Chief Executive Officer

This is a rare opportunity to lead a truly unique organisation supporting people who have experienced homelessness through community, purpose and meaningful work.

As Chief Executive, you will provide strategic, operational and cultural leadership, ensuring the organisation delivers on its mission while remaining sustainable and forward-thinking.

You will work closely with the Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers and companions to create a safe, inclusive and empowering environment, while leading on:

• Strategic planning and governance
• Financial sustainability and organisational performance
• Social enterprise growth and innovation
• Safeguarding and regulatory compliance
• Community development and companion support
• External partnerships and stakeholder engagement

This is a hands-on leadership role where visibility, compassion and strong decision-making are key.

We are seeking a confident and empathetic leader with a strong track record in senior management.

You will bring:

• Proven senior leadership experience in a charity, social enterprise or complex organisation
• Experience managing budgets, operations and organisational risk
• Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams
• Confidence working with boards and governance structures
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• A strong alignment with the Emmaus ethos of solidarity and community
• Emotional intelligence, resilience and a practical, hands-on approach
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Experience in homelessness, supported housing or social enterprise is desirable but not essential.

Part of the wider Emmaus UK federation, Emmaus Hastings & Rother offers more than accommodation — it provides a home, belonging and opportunities to rebuild lives through its social enterprise. The community supports up to 23 companions working across two retail sites.

Emmaus is a unique, secular organisation supporting people affected by homelessness and social exclusion. There are currently Emmaus communities across the UK, stretching from Glasgow to Dover and Norfolk to South Wales. Collectively, the Emmaus Federation supports more than 1,000 people with experience of homelessness.

To receive the full job pack or arrange an informal discussion, please send your CV to lizzy.clark@harrishill.co.uk .

Please note, CVs are reviewed on a rolling basis, and due to the high volume of applications, only suitable candidates will be contacted with further information. The deadline for full applications is 13th April , so please express your interest before this date.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Emmaus UK provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination. We are dedicated to an inclusive culture, and we strive to create a workplace where teams of people with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, perspectives, ideas, and experiences work together. We welcome applications from all individuals irrespective of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, marital status, or parental responsibilities.

To ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for our roles, all our applications are anonymised until an interview has been confirmed so that shortlisting is based solely upon the suitability of the candidate’s experience.