CEO Opportunity at Business West: A Rare and Fascinating Leadership Role for an Inspirational, Entrepreneurial Leader
Leigh Court, Bristol / Hybrid Working
Competitive six figure salary + Benefits
About the Opportunity
Business West is the leading independent business support and representation organisation in the South West. It aims to make our region the best part of the UK to start, run and grow a business while being a great place to work, live and learn.
With devolution on the agenda, what Business West says and does matters—both for the region and, at times, for the UK.
Phil Smith, our Managing Director for over 30 years, will be retiring, and we are now starting the search for a new CEO to lead Business West into its next phase.
This is a wonderful opportunity for a talented, committed individual to take the enviable platform that Phil has helped create and stamp their own vision on where it goes next.
About Business West
A certified B-Corp with 170 dedicated staff and an annual turnover of £12 million, we deliver multi-million-pound contracts and award-winning services that focus on internationalisation, innovation, and skills and helping businesses thrive locally, nationally, and globally.
As an Accredited Chamber of Commerce, we are deeply rooted in our regional business communities, representing businesses of all sizes and sectors while lobbying government on key business issues - nationally via the British Chambers of Commerce and regionally via our local chambers in Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire.
Through our Futures West Research Foundation, we have a key role in convening our anchor businesses, to work with our world class universities and local authorities to describe and enable a future regional economy that is exciting, sustainable and for everyone.
About the Role
This is a fascinating and rare opportunity to lead a unique organisation poised to make the move to the next level. Supported by an experienced and cohesive Board and Executive Team, the new CEO will be an inspirational and entrepreneurial leader.
Beyond the usual CEO accountabilities, this role demands a deep commitment to place-centred, sustainable economic prosperity and the ability to champion private sector business growth while fostering business engagement in the public realm.
Key Responsibilities
* Inspire a Strategic Vision
: Lead the organisation into its next stage of development, inspiring and delivering a clear, compelling vision for the future of Business West.
* Drive Strategic Prioritisation
: balance the interests of members, customers, and colleagues with commercial success, while staying true to our social purpose.
* Civic Leadership
: Serve as a regional and national advocate for the business community and its role in society. Working with other organisations to position the region to take advantage of immediate opportunities and to face the long-term challenges.
* Manage Organisational Transition
: Lead the internal and external transitions following the retirement of a long-standing leader, ensuring continuity while embracing innovation and change.
About the Person
We are seeking a dynamic leader with a unique mix of skills: part organisational CEO, part private sector entrepreneur, and part civic leader. The ideal candidate will bring the following qualities:
* A proven ability to inspire and lead a high-performing organisation.
* Strong entrepreneurial instincts, combined with strategic and operational acumen.
* The ability to represent the interests of the business community at local, regional, and national levels.
* A deep commitment to regional economic development, and a passion for making a positive, long-term impact on society.
This is a unique opportunity for an exceptional leader to leave their mark on an organisation that plays a vital role in shaping the future of the South West and the UK.