Chief Executive Officer

Harrogate Bid Limited; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A local business improvement district organization in Harrogate seeks a dynamic Chief Executive Officer. The role involves leading the implementation of a strategic business plan, advocating for the community, and overseeing operations. Senior leadership experience in relevant fields is essential. This full-time, permanent position offers 37.5 hours of flexible work per week, and candidates will be evaluated based on a letter of interest and CV.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus public holidays

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Experience leading BIDs, place-making, or economic development required.
• Ability to engage with private and public sector stakeholders.
• Proven skills in team management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of Harrogate BID’s business plan.
• Champion the interests of town centre businesses.
• Manage financial and operational delivery.

Skills

Senior leadership experience in BIDs

Confident communicator

Strong financial management skills

Project management skills

Creative and proactive mindset

Relationship-building with stakeholders

Job description

Overview

Harrogate BID is seeking a dynamic, strategic and hands-on Chief Executive Officer to lead the delivery of its ambitious 2024–2028 business plan. Representing around 500 town centre businesses, the BID plays a vital role in promoting, enhancing and shaping Harrogate as a vibrant, successful and attractive place to live, work and visit. As CEO, you’ll be the public face and driving force of the organisation — forging strong partnerships, championing the business community, managing the team and contractors, and ensuring projects and services deliver real, measurable impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of Harrogate BID’s 2024–2028 business plan and ensure projects and services deliver real, measurable impact.
• Represent the BID to champion the interests of around 500 town centre businesses and engage with partners across private and public sectors.
• Forge strong partnerships, manage the team and contractors, and oversee financial, project and operational delivery.
• Balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery to achieve the organisation’s objectives.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in BIDs, place-making, town centres or economic development.
• Confident communicator and relationship-builder with private and public sector stakeholders.
• Strong financial, project and team management skills.
• Creative, proactive and business-savvy mindset.
• Ability to balance strategy with hands-on delivery.

Role details

Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire (the CEO will be expected to work most hours from Harrogate, in the office or meeting with businesses).

Employment type: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (flexible working required)

Leave: 25 days annual leave plus public holidays

To apply

• A covering letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your interest and suitability for the role

On receipt of your CV and covering letter you will be sent the full recruitment pack outlining the role in more detail.

Key dates

• Interviews: 18/19 November 2025

Equality and inclusion

Harrogate BID is committed to being an inclusive and equitable organisation. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, and we are actively working to ensure our recruitment processes are as fair and open as possible.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS ROLE HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY ADVERTISED. PLEASE DO NOT APPLY AGAIN AS YOUR DETAILS HAVE ALREADY BEEN CONSIDERED.