Chief Executive Officer Full Time

HFS is a local independent registered charity that provides affordable reused furniture, helps low-income households to furnish their homes, collects surplus furniture and appliances for reuse, and provides practical opportunities for people to gain skills, experience and confidence.

Every year the HFS team:

• Collects and re-uses over 300 tonnes of furniture and electricals that would otherwise go to waste.
• Helps over 2,000 low-income households furnish their homes.
• Supports over 100 people who are out of work to gain skills and confidence.

Main purpose of this role

Under the general direction of the Board of Trustees to lead and ensure the successful development of HFS and the delivery of the service to meet all objectives, targets and requirements.

Duties and responsibilities

Leadership

To be the face and voice of the charity: its principal ambassador to the broader community and to lead the organisation internally, through appropriate direction, guidance, support and challenge.

• Lead, support and motivate all staff and volunteers, directly and through the senior management team, and secure their loyalty and commitment to the charity’s aims, objectives and ambitions.
• Ensure effective working relationships are established, developed and maintained with all relevant organisations and individuals to promote the work of the charity and facilitate the implementation of its strategic objectives.
• Lead by example, instilling a culture of professionalism, inclusion and reflective practice supported by coaching, training and development.

Strategy

To determine, with the Board, the charity’s growth and direction, summarised in a clear strategic plan, and lead the implementation and successful achievement of all objectives, targets and outcomes.

• Ensure the development and delivery of the charity’s agreed business plans.
• Identify and assess strategic and operational risks, issues and opportunities and take responsibility for initiating and leading associated changes.
• Seek out and implement opportunities for innovation and ensure that HFS remains at the forefront of positive change in the sectors in which it operates.
• Work with senior management to develop best-practice for the management, development and engagement of staff and volunteers.

Partnership and business development

To lead the promotion and development of HFS work, raising the profile, maximising its reach and developing the future of the charity.

• Seek out, develop and nurture beneficial partnerships with supporters, donors, other charities and all relevant authorities/organisations, including maintaining good working relations with pre-existing partnerships.
• Work towards the achievement of long-term sustainability, developing the charity’s business model and maximising income generation, for example from fundraising, service contracts and earned income.
• Develop and maintain good relationships with existing and potential funders.
• Adopt a creative and innovative approach to development, remaining open to new ideas and opportunities.

Operations

To ensure the successful implementation of HFS operational plans.

· Take executive responsibility for all functions including the warehouse, administration, finance, fundraising, marketing, communications, and IT.

· Ensure that HFS, contracts and projects are delivered to the highest standard with due regard for timescales, targets and budgets.

· Ensure compliance with the requirements of funders and be aware at all times of performance and targets in this respect.

· Take overall responsibility for the recruitment, management and effective deployment of staff, including self-employed staff; apply robust HR processes covering recruitment, performance management, appraisal and remuneration.

· Line -manage the Operations Manager, Projects and Development Manager and Finance Officer.

· Be responsible for the maintenance and efficient use of the charity’s assets.

Financial control

To provide executive financial leadership for the organisation, ensuring competent financial management, forecasting, policies and procedures and reporting systems that enable HFS to set and achieve its financial targets within a financial framework that meets all requirements.

• Lead and direct the financial planning, forecasting, control, reporting and management of the organisation’s finances and resources, this includes support for, and working alongside the Board treasurer to engage the Board of Trustees and sub-groups to ensure regulatory compliance and sustainable organisational growth.
• Take executive responsibility for the financial leadership of the charity, including forecasting and strategic budget leadership.
• Ensure that the charity’s financial resources are managed effectively and that HFS remains in good financial health, identifying risks and taking appropriate action.
• Liaise with the Board to develop and lead on the implementation of the charity’s financial plans, including setting budgets, formulating income generation strategies and overseeing all fundraising activities.
• Maintain effective financial management and control systems; ensure delivery within budgets and to performance targets and oversee production of management accounts, statutory accounts and annual reports.

Governance and compliance

To ensure, in consultation with the Board, that the charity’s overall governance structure, policies and procedures are appropriate and effective; advising the board and taking remedial measures and implementing changes as needed.

• Attend all Board meetings (held six times a year) and prepare a written report in advance of each meeting flagging or highlighting current and forthcoming items of concern and risk management. Ensure that the Board is made aware in a timely fashion of any matters requiring its attention.
• Ensure effective and safe operational policies and processes are in place for all the charity’s functions.
• Review and update scope and content of all policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory and best practice needs.
• Oversee the development and practical application of all organisational policies and procedures e.g. with regard to health and safety, equality and diversity, and safeguarding.
• Ensure that collection, protection and retention of personal information complies with current data protection regulations
• Ensure that all of the charity’s activities are conducted safely and that Health and Safety policies are understood and followed by everyone
• Ensure that all major risks are identified and regularly reviewed and that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate all such risks; be responsible for the development and implementation of the charity’s Risk Register.

General

· Carry out any other duties as may be reasonably requested.

· Be conversant with all aspects of the operation and willing to cover and provide support should the need arise.

· Be a media spokesperson for HFS when required.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: From £40,578.00 per year

Application deadline: 10/06/2022
Reference ID: HFSCEO