Chief Executive Officer – Community Energy England
Disrupt Recruitment & Search are proud to have been retained by Community Energy England (CEE) to lead on this exciting Executive Search mandate to secure their next CEO!
This is an exceptional opportunity to lead Community Energy England (CEE) forward with a renewed vison & strategy that will engage and Impact current and future members, society and the planet!
About CEE:
Community Energy England (CEE) is a membership association for and created by the community energy sector. We are a UK based, Not-for-Profit business and are looking to hire an inspiring, values-driven Leader to step into this transformative CEO role.
Our mission is to create the conditions within which community energy is able to thrive and scale.
We have a growing network of over 320 member organisations, including community energy enterprises and other supportive organisations from the private and public sectors, and we work with a wide range of other associations and networks.
We are a small team but with an increasingly big reach and growing impact as we work with our members and key stakeholders to enable the growth of the sector. With this small core size comes flexibility and the opportunity for all team members to shape the direction of the organisation and get involved in all levels of delivery.
We have four outcomes that we are working towards:
➢ Enable: Community energy organisations across England have access to the resources, support and skills needed to grow in capacity, scale and impact
➢ Influence: The policy and regulatory environment supports signifi cant growth of community energy
➢ Collaborate: There is increased demand, both regionally and nationally, for collaborating and investing in CE
➢ Thrive: Community Energy England is a strong and sustainable organisation that can serve the community energy sector into the future
Whether you're an experienced Chief Executive looking for your next meaningful challenge, or a senior leader ready to take the step into your first CEO position, this is your chance to shape the future of a high-impact, mission-led organisation driving community-led action across the UK.
This organisation sits at the heart of a growing national membership movement and as CEO, you will lead that movement—strengthening the organisation, amplifying its influence, and unlocking greater opportunities for communities to take the lead in local solutions.
If you want to use your leadership to create a legacy and deliver real change; this role offers the platform, purpose, and autonomy to do exactly that!
The Role
The CEO will provide strategic leadership, operational direction, and national representation for the organisation. You will steer the delivery of a new multi-year strategy, grow and engage the membership base, strengthen financial sustainability, and ensure the organisation has the influence and credibility to champion itself at the highest levels.
This is a role with genuine purpose, impact, and visibility.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Strategic Leadership & Culture
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Drive the organisation’s strategic direction, ensuring clear priorities and measurable impact
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Build a thriving, collaborative, empowered culture
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Work closely with the Board to ensure strong governance, compliance, and long-term stability
Membership Growth & Engagement
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Enhance value for members and strengthen their collective voice
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Lead initiatives to expand, diversify, and deepen sector engagement
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Oversee communications, insights, events, and community-building activities
Policy, Advocacy & External Affairs
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Be a credible, influential voice nationally and regionally
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Lead policy engagement, briefings, and evidence-based advocacy
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Build strong relationships with government, regulators, industry, and partner organisations
Fundraising & Financial Leadership
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Develop long-term financial plans and income streams
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Secure funding through grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and membership income
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Build relationships with trusts, foundations, and philanthropic partners
Operational Excellence
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Oversee organisational finances, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting
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Ensure operational systems are efficient, scalable, and fit for the future
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Lead performance monitoring and project delivery
Skills & Experience
You will bring:
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Energy, enthusiasm, engagement and influence to achieve something amazing!
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Significant senior leadership experience within a mission-led, non-profit, membership, or community-focused organisation
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Proven success generating income through grants, partnerships, or fundraising
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Confidence in representing an organisation publicly—including media, speaking engagements, and policy environments
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Strong financial and operational management capability
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Experience leading and developing small teams with an empowering, inclusive style
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Strong strategic thinking and the ability to turn plans into action
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Relationship-building skills across government, industry, partners, and community groups
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Experience influencing policy at a regional or national level (desirable)
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Understanding of energy, sustainability, community empowerment, or social enterprise (desirable but not essential)
Personal Qualities
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Dynamic, proactive, and comfortable leading in a fast-moving environment
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Collaborative and relational, able to bring people together around a shared mission
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Credible and confident in public, policy, and partnership settings
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Passionate about community empowerment, climate action, and social justice
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Resilient, resourceful, and solutions-focused
Values & Behaviours:
- CEE value diverse perspectives and experiences.
- As an inclusive organisation CEE are committed to finding the best person with the ability to deliver the needs of this role, our employees and our members, regardless of any protected characteristic, disability or learning difference.
- Disrupt Search operate a fully inclusive, equitable and accessible assessment process. They are a certified B-Corporation, Planet Mark Certified (Carbon Neutral), CSR Gold and hold the Disability Confident Employer status. (*Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments at the point of application.)
- CEE value data and use this to create insights to shape our approach and knowledge to meet the needs of our industry, members and society as a whole.
- CEE value collaborative, communicative, engaging and approachable people who are purpose driven, have integrity, are honest and ethical.
Key Details
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Role: Chief Executive Officer
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Location: UK Home based with willingness and flexibility to travel/attend client meetings (Major Cities including London)
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Contract: Permanent
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Hours: Full-time Monday to Friday
Why This Role Matters
This is more than a CEO job.
It’s a chance to shape the future of a national movement, strengthen community power, and accelerate the transition to a fairer system.
You will be leading an organisation with purpose at its core and huge potential for growth, impact, and influence.
All enquiries/Interest to be directed to our Retained Search Partner:
Paul Baker -Director at Disrupt Search
Email: paulb@wearedisrupt.co.uk