Chief Executive Officer

Membershipbespoke; Remote; GBP 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

A national industry association is seeking a dynamic Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic leadership and represent the industry to government and partners. The role includes leading a small team, engaging with policymakers, and advocating for members' interests. Candidates should have proven experience in regulatory and policy affairs, strong advocacy skills, and operate effectively in a collaborative environment. This remote position offers a competitive salary and the chance to shape the future of a vital sector.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in legislative or policy affairs at a national level.
• Ability to influence at the highest levels.
• Experience working collaboratively in a small-team environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision and strategic leadership for the organisation.
• Act as the public face of the industry.
• Lead a small, agile Secretariat team.

Skills

Regulatory affairs experience

Strong advocacy skills

Strategic vision

Communication skills

Integrity and resilience

Education

Background in science-based or consumer products industries

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 is acting as a recruitment business in relation to this role. We are proud to have been exclusively retained to appoint the next CEO of this prestigious organisation.

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.

Membership Bespoke is the most experienced membership-focused recruitment firm in the UK, with 10+ years of expertise delivering tailored permanent, temporary, interim, and Executive Search recruitment solutions to Trade Associations, Regulatory Bodies, Political Parties, and Professional Bodies.