Deputy Chief Executive

Northumberland Wildlife Trust Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 100,000 - GBP 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental charity in the UK is seeking a Deputy Chief Executive to play a pivotal leadership role supporting the Chief Executive. This position involves managing governance and compliance, leading cross-organisational initiatives, and enhancing operational efficiency. The ideal candidate should be a dynamic and values-driven leader with a passion for nature conservation. The role is permanent, full-time, with a salary starting from £58,608 per annum, and offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of conservation in the North East.

Qualifications

• Dynamic and values-driven leadership experience in a conservation or environmental charity.
• Ability to lead cross-organisational initiatives and manage governance and compliance.
• Experience in transforming organizational culture and enhancing operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Support the Chief Executive in delivering strategic objectives.
• Provide strategic oversight and head up business support teams.
• Deputise for the CEO and manage operational excellence.

Job description

Salary: From £58,608 per annum (or pro rata).

Deputy Chief Executive

Closing date: Friday 20 February 2026 Salary: From £58,608 per annum (or pro rata). Contract type: Permanent / Working hours: Full time Location: Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Green House,
St Nicholas Park,
Jubilee Road,
Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE3 3XT

The Deputy Chief Executive is a pivotal leadership role, supporting the Chief Executive in delivering the Trust’s strategic objectives and ensuring operational excellence across the organisation.

Paula Turner (HR and Payroll Officer)
Northumberland Wildlife Trust
St Nicholas Park
Gosforth
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 3XT

Following a significant expansion in the charity over the last 5 years, this new role recognises the need for a cultural shift and realignment on operational efficiency and cultural cohesion. We now have a turnover of over £5m and employ more than 100 staff.

We are the largest environmental charity in the North East and punch above our weight in the influence we exert; come and help us carve out a sustainable and exciting future for people and nature.

The Deputy Chief Executive is a pivotal leadership role, supporting the Chief Executive in delivering the Trust’s strategic objectives and ensuring operational excellence across the organisation. You will provide strategic oversight, manage governance & compliance, lead cross-organisational initiatives, and deputise for the CEO as required. You will also head up the business support teams and be responsible for transforming the culture, ‘from good to great’.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and values-driven leader to help shape the future of nature conservation in the North East.

The role is offered on a permanent contract and is for 35 hours a week. Salary is from £58,608 per annum (or pro rata). There will be opportunity for salary enhancement based on exceptional performance.

How to apply

To apply for the position of Deputy Chief Executive, please complete the corresponding application form in full, and return it to the address above.

Please note, CVs and/or covering letters will not be accepted.

The deadline for applications is noon on Friday 20 th February, and we expect interviews to take place on w/c 2 nd March. We will endeavour to contact all applicants as soon as possible to inform them of the status of their application

If you require further information regarding any aspect of the application process, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Thank you for your interest in Northumberland Wildlife Trust.