Chief Executive Officer

Membership Bespoke; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

A national industry association is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic leadership and represent its members. This pivotal role involves engagement with government and media, consensus-building among diverse stakeholders, and leadership of a small team. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in regulatory affairs and strong advocacy skills. This is a rare opportunity to influence public health and sustainability debates while shaping the future of a crucial sector.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in regulatory, legislative, or policy affairs at national level.
• Integrity, resilience, and the ability to operate independently while collaborating effectively with Council and members.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision and strategic leadership for the organisation.
• Act as the public face of the industry, representing members to government and media.
• Build consensus across a diverse membership.

Skills

Regulatory affairs experience

Strong advocacy and communication skills

Strategic vision

Ability to influence at high levels

Team leadership

Knowledge of science-based 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 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.