Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer, Charity Retail Association

Lead a national movement at the intersection of retail, sustainability and social impact.

Due to the retirement of the current Chief Executive Robin Osterley, a rare and compelling opportunity has arisen to lead one of the UK's most influential membership organisations at a pivotal moment for charity retail, reuse and the circular economy. The Charity Retail Association (CRA) represents the collective voice of charity retailers across the UK. Our members raise millions for good causes, strengthen communities and deliver powerful environmental impact through reuse and sustainable retail. As public, political and commercial focus on sustainability and social value accelerates, CRA's role has never been more important - or more full of potential. We are now seeking a successor Chief Executive Officer to lead the Association into its next chapter.

The Opportunity

As CEO, you will be the national figurehead and strategic leader for charity retail. You will represent the sector with confidence and authority, while also bringing fresh thinking, modern leadership and a willingness to challenge how things have always been done. Reporting to the Chair of Board of Directors, with accountability to the full Board, you will:

• Set and deliver a clear, ambitious strategic direction for CRA
• Be the trusted voice of charity retail with government, regulators, media and sector partners
• Strengthen and evolve the value CRA offers to a diverse and growing membership
• Ensure financial resilience and long-term organisational sustainability
• Lead, develop and inspire a skilled, fully remote team
• Position charity retail at the forefront of sustainability, reuse and the circular economy

This is a high-profile leadership role with genuine national impact - shaping policy, influencing debate and supporting members to thrive in a fast-changing retail and economic landscape.

About You

You will be a values-driven, credible and confident leader, with senior experience in a charity, membership body, social enterprise or purpose-led organisation.

You will bring strategic insight and influence, balanced with approachability and curiosity. You will be comfortable leading through change, engaging diverse stakeholders and turning vision into action.

Direct experience of charity retail or sustainability is welcome, but not essential. More important is your leadership capability, learning agility and a genuine commitment to CRA's mission and members.

Why Join CRA?

• Lead a respected organisation with a strong reputation and clear sense of purpose
• Work alongside an engaged Board and a committed, high-performing team
• Influence national conversations on sustainability, social value and reuse
• Build on solid foundations while bringing innovation, modern leadership and fresh momentum

If you are excited by the opportunity to lead with purpose, influence and ambition, and to help shape the future of charity retail in the UK, we would love to hear from you.

For our candidate pack and details of how to apply please visit our website via the button below.