Lead Officer & Society Secretary

Lead Officer & Society Secretary

Corby

Salary: £42,707 – £52,970

 

Lead, inspire and shape the future of an established national organisation.

Are you an experienced senior leader with the strategic vision, commercial awareness and people management skills to lead a nationally recognised membership organisation?

 We are working on behalf of an established national co-operative membership organisation to recruit a Lead Officer & Society Secretaryto take responsibility for its overall leadership, operational management and future development.

 With approximately 2,100 voting members, a wider affiliate membership of around 125,000 and a team of seven employees supported by a national volunteer network, this is an exciting opportunity to make a genuine impact within an established organisation.

THE ROLE

 Reporting to the Management Committee and working closely with its Chair, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the organisation delivers its objectives effectively, efficiently and sustainably.

You will lead the staff team, oversee all operational functions and work closely with the Management Committee, regional representatives, volunteers and external stakeholders to shape and deliver the organisation's strategy.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Strategic & Operational Leadership: Develop and deliver organisational plans, oversee day-to-day operations, monitor KPIs and drive efficiency, service improvements and organisational development.
• Financial Management: Oversee annual budgets, financial performance, expenditure and resource allocation, working closely with the Finance Officer to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
• Membership & Stakeholder Engagement: Champion a member-focused culture, improve communications and services, address escalated concerns and develop relationships with external partners and stakeholders.
• Governance & Compliance: Support the Management Committee, oversee governance arrangements, statutory compliance and risk management, and coordinate AGMs and EGMs.
• People Leadership: Lead, motivate and develop the team of seven employees, overseeing recruitment, performance management, training and employee engagement.
• Facilities & IT: Oversee head office facilities, supplier relationships, IT infrastructure, data security and business support systems.
• Marketing & Communications: Provide oversight of marketing, branding and communications, ensuring effective engagement with members and wider stakeholders.
• Volunteer Development: Support the national volunteer network, ensuring effective recruitment, training, supervision and recognition.

You will retain overall accountability across all functions while empowering specialist colleagues and officers to manage their respective areas of responsibility.

ABOUT YOU

We are seeking an engaging, credible and commercially aware leader who combines strategic thinking with hands-on operational management. 

You will ideally have: 

• Proven senior management or leadership experience, preferably within a membership organisation, charity, co-operative, social enterprise or not-for-profit environment.
• Experience developing and implementing organisational strategies and business plans.
• A track record of working with Boards, Trustees or Management Committees.
• Experience managing organisational change, growth and operational improvement.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including budget management, financial reporting and resource planning.
• Experience leading, motivating and developing employees and/or volunteers.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, relationship-building and influencing skills.
• An understanding of governance, risk management and regulatory compliance.
• Experience developing partnerships and identifying new income or funding opportunities.
• Strong communication, organisational and IT skills.

Knowledge of environmental sustainability, horticulture, agriculture, conservation or community development would be advantageous, alongside an interest in social impact and community engagement.

Experience of working with membership networks, regional representatives and volunteers would also be beneficial.

We are looking for someone who is: 

• Collaborative, inclusive and values-led.
• Approachable, diplomatic and politically aware.
• Resilient, adaptable and forward-thinking.
• Accountable, transparent and commercially minded.
• An inspirational leader who can bring people together and deliver results.

A relevant professional or postgraduate qualification in leadership, management, governance, finance or environmental management would be an advantage.

WHAT'S ON OFFER?

• Salary of £42,707 – £52,970, depending on experience.

• Full-time permanent position.
• Group Personal Pension Scheme with 7% employer contribution and 2% employee contribution.
• 20 days' annual leave plus statutory public holidays.
• Additional staff benefits.
• Relocation assistance may be available where appropriate.

INTERESTED?

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced senior leader to take ownership of an established national organisation, influence its future direction and make a meaningful contribution to its continued development and sustainability.

If you have the leadership capability, commercial understanding and passion for developing people and organisations, we would welcome a confidential conversation.