth & income diversification: Lead business development, win new contracts, and develop social-enterprise opportunities to reduce reliance on public commissioning.
• Partnerships & advocacy: Strengthen senior-level relationships with NHS, local authorities and commissioners; represent Help & Care across systems, media and networks.
• Service quality & impact: Embed rigorous monitoring and evaluation so our outcomes drive commissioning, improve margins and strengthen our reputation.
• People leadership: Inspire, retain and develop a high-performing, compassionate leadership team and workforce.
• Governance & financial stewardship: Provide the Board with timely, high-quality reporting, oversee financial recovery plans, and ensure robust risk and compliance frameworks.

Who you are:

• An experienced CEO or senior director from complex, multi-service health & social care or community organisations.
• Proven track record in winning commissioned contracts, tendering and contract management.
• Skilled at building strategic partnerships and influencing at senior system level.
• Comfortable leading transformation and financial sustainability work, with demonstrable budgeting and forecasting skills.
• A values-led, collaborative leader with high emotional intelligence, resilience and a commitment to social justice and co-production.

Why Help & Care?

• Lead a highly respected regional provider with an outstanding track record of co-production and innovation.
• Shape an organisation poised for growth and greater regional influence.
• Hybrid, home-based working, regular travel across Dorset, and the chance to safeguard vital services for local communities.

If you would like to receive an Information Pack for this role with details on how to apply, please send an expression of interest and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile in confidence to our consultant, Jenny Hills at [e-mail]. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny at the above address with suitable times to speak.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 20th October 2025

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.