Chief Executive Officer

Red Tractor (Assured Food Standards); Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food assurance organization in the UK is seeking a Chief Executive to lead its strategic direction and ensure financial robustness. The ideal candidate will have a proven record in leadership, stakeholder management, and financial acumen, capable of steering a prominent assurance scheme while fostering strong relationships with diverse stakeholders. Applications close on 04/01/2026.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of achievement in high-performance team management.
• Experience in business development and managing significant budgets.
• Substantial experience at Senior or Board level.

Responsibilities

• Lead the UK's largest food assurance scheme.
• Ensure financial health and growth of the organisation.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the supply chain.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Financial acumen

Leadership

Communication skills

Business development

Job description

Red Tractor is the UK’s leading food chain assurance scheme, trusted by consumers, retailers, and government to guarantee food safety, traceability, and responsible farming. As we enter a period of renewal and opportunity, we are seeking an outstanding Chief Executive to lead our organisation through its next chapter.

About Red Tractor

Assured Food Standards (AFS), home of the Red Tractor scheme, unites the entire supply chain – from farmers and processors to retailers and foodservice – under a single, world-leading assurance marque. Our standards are internationally recognised, and our logo is a symbol of confidence for millions of consumers. We are committed to modernising our approach, deepening engagement with stakeholders, and ensuring Red Tractor remains the assurance scheme of choice in a rapidly changing sector.

The Role

As Chief Executive, you will provide strategic leadership to AFS, shaping Red Tractor’s future and strengthening its reputation. You will deliver our strategy, implement key recommendations, and ensure the organisation remains financially robust and commercially agile. The role demands strategic clarity, emotional intelligence, and strong stakeholder engagement. You will represent Red Tractor at senior levels across government, industry, and the media, while championing standards and driving innovation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the delivery of the UK’s largest food assurance scheme, implementing strategy and business plans.
• Ensuring the financial health and continued growth of the organisation.
• Acting as a role model for Red Tractor’s values and fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Building strong relationships with stakeholders across the supply chain, government, and media.
• Acting as Company Secretary, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and overseeing corporate governance.

About You

We are seeking a leader with:

• A proven track record of achievement through managing high-performance teams.
• Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to operate effectively at pace and in uncertain environments.
• Financial acumen and commercial thinking, with experience in business development and managing significant budgets.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to make decisions based on consensus. An appreciation of the food supply chain, government, and regulatory environments is desirable.
• Substantial experience at Senior or Board level, ideally within a member, service, or not-for-profit organisation.

How to Apply

Closing date for applications: 23:59 on 04/01/2026

Apply online at www.berwickpartners.co.uk/95007

If you are unable to apply online, please email your application to [e-mail]

For queries or more information, contact:

Thomas Ewen, Principal, Professional Bodies, Trade Associations and Membership

[e-mail]

OR

Lisa Henry, Principal Researcher, Not-for-Profit

[e-mail]

Supporting Documents for Chief Executive Officer

• Download Candidate Brief (PDF)

C1EO