Interim CEO (Maternity Cover) 30 hours per week (4 days)
Community Furniture Stores (CFS)
Location: York, Scarborough & Selby (with some flexible working)
12-month contract starting June/July 2026
Lead a grassroots charity making a real difference across North Yorkshire.
Community Furniture Stores is looking for an experienced and values-driven leader to join us as Interim CEO for a 12-month maternity cover period. This is a unique opportunity to guide a much-loved local charity through an exciting year of growth and impact.
Following the successful merger of our York, Scarborough and Selby stores into one charity with a trading subsidiary, we’re now delivering our ambitious 2026–2028 strategy, “Looking Out.”
Our focus is simple but powerful: increase our impact, strengthen communities and amplify our voice.
As Interim CEO, you’ll provide confident leadership during this important transition year, working alongside a passionate staff team, committed volunteers and a supportive Board of Trustees.
About Us
Community Furniture Stores tackles furniture and digital poverty across North Yorkshire.
Through our three stores we provide affordable furniture and household essentials to people who need them most. But we’re about more than furniture.
* Provide volunteering opportunities that build skills and confidence
* Run an IT ReUse project helping tackle digital exclusion
* Deliver a Community Bike Project supporting people without access to transport
Every item sold or donated helps build stronger, more connected communities.
The Role
As Interim CEO you will ensure the successful delivery of our 2026–2028 strategy and operational plan, maintaining momentum, strong performance and a positive organisational culture.
You will:
* Lead the implementation of our “Looking Out” strategy, ensuring clear priorities and measurable progress
* Drive fundraising activity, securing grants to support services and projects
* Line manage four senior staff, fostering a collaborative and empowering culture
* Oversee organisational financial performance and budgets
* Build and strengthen strategic partnerships across the region
* Support the continued development of our volunteering programme
* Work closely with our Board of Trustees, ensuring strong governance and compliance
* Ensure high standards of safeguarding, health & safety and organisational risk management
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking someone who combines strategic leadership with a practical, collaborative approach.
You will bring:
* Strong leadership and communication skills
* Experience delivering organisational strategies and operational plans
* Proven success in grant fundraising
* Confidence leading and supporting teams
* Knowledge of safeguarding and health & safety responsibilities
* Excellent IT skills and digital confidence
* A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
* The ability to travel between York, Scarborough and Selby
* Senior leadership experience within a charity
* Designated Safeguarding Officer or Health & Safety qualifications
* Understanding of challenges facing the voluntary sector
Why Join Us?
This is a chance to:
* Lead a well-established community charity
* Help tackle poverty and digital exclusion
* Work with a passionate team and supportive Board
* Make a visible impact across North Yorkshire
If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact our CEO: katy@cfstores.org.uk
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