Chief executive

£95,000 - £110,000 per annum (depending on experience) Full time (37.5 hours per week)

Recruitment closes on Friday 17 July 2026

St Catherine's Hospice

After more than ten years of outstanding leadership, our much-respected Chief Executive is retiring. Thanks to his vision, values and commitment, St Catherine's is a strong, trusted and ambitious hospice with deep roots in its community, with a clear sense of purpose. We are now seeking an inspiring new Chief Executive to lead us into our next chapter.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to build on a successful legacy, while shaping the future of a vital charity, at a pivotal time for hospices.

About the role

As Chief Executive, you will provide visible, compassionate and credible leadership across the organisation. Working closely with the Board, Senior Leadership team, staff, volunteers and supporters, you will set strategic direction, drive financial sustainability and champion exceptional care for those who need us most.

You will be the primary ambassador for St Catherine's, developing and managing key NHS and system wide partnerships, influencing locally and regionally, and ensuring the hospice remains a trusted, valued partner within an evolving health and social care landscape.

Key priorities

• Values led leadership – living and breathing our core values every day, fostering a culture of energy, courage, expertise, connection, and not forgetting Human!
• Strategic delivery – translating our vision into clear priorities that keep St Catherine's relevant, responsive and impactful
• Financial sustainability – navigating ongoing financial challenges faced by the hospice sector, strengthening income generation and ensuring long term resilience
• Partnership & influence – building strong, constructive relationships with NHS partners, other hospices and third sector organisations, commissioners and system leaders
• Modern and digitally savvy – ensuring the organisation continues to evolve, embracing digital innovation and using data and technology to improve care, efficiency and reach
• People & culture – empowering staff and volunteers, developing talent and leading change with clarity and empathy

About you

You will be an experienced, credible leader with a strong strategic mindset and a track record of leading complex organisations through change. You may come from the hospice, health, public, voluntary or related sectors, but you will bring clear understanding of partnership working, financial stewardship and the realities of operating in a constrained funding environment.

Above all, you will share our values, believe deeply in our mission and be motivated by the opportunity to lead St Catherine's confidently into a modern, sustainable future.

This post is offered on a permanent, full-time basis, working 37.5 hours per week, (flexible working patterns would be considered for the successful candidate). At St Catherine's we offer work from home opportunities, however this is adaptable depending on business need and regular onsite attendance is required.

Note the successful candidate will be an essential car user; therefore candidates must have a full driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave starting at 27 days, (rising to 32 days after completion of probation) and 36 days with length of service, plus Bank Holidays, and an opportunity to buy / sell annual leave days. Plus we offer a day off for volunteering & moving house.
• Generous Pension scheme with up to 9% employer contributions or honour of NHS pension.
• Life Assurance Scheme, Counselling Offering, and a range of discounts.
• Enhanced maternity and adoption pay.

Must be authorized to work in the United Kingdom; please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorships.

We understand that Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used to support some applications, whilst we do not discourage this, please ensure any documentation and applications submitted accurately and truthfully reflect your own experience and suitability for this role.

Location: Grace Holland Avenue, Pease Pottage, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 9SL. You can access the Hospice by car, bus, bike or walking, with full transport details on our website.