Chief Executive Officer

NORTH DOWN DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION LIMITED; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

North Down Development Organisation Limited in Northern Ireland seeks a visionary Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic, financial and operational leadership in partnership with the Board. You will drive the charity's mission, ensure strong governance, secure funding and build sustainable income while delivering community impact.

You will lead a talented staff team, champion digital tools and partnerships with local authorities, funders and business networks, and oversee asset management

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in a purpose‑driven organisation with staff management
• Solid understanding of charity governance and working with a Board
• Demonstrated financial management including budgeting and reporting
• Proven ability to develop income streams, partnerships or contracts
• Experience leading teams through organisational change
• Understanding of property/asset development or commercial property growth
• Background in enterprise support, economic development or SME environments
• Experience working with local government and NI enterprise landscape

Responsibilities

• Shape and refresh the organisation's strategic plan with the Board
• Translate priorities into operational plans with measurable outcomes
• Maintain insight into local/regional enterprise opportunities and risks
• Uphold governance, transparency and accountability with the Board
• Provide timely, accurate information to support decision‑making
• Support Board committees and development
• Ensure assets are used responsibly and efficiently
• Identify opportunities to strengthen profitability and value for money
• Oversee policies, systems and compliance
• Champion the use of digital, ICT and AI tools to enhance operations and income generation
• Act as ambassador and spokesperson for the organisation
• Build relationships with local authorities, funders, partners and community stakeholders
• Represent the organisation confidently at local and regional forums
• Lead property portfolio development, expansion, refurbishment and new workspace opportunities
• Ensure facilities operate safely and in line with regulatory requirements
• Maximise social and commercial value of assets to support sustainability
• Maintain strong relationships with tenants, contractors and advisers

Skills

Strategic thinking

Commercial acumen

Communication skills

Risk management

Change leadership

Staff leadership

Tools

Financial reporting software

Governance frameworks

Job description

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides strategic, financial and operational leadership for North Down Development Organisation Ltd. Working closely with the Board, the CEO ensures the organisation fulfils its charitable purpose, maintains strong governance, and remains financially resilient. The role demands a values‑driven leader who can inspire people, manage risk responsibly, and grow income and partnerships in support of community impact.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

• Shape, deliver and regularly review the organisation’s strategic plan with the Board.
• Convert strategic priorities into clear operational plans with measurable outcomes.
• Maintain insight into the local and regional enterprise landscape, responding proactively to opportunities and risks.

2. Governance & Board Support

• Work collaboratively with the Chair and Board to uphold strong governance, transparency and accountability.
• Provide timely, accurate and relevant information to support effective decision‑making.
• Support Board committees and contribute to ongoing Board development.
• Ensure organisational assets are used responsibly and in line with Board policy.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to strengthen profitability, value for money and operational efficiency.
• Maintain robust financial systems and accountability, working effectively with auditors, banking partners and professional advisers.

4. Operational Leadership

• Lead, motivate and develop the staff team, fostering an inclusive, positive and high‑performance culture.
• Ensure services meet contractual, funder and partner expectations.
• Oversee organisational policies, systems and procedures to ensure compliance and efficiency.
• Champion the use of digital, ICT and AI tools to enhance operations, communication and income generation.

5. Partner Engagement & Representation

• Act as the organisation’s principal ambassador and spokesperson.
• Build strong relationships with local authorities, funders, partners, business networks and community stakeholders.
• Represent the organisation confidently at local and regional forums.

6. Property Development & Asset Management

• Lead the development and optimisation of the organisation’s property portfolio, including expansion, refurbishment and new workspace opportunities.
• Ensure facilities operate safely, efficiently and in line with regulatory requirements.
• Maximise both social and commercial value of property assets to support long‑term sustainability.
• Maintain strong relationships with tenants, contractors and professional advisers.

Note:

Current incumbent has responsibility for several responsibilities that may or may not be part of the new CEO role. For example, Company Secretary and preparation for the external Management Accountant. The new CEO should initially assume responsibility with a view to assessing continuation or delegation of duties.

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Knowledge

• Senior leadership experience within a purpose‑driven organisation, including staff management.
• Solid understanding of charity governance and experience working effectively with a Board.
• Demonstrated financial management capability, including budgeting, reporting and oversight.
• Proven ability to develop income streams, partnerships, contracts or tradable services.
• Experience leading teams through organisational change.
• Understanding of property management, asset development or commercial property growth.
• Background in enterprise support, economic development or SME environments.
• Experience working in partnership with local government.
• Knowledge of the Northern Ireland enterprise or community development landscape.

Skills & Abilities

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into practical delivery.
• Commercially astute, with confidence in developing sustainable income.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to build trust and credibility.
• Strong judgement, integrity and responsible risk management.
• Ability to balance competing priorities in a dynamic environment.

Personal Attributes

• Value‑led, with a commitment to community impact and public benefit.
• Calm, measured and approachable leadership style.
• Resilient, adaptable and solutions‑focused.
• Collaborative leader who inspires confidence across staff, Board and the wider business community.

For any queries, please contact [e-mail]