Chief Executive Officer Full Time

About Us

Portobello Business Centre (PBC) is an independent social enterprise that operates as a not-for-profit organisation. Founded in the late 1980s, our mission is to help people in the local West London community to start up, grow and expand their businesses, assisting them to realise their full potential in the process. We do this through the provision of affordable, high quality, independent and confidential support in the form of training courses, seminars, workshops, business consultancy, one-to-one advice and networking opportunities.

Nationally recognised as a leading provider of professional enterprise services, PBC has fostered the emergence of thousands of SMEs in a multitude of business sectors. We have an impressive track record of achievement having supported over 5,000 businesses over the past 25 years, with more than 13,000 customers having utilised our services. Though our focus is on micro and small business within the local community, the organisation has been instrumental at the start of major businesses such as Innocent Drinks, Charlie Bigham’s and Karen Millen. PBC has also played a leading role in supporting over 80 businesses directly affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

PBC is supported by 8 Non-Executive Directors working on a voluntary basis whose vision is to become the leading provider in London of high-quality training, business advice and consultancy services to the start-up and small business community. PBC finances are in a stable position with projections for a sustainable level of income over the coming three years.

Job Description

Role Purpose

To lead, develop and manage PBC to meet its vision and objectives. To ensure PBC is adequately resourced to meet the future needs of businesses in Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (RBKC) and neighbouring boroughs.

Key responsibilities

• To work with the Board in developing the vision and strategic direction and development of PBC, taking account of the changing needs of other stakeholders.
• To attract, build and lead a first-class team that is passionate and motivated in delivering PBC’s vision and objectives.
• To be an Ambassador, raising the profile of PBC and its work within RKBC, understanding the needs of the business community, the general public and others.
• To build effective partnerships and networks, working collaboratively with organisations in RBKC and other London boroughs.
• To deliver contracts and service agreements with RBK, funders and others.
• To encourage and support the development and funding of new initiatives for small and medium size businesses.
• To ensure PBC meets it legal and financial obligations to deliver effectively and be in a strong position to tender for contracts.

Person Specification

Experience & Knowledge

• Experience of working at Director or Senior Management level for a not-for-profit organisation.
• Demonstrable experience of strategic leadership and successful delivery of organisation objectives.
• Good understanding of the challenges and legal framework in which not-for-profit organisations operate.
• Proven track record in building and leading successful teams.

Skills

• Strong strategic ability, keen intellect and financial acumen, together with outstanding analytical skills; able to balance the achievement of short-term goals with longer term organisational objectives.
• Be an Ambassador of the PBC culture and brand; an outstanding communicator with passion, immediate gravitas and credibility who is committed to the vision and objectives of PBC.
• Strong stakeholder management skills; can forge critical relationships both internally and externally.
• Can work autonomously but also collaboratively, with the flexibility to be successful within a lean organisational structure.
• Prepared to ‘roll up sleeves’ and ‘dive into the detail’ as required.
• Results orientated, driving continuous improvement, with the ability to hold the team accountable for performance.
• An inspiring, low ego leader with an open, engaging and inclusive management style.
• Can challenge and be challenged; highly decisive and achieves cut-through

Applicants should forward a CV and brief covering letter outlining how your experience and skill set aligns with the role and why you are interested in the position. Closing date is 10th January 2022.