Chief Executive Officer

FWB; Kendal; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-owned business in the Lake District seeks a Chief Executive Officer to lead its growth and safeguard its heritage. The successful candidate will manage diverse operations including caravan parks, leisure attractions, and retail operations. Ideal candidates will have experience in relevant sectors and an understanding of family business dynamics. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of a key player in Cumbrian tourism.

Qualifications

• Experience managing an organization of similar scale and complexity.
• Ability to devise and communicate strategy effectively.
• Understanding of dynamics in family land-based businesses.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organization into the next phase of growth.
• Set strategy and drive profitability across business divisions.
• Oversee daily operations and ensure high standards of service.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Operational excellence

Business development

Understanding of family businesses

Job description

Our client, Lake District Holdings Ltd owns the various interests of the Wakefield family in Cumbria and North Lancashire. These interests broadly comprise:

• Ullswater Steamers
• Ravenglass & Eskdale 15 inch gauge railway
• 6 caravan parks and Tewitfield Marina – holding 650 static caravans and 110 self-catering and glamping units.
• Peter Rabbit and Friends/The Veg Patch retail business, plus The Veg Patch e-shop
• Rented property including 75 residential units, 4 farms, hotel and shops.

The family’s objective is for the business to be an influential player in the Cumbrian tourism industry contributing positively to the economy, community and environment of the region.

About the role

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join a multifaceted generational family business based in the Lake District. The Chief Executive Officer will lead the organisation into its next phase of growth, ensuring operational excellence across our business divisions while protecting and strengthening the company’s heritage and values. They will be responsible for setting strategy, driving profitability, building a strong leadership team, and fostering innovation while maintaining close alignment with the family owners’ vision.

The CEO will have responsibility for: developing and delivering a long-term strategy to achieve sustainable growth across all business units; overseeing day-to-day operations across caravan parks, leisure attractions, retail and property; driving efficiency, quality and customer service standards across all divisions; exploring new opportunities for business expansion, acquisitions and partnerships and acting as a guardian of the company’s reputation and culture.

Candidate requirements

• Have good experience of managing an organisation of similar scale and complexity.
• Have the ability to devise and relentlessly communicate the strategy.
• Have a good appreciation of the different dynamics that drive family land-based businesses.
• Have experience with family businesses and show an understanding of and sympathy with the aspirations of the Wakefield family.
• Have experience in relevant sectors including caravan parks, leisure, hospitality, property etc.
• Have an engaging personality and the ability to lead and develop a high-performance team.

C1EO