Chief Executive

PERIDOT PARTNERS; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Green Estate CIC in Sheffield is seeking a Chief Executive to lead a growing social enterprise at the intersection of nature-based solutions and community development. You will work with the Board to refine strategy, build partnerships, and ensure financial sustainability.

The role focuses on expanding contracts, funding, and national influence while maintaining a strong governance framework and an inclusive, high-performing culture.

Qualifications

• Senior leader with extensive experience in complex organisations and governance.
• Proven track record in business development, income generation and financial sustainability.
• Strong ability to build diverse partnerships and lead cross‑disciplinary teams.
• Ambitious and values‑led, with commitment to social and environmental impact.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to align commercial growth with social impact.
• Build a connected, high‑performing team and govern effectively.
• Expand income through contracts, funding, and partnerships.

Job description

Lead a pioneering social enterprise where commercial success drives nature recovery, climate resilience and lasting community impact.

Location: Sheffield

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 12th October 2026

About the Green Estate CIC

The Green Estate CIC is a remarkable organisation doing business differently. Based in Sheffield, it combines a successful commercial enterprise with a deep commitment to community, environmental and place-based regeneration. Its award-winning nature-based solutions – including Pictorial Meadows wildflower turf, landscaping, green infrastructure and sustainable drainage – generate income that helps create greener, healthier and more resilient places.

We are now looking for an exceptional Chief Executive to lead The Green Estate CIC into its next phase of growth, impact and influence.

The opportunity

With a turnover of around £3.5 million, strong foundations and real momentum, The Green Estate CIC has an exciting opportunity to grow its reach and impact. Its nature-based solutions are already being delivered through high-profile projects including the Tower of London and Rotherham's River of Flowers, while its commercial success supports community activity, learning, volunteering and green skills in Manor & Castle, its home in Sheffield.

You will build on the organisation's existing strategy and momentum, bringing together its commercial businesses, environmental work, community programmes and the cultural and natural heritage of Sheffield Manor Lodge. You will help realise its potential as an even stronger national demonstrator of how nature-based solutions can address climate change, biodiversity loss and the creation of resilient places.

The role

As Chief Executive, you will provide strategic leadership to a passionate and highly skilled organisation, working closely with the Board and Leadership Team to deliver its ambitions sustainably.

You will build a strong, connected organisation, bringing together different disciplines and perspectives around a shared purpose. You will provide clarity and leadership, build trust and create the conditions for talented people to thrive.

Commercially, you will grow a diverse and resilient income base, developing partnerships and opening doors to new contracts, funding, investment and opportunities. You will understand the fundamental connection between commercial success and The Green Estate's social and environmental purpose.

You will also be an influential ambassador, building relationships across Sheffield, South Yorkshire and nationally with government, businesses, funders, environmental organisations, universities and other partners, to strengthen The Green Estate's profile, impact and influence.

About you

We are looking for a senior leader who combines commercial acumen, strategic capability and a deep commitment to purpose.

You will have significant leadership experience in a complex organisation, with a strong track record in business development, income generation, organisational performance and financial sustainability. You will be comfortable leading growth while maintaining strong governance, risk management and organisational effectiveness.

You will be a highly collaborative and emotionally intelligent leader who knows how to bring people with you, build a strong senior team and create an inclusive, high-performing culture. You will be an outstanding communicator and relationship builder, able to connect with diverse audiences and turn complex ideas into compelling messages.

Experience in social enterprise, environmental, landscape, horticulture, regeneration, heritage, visitor experience or another relevant place-based sector would be valuable, but we recognise that no candidate will bring every element of the brief. What matters most is your commercial capability, leadership experience, commitment to social and environmental impact, and ability to learn and lead across different disciplines.

If you are an ambitious, values-led leader who wants to combine commercial success with meaningful impact, this is an opportunity to make a real difference in Sheffield and beyond.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 12th October 2026.