Chief Executive Officer

The Michael Roberts Charitable Trust; Harlow; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Roberts Charitable Trust is seeking a visionary CEO to lead a Christian charity tackling hardship and isolation across Harlow and the wider region. You will shape strategy, nurture partnerships and steer services such as Harlow Foodbank and community projects.

Working with trustees and the COO/Deputy CEO, you will drive sustainable income, ensure governance, and foster a culture where staff and volunteers can thrive while delivering measurable community impact.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading a charity or senior nonprofit organization.
• Experience translating strategy into practical plans and measurable outcomes.
• Ability to engage funders, partners and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Develop MRCT’s strategic direction balancing ambition with financial sustainability.
• Build partnerships across Harlow, Essex and the wider region to diversify income.
• Lead governance and financial oversight with trustees and COO/Deputy CEO.
• Champion MRCT’s Christian ethos in leadership, decisions and relationships.
• Strengthen how the charity communicates the difference its work makes.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Fundraising and income generation

Stakeholder engagement

Financial governance

People management

Job description

Lead a Christian charity tackling hardship and isolation—and help shape its next chapter of impact across Harlow and the wider region.

About MRCT

Michael Roberts Charitable Trust brings together practical support, affordable food, family services and opportunities for community connection. Our services include Harlow Foodbank, Bounty Club Community Supermarket, the Affordable Food Hub, Bumps to Five and Maybury Open Door.

Our connected approach helps people access support that responds to their circumstances, builds confidence and strengthens their ability to move forward. Rooted in our Christian ethos, we welcome and serve people of all faiths and none.

MRCT has grown considerably in recent years. With annual income of over £1 million, multiple services and sites, and a developing regional role, we are looking for a leader who can sustain what works well and help shape our future direction.

The opportunity

Our next CEO will build on strong foundations while bringing their own judgement, experience and ideas.

Working closely with the trustees and COO / Deputy CEO, you will develop and lead MRCT’s strategy, champion our work and build the relationships and resources needed for a sustainable future.

Income generation will be a substantial part of your role. You will strengthen relationships with funders and supporters, develop new partnerships and diversify income to sustain our services and broaden our impact.

You will also:

• Develop MRCT’s strategic direction, balancing ambition with financial and organisational sustainability.
• Build partnerships across Harlow, Essex and the wider region.
• Support a positive culture in which staff and volunteers can contribute and thrive.
• Work with trustees to maintain effective governance and sound financial oversight.
• Strengthen how we understand, demonstrate and communicate the difference our work makes.
• Uphold MRCT’s Christian ethos in our leadership, decisions and relationships.

Who we are looking for

You will be an experienced senior leader with a track record of developing strategy and translating it into practical plans and measurable outcomes. You may already be a CEO or be ready to take that next step.

You will bring strong financial judgement, experience of generating income and the ability to build productive relationships with funders, partners, staff and volunteers. You will be comfortable leading a varied organisation, setting priorities and balancing immediate needs with longer-term opportunities.

You will combine compassion with clear decision-making and understand the importance of listening to the people who use our services.