Chief Executive Officer

Membership Bespoke; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious membership organisation in the luxury trade is looking for a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead its strategic direction. This is a part-time role (3 days per week) with an estimated salary of £100k FTE. The CEO will work with the Board to develop strategies, enhance the organisation's reputation, and strengthen stakeholder relationships. Candidates should have a proven track record in leadership and excellent communication skills. Application deadline is January 9th, 2026.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in leading membership organisations or trade associations.
• Experience managing budgets and growth while safeguarding brand integrity.
• Strong charisma and diplomacy in negotiation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver clear strategies in collaboration with the Board.
• Represent the organisation at events and in the media.
• Enhance relationships with Members, suppliers, and partners.

Skills

Strong leadership

Commercial acumen

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation and media representation

Industry awareness in luxury and trade

Job description

Chief Executive Officer of a prestigious membership organisation

Salary : £100k FTE (pro rata for 3 days per week)

Contract : Permanent, Part Time (3 days per week)

Location : Home working with frequent travel to Glasgow

Organisation : Luxury Trade Membership Organisation

About the Role

A highly respected membership organisation representing leading names in the luxury trade, is seeking an exclusive appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the association and drive its strategic direction.

Reporting directly to the Board, the CEO will be a strong leader with a steady hand , combining commercial acumen with emotional intelligence. This is a strategic, Member centred role - championing future growth by engaging with stakeholders, inspiring confidence, and honouring the traditions that continue to shape the organisation’s identity.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the Board to develop and deliver clear, achievable strategies that balance ambition with sustainability, while empowering the established Senior Team to deliver strategic opportunities.
• Protect and enhance the organisation’s reputation for quality, discretion, and excellence.
• Act as a visible ambassador - representing organisation at events, in the media, and across the wider industry.
• Work collaboratively with the team to drive commercial growth by identifying, developing, and optimising income streams, ensuring long-term sustainability and reinvestment in Member value.
• Strengthen relationships with Members, suppliers, and partners, ensuring everyone feels valued and supported.
• Identify and negotiate new opportunities that add real value - partnerships, sponsorships, and member services.
• Ensure all activity is aligned with organisation’s proven trajectory of success, particularly in brand elevation, strategic focus, and reputation.
• Oversee budgets and finances carefully to maintain stability and growth.
• Inspire and guide a talented Senior Team, fostering pride, professionalism, and collaboration.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven track record in leading membership organisations, trade associations, or premium brand environments.
• Commercially sharp, with experience managing budgets, growth, and value while safeguarding brand integrity.
• Strong communication skills, with charisma and diplomacy in negotiation and media representation.
• Ability to listen, connect, and build alliances across diverse stakeholders.
• Industry awareness - ideally with experience in luxury, trade, or membership organisations.
• Inspiring and authentic - equally confident in the boardroom or in conversation with Members.

Application Process

Please send us your CV (no cover letter required) by Friday 9th January, 2026 at 17h00 .

First interviews will take place on 22nd / 23rd January, 2026

Due to the volume of applications, we are only able to contact successful applicants. If you have not heard from by the closing date, please deem your application unsuccessful on this occasion.

About Us

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.