Chief Executive Officer

We are delighted to be engaged once more by the UK's leading Organic Certification Organisation to recruit their new CEO on the retirement of the present encumbent. To apply, candidates must have the ability to demonstrate substantial exposure to the Organic sector of farming/processing including relevant legislation.Accredited by DEFRA, the body inspects Organic production & processing across the UK, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands. The client portfolio ranges from arable & livestock farms, abbatoires, wholesalers, retailers, importers, animal feeds, textiles, cosmetics and bodycare products, including storage & warehousing.Reporting to the Board of Directors.Job Purpose;Oversee and monitor the implementation of a professional and practical approach to the delivery of the accreditation undertaken by the Company across all schemesEnsure the integrity of the Company is maintained without exceptionTimely and effective management of the Company’s staffMonitor and oversee all budgetary, financial, personnel and operational activitiesResponsible for developing and implementing strategies and policies to ensure that the Company will meet goals determined by the Board of DirectorsAnalyse and identify all risks (internal and external) recommending financial and operational measures to mitigate againstKey Responsibilities;The CEO has the executive responsibility for the business under authority delegated to them by the BoardReview financial and non-financial reports and make high-quality financial and operational decisions to ensure the Company’s performance is consistent with the overall financial and strategic targets set out by the BoardReport to the Board with appropriate, timely and quality informationRecommend to the Board significant operational and/or personnel changes and capital expenditures, enacting any changes agreedEnforce adherence to legal guidelines and Quality Management Systems to maintain the company’s legality, integrity and business ethicsRecruit, develop and retain talented people to ensure strong Certification, Quality Systems and Administrative teamsLead and motivate staff to advance employee engagement and develop a high performing team. Assign responsibilities clearly to staff and manage their performanceMonitor and resolve complaints against the Company or its service deliveryDevelop high quality business strategies and proposals in line with the short & long term objectives agreed by the BoardMaintain a comprehensive knowledge of the markets and industries the Company operates in and seek to develop new revenue streams where these align with the Company’s strategic aimsOversee and co-ordinate all communications with operators across all schemesClearly define the Company’s strategic messaging, in conjunction with the Company’s PR company, and oversee and facilitate wider public relations activities to raise the visibility of the Company to target audiences and promote the Company’s schemes and service deliveryCommunicate the strategic objectives and values of the Company as agreed with the BoardCo-ordinate, oversee and directly engage with (where appropriate) wider relevant sector policy initiativesEnsure that the Company remains appraised of any Governmental or non-Governmental policy developments that may represent a risk to the Company and ensure the Company is positioned to enable it to influence any policy frameworkBuild trusted relations with partners and stakeholders and act as the key point of contactRepresent the organisation at relevant external meetingsLiaise with other Sector Bodies, UKOCG and Scheme ownersLiaise with the Certification Committee and SOPA Technical Advisory CommitteeLiaise with UKAS and DEFRA, assisting with annual auditsApplication criteria;Proven track record in senior management positionAn understanding of current workplace legislationAn understanding of business finances including budgets and balance sheetsExcellent levels of oral and written communicationComputer skills – ability to use word processing, spreadsheet & database programmesExperience working in the relevant areas within which the Company operatesHonesty, integrity and commitment to the businesses core valuesThe position will involve elements of both hybrid and office based working patterns. Candidates should be based within a reasonable commuting distance of Shrewsbury.