Chief Executive

Young Epilepsy; Lingfield; On-site; GBP 140,000 - 161,000; Full time

Job summary

Young Epilepsy is seeking a visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead its mission in transforming the lives of children with epilepsy across the UK. The successful candidate will have a solid foundation in strategic leadership, financial acumen, and experience within complex organizations, coupled with a passion for advocacy and change.

Qualifications

• Proven CEO or senior executive with strategic transformation experience.
• Experience in complex organizations, ideally related to health or education.
• Strong governance skills and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic direction and operational performance.
• Ensure financial robustness and development of income streams.
• Inspire and develop a high-performing executive team.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Financial Acumen

Stakeholder Engagement

Communication

Empathy

Job description

Young Epilepsy

Chief Executive

Location: Lingfield, Surrey (with national reach)

Salary: c.£140,000

Closing Date: 9am, 23rd June 2025

Young Epilepsy is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to creating a society where children and young people with epilepsy are heard, respected, and enabled to thrive. With a proud history of more than 127 years and a national reach, we are now seeking a visionary and dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead us into our next chapter.

This is a rare opportunity to take the helm of a well-established and ambitious organisation that combines specialist education, cutting-edge research, and national advocacy to transform the lives of over 100,000 children and young people living with epilepsy across the UK.

As CEO, you will:

• Lead the strategic direction and operational performance of Young Epilepsy.
• Ensure the organisation is financially robust with effective financial processes and the development of new income streams.
• Inspire and develop a high-performing executive team and lead a workforce of over 550 staff.
• Champion a culture of safeguarding, inclusion, and excellence.
• Strengthen partnerships, grow income streams, and enhance our national profile.
• Be the public face of the charity, engaging with stakeholders, donors, and the media.

You will work closely with a committed Board of Trustees and the Education Governing Body to ensure our services remain innovative, impactful, and that children and young people with epilepsy are at the centre of all we do.

We are looking for a leader who is:

• A proven CEO or senior executive with a track record of delivering strategic and cultural transformation.
• Experienced in complex organisations, ideally with exposure to young people, learning disabilities, education, health, or research.
• Financially astute, with strong governance and stakeholder engagement skills.
• An inspiring communicator and ambassador with a deep sense of integrity and empathy.

As CEO, you’ll steer a mission-driven organisation with a solid foundation, a clear vision, and the momentum to scale its impact. You’ll lead a high-performing, values-led team, and shape a future where every young person with epilepsy has the support and opportunities they deserve.

For a confidential conversation, contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson:

Oliver Startup – [e-mail]

Liz Dean – [e-mail]

Young Epilepsy strives to employ people that reflect the community it serves; therefore, applications from minority groups and people with disabilities are particularly welcomed.