Interim Chief Executive

Steady, trusted leadership through a period of transition

Reporting to: Chair and Board of Trustees

Location: Hybrid and flexible working

Start date: Early November 2026

Contract: Six months, full time

The opportunity

A leading independent charitable foundation with a national profile and a strong public benefit mission is seeking an experienced Interim Chief Executive for an initial six-month assignment, starting in early November 2026.

Following a change in leadership, the Foundation needs a calm, credible and hands‑on leader who can quickly build confidence across a small, specialist team, keep programmes and finances running smoothly, and support the Board as it appoints a permanent Chief Executive.

This is a stabilising appointment: continuity and assurance first, with candid and confidential advice to Trustees, rather than a programme of change.

The organisation

The Foundation is an independent charitable funder with an endowment and a long‑standing commitment to research, innovation and positive social impact. It works in partnership with academic, charitable and sector organisations to achieve its mission.

It is a small, specialist organisation, supported by external advisers and led by a Board of Trustees.

The role

Reporting to the Chair and Board of Trustees, you will provide visible executive leadership and act as a trusted adviser to Trustees throughout the assignment. You will:

Provide calm, visible leadership that reassures colleagues, partners and stakeholders, and maintains momentum across agreed programmes.
Take day‑to‑day responsibility for operations, people and risk, with robust financial oversight including the review and authorisation of regular operational and other significant payments.
Work with senior colleagues and the Chair to ensure financial and investment continuity, including cover arrangements during planned senior leave.
Listen to colleagues and give Trustees an objective, confidential view of culture, capability and organisational effectiveness.
Complete and embed an up‑to‑date Business Continuity Plan.
Support the recruitment of the permanent Chief Executive and prepare a clear handover.
Represent the Foundation externally and sustain key relationships with partners and stakeholders.

About you

Essential

Substantial experience as a Chief Executive, Interim Chief Executive or equivalent senior leader, including working closely with a Board or governing body.
Practical financial acumen, with confidence overseeing controls, management information and payment approvals, and the ability to provide credible cover for a senior colleague.
Experience of leading through transition, uncertainty or senior leadership change.
The judgement to handle sensitive people matters with fairness and discretion.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

Desirable

Understanding of at least one of: grant making or philanthropy, research or higher education environments, or investment oversight.
A steady, approachable style that will quickly earn the trust of a small team that has experienced recent disruption.

Terms and timetable

Role Interim Chief Executive

Contract Six-month fixed‑term contract

Accountable to Chair and Board of Trustees

Start date Monday 2 November 2026 (target)

Location Hybrid and flexible working arrangements, with attendance as required

Remuneration Day rate or PAYE employment may be considered; to be discussed

Working pattern Full time (five days a week)

Timetable Shortlisting mid‑October; interviews week beginning 19 October 2026

Equal opportunities

The Foundation is committed to an inclusive working environment and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates of all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be made at every stage of the process; please tell us what you need.

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Interim Chief Executive