Chief Executive

Guardian Jobs; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health charity is seeking a chief executive to drive its mission forward. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in senior leadership and be able to strategically shape the organization's future amidst the rising challenges of kidney disease. You will work closely with both internal teams and external partners, linking patient voice with impactful research outcomes. If you share a passion for improving kidney health and possess strong leadership qualities, we encourage you to apply.

Qualifications

• Track record of senior leadership in relevant sectors.
• Ability to shape organizational future and meet challenges.
• Inspirational, strategic, and purpose-driven leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Lead the charity's growth and impact during a pivotal moment.
• Steward a talented leadership team and work with a committed Board.
• Represent the charity externally and influence relevant policies.

Skills

Senior leadership

Strategic delivery

Organisational development

Partnership-building

Job description

Kidney disease is rising rapidly across the UK, affecting an estimated 7.2 million people. At Kidney Research UK, we are driving bold, innovative research with one clear vision : a future where everyone lives free from kidney disease.

Following more than a decade of exceptional leadership from Sandra Currie OBE, we are now seeking an outstanding new chief executive to lead us into the next phase of our growth and impact. This is a pivotal moment for the charity. Building on strong foundations, an ambitious strategy, and a passionate community of researchers, clinicians, patients, staff and volunteers, you will shape the organisation’s future and ensure we can meet the scale of the challenge ahead.

We are looking for an inspirational, strategic and purpose-driven leader who can bring clarity, ambition and energy. You will steward a talented leadership team, work closely with a committed Board, and represent the charity externally, amplifying patient voice, influencing policy, forging powerful partnerships, and ensuring the research we fund leads to real-world change.

You will bring a track record of senior leadership, strategic delivery, organisational development and partnership-building. Experience in health, research or patient-focused settings is welcome but not essential. Above all, you will share our passion, urgency and determination to transform kidney health for the better.

At Kidney Research UK, our values guide everything we do : Ambition, Bravery, Passion and Urgency. If you are driven by impact and motivated to lead an organisation with purpose and momentum, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For more information and to apply

Please visit https : // starfishsearch.com / jobs / kuk-ceo /

Closing date : Friday 16th January 2026

Preliminary interviews : w / c 26th January 2026

Interviews with Kidney Research UK : w / c 9th February and w / c 16th February 2026