Chief Executive

Lead a pioneering organisation transforming refugee lives through employment

Breaking Barriers
Chief Executive
Salary: £95,000 – £99,000 (incl. London Weighting)

London | Regular travel to Birmingham, Manchester and other parts of the UK; minimum 60% office based, more initially.

Breaking Barriers is a mission-driven charity supporting refugees to build new lives through meaningful employment. Since 2015, the organisation has supported thousands of individuals to gain skills, confidence and access to work – unlocking financial independence, purpose and long-term opportunity.

With over 500,000 refugees now living in the UK and facing significant barriers to employment, the need for high-quality, targeted support has never been greater. Breaking Barriers exists to meet this challenge – working with individuals, employers and partners to create pathways into sustainable employment and drive systemic change.

We are now seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead Breaking Barriers into its next phase of impact.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally recognised organisation at a pivotal moment. With responsibility for strategy, operations, partnerships and fundraising, the CEO will work closely with the Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership Team to scale impact, deepen employer and funder relationships, and ensure the organisation continues to deliver high-quality, life-changing support.

As the public face of Breaking Barriers, you will play a critical role in building influence, championing the power of employment to transform lives, and strengthening partnerships across business, philanthropy, government and civil society.

We are interested in hearing from leaders who bring:

• Significant experience as a Chief Executive OR as a senior leader in a large social impact organisation.
• Experience in developing and setting organisational strategies, including vision-setting and leading associated change management
• Significant experience in developing strategic partnerships with corporate funders and partner organisations to drive income growth and create employment opportunities for clients.
• Ability to encourage and motivate staff and volunteer colleagues at all levels to best carry out their roles, in the interests of delivering the charity’s mission
• Outstanding communication skills, with the credibility to influence senior stakeholders and represent the organisation externally
• A deep commitment to equity, inclusion and embedding lived experience in decision-making and organisational culture
• Experience of operating within charity governance frameworks and working effectively with Boards

This is an opportunity to lead a talented and committed team, work alongside an ambitious Board, and make a profound difference to the lives of refugees across the UK.

To find out more about the role and how to apply, please view the appointment brief by clicking on the button below.

Recruitment Timetable
Closing date: 9th August
Interviews with Prospectus: Week commencing 24th August
Interviews with Breaking Barriers: 11th September