Chief Executive Officer
The Role
The Vegan Society works to help more people become vegan with confidence, encourage more products certified by the trusted Vegan Trademark to be available in shops, and take veganism to the mainstream.
It provides information and guidance on various aspects of veganism for new and potential vegans, caterers, healthcare professionals, educators, and the media. It also co-ordinates a variety of campaigns to raise awareness of the lifestyle.
The Vegan Society makes veganism more accessible and an easily adopted approach by supporting individuals, policy and decision makers, caterers, manufacturers, health care professionals and the media.
Formed in 1944, The Vegan Society is the world’s oldest vegan charity, this year celebrating its 80th anniversary.
The opportunity:
The Vegan Society's mission is to make veganism mainstream. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to The Vegan Society, ensuring the effective implementation of the society’s mission and goals.
As CEO you will work closely with the Board, providing them with regular reports, performance metrics and strategic advice, and lead on strategic planning, risk management and long-term organisational development. You will be responsible for the overall management of the organisation, including fundraising, advocacy, programme development and oversight of the Trading Subsidiary.
Responsibilities include:
- Overall responsibility for an organisation with circa £5 million turnover.
- Provide strong leadership and oversee the effective management and support of circa 70 staff members.
- Set and ensure the delivery of the overall strategy for the society and ensure charitable objectives are delivered and commercial growth is secured.
- Overall responsibility for business operations, governance and compliance.
- Representation of the society through a range of public platforms, building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, partners and policy makers.
- Advocate for veganism at local, national, and international levels.
Essential requirements include:
- Proven experience in a senior leadership role within charitable and/or not-for-profit sectors.
- Strong understanding of veganism and commitment to the society’s mission.
- Track record of delivering innovation projects and identifying and capitalising upon new opportunities.
- Demonstrable experience driving commercial and/or organisational plans at strategic level, to generate expansion and growth.
- Excellent change management, strategic planning and diverse organisational experience.
- Exceptional communication and negotiation skills – both written and verbal.
- Strong networking skills with the ability to build and maintain professional relationships with diverse stakeholders.
The Vegan Society makes veganism more accessible and an easily adopted approach by supporting individuals, policy and decision makers, caterers, manufacturers, health care professionals and the media. This is an incredible leadership opportunity to join a charity with a clear purpose that is resonating with an increasing larger audience.
The Vegan Society as an organisation values equality, diversity and inclusion. We want to be an organisation that tackles any structural discrimination or prejudice. We are actively trying to increase diversity in our organisation and encourage applications from all sections of the community.
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies.
Salary and Hours
This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week) role. Up to £76,277 (salary depending on experience) plus benefits.
How to Apply
Please download the detailed candidate pack here with the link to apply on page 13.
If you experience any issues with viewing the candidate pack above then please click here to access the PDF.
The application deadline is Monday 6 January 2025.
Following interviews with Ellwood Atfield, successful candidates will be invited for interview with The Vegan Society.
First stage of interview: Friday 17 January 2025.
Second stage of interview: Friday 24 January 2025.
To discuss this role or for further information please contact:
Gavin Ellwood
Email: gavin[at]ellwoodatfield[dot]com
Tel: 07768 927 209
Geraldine Hetherington
Email: geraldine.h[at]ellwoodatfield[dot]com
Tel: 07540 726 238
