Chief Executive Officer

Membership Bespoke; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

A national industry association seeks a Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic leadership and represent members in key discussions. This influential role involves engaging with policymakers and diverse stakeholders while driving the agenda on public health and sustainability. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in regulatory affairs and advocacy, aiming to shape the future of an essential sector.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in regulatory, legislative, or policy affairs at a national level.
• Strong advocacy and communication skills to influence at high levels.
• Strategic vision and practical delivery experience in small-team environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision and strategic leadership for the organization.
• Act as the public face of the industry, representing members.
• Build consensus across a diverse membership.

Skills

Advocacy skills

Communication skills

Strategic vision

Leadership in a small team

Regulatory affairs

Job description

Chief Executive Officer – National Industry Association

Salary : £120,000 – £135,000

Location: Primarily remote, with regular travel to government, European, and member sites

About the Association

This national industry association is the recognised voice of a sector that touches every household and workplace in the country. As the recognised voice of a sector central to daily living, the association engages with policymakers and global networks to champion its members’ interests. The industry makes a substantial economic contribution and is at the forefront of health and sustainability debates.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a dynamic, credible, and authoritative leader to become our next Chief Executive Officer. This is a pivotal moment for the association, as regulatory change and growing public interest in hygiene and sustainability reshape the sector.

The CEO will :

• Provide vision and strategic leadership for the organisation.
• Act as the public face of the industry, representing members to government, regulators, media, and international partners.
• Build consensus across a diverse membership, from multinationals to SMEs.
• Lead a small, agile Secretariat team with hands-on delivery.
• Champion the association’s role within European and global networks.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a leader who brings :

• Proven experience in regulatory, legislative, or policy affairs at national level.
• Strong advocacy and communication skills, with the ability to influence at the highest levels.
• Strategic vision combined with practical delivery in a small-team environment.
• Integrity, resilience, and the ability to operate independently while collaborating effectively with Council and members.
• Ideally, a background in science-based or consumer products industries, with knowledge of trade associations.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected industry body at the forefront of public health, sustainability, and regulatory debate. You will shape the future of a sector essential to everyday life, working with leading companies and policymakers nationally and internationally.

How to Apply. Send your CV

Applications close 26 February 2026.

Membership Bespoke positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.