Chief Executive (CEO) Future Youth Zone, Barking & Dagenham
Hands on, youth first leader with sharp business acumen
Salary: £65,000 – £70,000 (depending on experience)
Benefits: 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays), free gym access, and access to OnSide’s award winning L&D, with bespoke training and mentoring
Contract: Permanent, full time (37.5 hours, or those necessary to fulfil the role)
Location: Future Youth Zone, Barking & Dagenham
Application deadline: 5pm Monday 20th October 2025
Are you a bold, inclusive leader ready to shape the future for young people in one of London’s most dynamic boroughs?
About Future Youth Zone:
Future Youth Zone is a high energy, state of the art youth centre in Barking & Dagenham, open seven days a week and part of the national OnSide Youth Zones network. Since opening in 2019, they have supported thousands of young people with 20+ activities every session and trusted, consistent relationships with skilled youth workers.
The opportunity:
As Chief Executive, you will lead a values driven organisation with a revenue budget of over £1.5m, champion youth voice, and deepen impact across the borough. You’ll work shoulder to shoulder with young people, staff, volunteers, partners and the Board to deliver outstanding experiences and outcomes.
What you’ll bring:
* Hands on youth expertise: Visible presence in the Youth Zone and across the borough; deep understanding of youth development and safeguarding; experience of frontline delivery or leading services for children and young people; commitment to inclusion, with flexibility to work some evenings and weekends.
* Business acumen: Proven financial leadership and operational grip, including oversight of £1.5m+ budgets; track record of diversifying income across corporate, philanthropic and statutory sources; data informed decision making and the confidence to set priorities as appropriate.
* Relationship building: An outstanding connector who builds trust with young people, colleagues, Trustees, funders, the Local Authority, schools, employers and community partners, while leveraging the OnSide network.
* Clear communication: A compelling communicator who can inspire in the Youth Zone, articulate a powerful case for support, and represent Future credibly with media and stakeholders.
* Proactive & decisive: A doer who spots issues early, acts at pace, makes tough calls when needed, and creates the conditions for a high performance, learning culture.
What you’ll be leading:
* A passionate, skilled team delivering exceptional, inclusive services for young people
* A robust, diversified funding model and strong reputation among funders and the community
* Strategic partnerships across Barking & Dagenham and the wider OnSide network
How to Apply
Send your CV/profile to seniorappointments@charitypeople.co.uk to request the full candidate information pack in the first instance. For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala on 07563 030595 or seniorappointments@charitypeople.co.uk
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.