Chief Executive Officer

Young Epilepsy; Lingfield; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Young Epilepsy seeks a visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead a well-established charity dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people with epilepsy. The CEO will drive strategic direction, manage financial performance, and work with stakeholders to enhance the charity's impact across the UK.

Qualifications

• Proven CEO or senior executive with strategic leadership experience.
• Experienced in complex organizations, particularly in education or health.
• Strong governance skills with financial expertise.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic direction and operational performance of the organization.
• Ensure financial robustness and develop new income streams.
• Inspire a high-performing executive team and manage over 550 staff.

Skills

Strategic Transformation

Stakeholder Engagement

Financial Acumen

Leadership

Communication

Job description

Young Epilepsy is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to creating a society where children and young people with epilepsy are heard, respected, and enabled to thrive. With a proud history of more than 127 years and a national reach, we are now seeking a visionary and dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead us into our next chapter.

This is a rare opportunity to take the helm of a well-established and ambitious organisation that combines specialist education, cutting-edge research, and national advocacy to transform the lives of over 100,000 children and young people living with epilepsy across the UK.

As CEO, you will:

• Lead the strategic direction and operational performance of Young Epilepsy.
• Ensure the organisation is financially robust with effective financial processes and the development of new income streams.
• Inspire and develop a high-performing executive team and lead a workforce of over 550 staff.
• Champion a culture of safeguarding, inclusion, and excellence.
• Strengthen partnerships, grow income streams, and enhance our national profile.
• Be the public face of the charity, engaging with stakeholders, donors, and the media.

You will work closely with a committed Board of Trustees and the Education Governing Body to ensure our services remain innovative, impactful, and that children and young people with epilepsy are at the centre of all we do.

We are looking for a leader who is:

• A proven CEO or senior executive with a track record of delivering strategic and cultural transformation.
• Experienced in complex organisations, ideally with exposure to young people, learning disabilities, education, health, or research.
• Financially astute, with strong governance and stakeholder engagement skills.
• An inspiring communicator and ambassador with a deep sense of integrity and empathy.

As CEO, you’ll steer a mission-driven organisation with a solid foundation, a clear vision, and the momentum to scale its impact. You’ll lead a high-performing, values-led team, and shape a future where every young person with epilepsy has the support and opportunities they deserve.

For a confidential conversation, contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson:

Oliver Startup –[e-mail]

Liz Dean –[e-mail]

Young Epilepsy strives to employ people that reflect the community it serves; therefore, applications from minority groups and people with disabilities are particularly welcomed.

C1EO