Chief Executive Officer

The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport; Corby; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional body is seeking a confident, commercially minded leader for the senior executive role. You will guide the organization through renewal and growth, ensuring strategic priorities and compliance with governance obligations. The ideal candidate should have a proven record in senior leadership within professional bodies or similar sectors, alongside significant P&L experience. This position offers a salary of £120,000–£140,000 with hybrid working in Corby, along with various benefits.

Benefits

10% employer pension contribution

Other benefits

Qualifications

• Proven record of leading professional bodies or mid-sized charities.
• Significant P&L and budgetary experience.
• Strong external representation and media capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of a clear business plan and strategic priorities.
• Drive commercial performance across various sectors.
• Ensure compliance with Royal Charter and governance obligations.

Skills

Senior leadership

Commercial delivery

Stakeholder management

Financial planning

Emotional intelligence

Job description

Overview

We seek a confident, commercially minded leader to guide CILT (UK) through a period of renewal and growth. This is a high‑visibility role at a Royal Chartered professional body serving logistics, transport and supply‑chain professionals across the UK and internationally. The successful candidate will strengthen the Institute’s influence, modernise its member and learning offers, stabilise finances and build a culture of collaboration and accountability.

About the Role

As CILT (UK)’s most senior executive you will:

• Lead the delivery of a clear business plan and strategic priorities in partnership with the Board.
• Ensure the Institute fulfils its Royal Charter, charitable objects and governance obligations.
• Act as the public face of CILT (UK): develop and maintain a strong network of external relationships and act as a trusted advisor to government, public bodies, industry and academia.
• Drive commercial performance across events, qualifications, learning and partnerships while protecting member value.
• Modernise member services and digital platforms to grow membership, retention and engagement (UK and international).
• Build internal capability through visible leadership of the senior management team, stronger governance, improved financial discipline and performance management.
• Champion diversity, inclusion and generational renewal across volunteers, membership and staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction, lead transformation and deliver sustainable income diversification.
• Oversee financial planning and P&L performance; address the organisation’s structural deficit and prepare resilient multi‑year plans.
• Represent CILT (UK) externally in policy debate and sector forums, presenting evidence‑based advice rather than lobbying.
• Strengthen relationships with volunteers, regional and national committees and the membership network.
• Ensure regulatory, legal and Royal Charter compliance; manage risk with rigour

Candidate Profile

You will have a proven record of senior leadership, commercial delivery and transformation in one or more of the following contexts: professional bodies, commercial education/training, mid‑sized charities with commercial arms, or transport/logistics/ infrastructure organisations. Essential attributes include:

• Significant P&L and budgetary experience; demonstrable income diversification success.
• Experience of governance at or close to board level and comfortable working with trustees.
• Strong stakeholder and political acumen, with excellent external representation and media capability.
• Emotional intelligence; visible, present leadership and the ability to rebuild trust and morale.
• Commitment to professional standards, member value and public‑interest purpose.

Sector experience in logistics, transport or supply chain is advantageous but not mandatory: demonstrable leadership, credibility and the ability to deliver the brief are paramount.

Package & Practicalities

• Salary: £120,000–£140,000 plus benefits (including 10% employer pension contribution and other benefits).
• Location: Hybrid working with significant time required in Corby, East Midlands Headquarters and at sector events (UK and international).
• Closing date: Sunday 26th October 2025.
• Application: apply online at berwickpartners.co.uk/94561
• For questions contact Thomas Ewen, Principal – [e-mail] / 020 3970 1886.

CILT (UK) is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.