Chief Executive Officer

Lead YMCA Leicestershire into its next chapter, building a more connected, inclusive and ambitious future for young people and communities.

• Location: Leicester
• Salary: £90,000
• Closing date: CLOSED FOR APPLICATIONS

YMCA Leicestershire is looking for a new Chief Executive to lead the organisation through its next phase of development.

Supporting young people and communities across Leicester, YMCA Leicestershire provides supported housing, homelessness services, well-being support, residential care and creative community programmes that help people build confidence, independence and opportunity.

This is a significant leadership opportunity within a respected and deeply rooted organisation that is ready to evolve. You will join at a time of cultural and strategic transition, with the opportunity to strengthen collaboration, modernise ways of working and build long-term sustainability, while staying closely connected to the organisation’s mission and values.

The board is looking for a thoughtful and credible leader who can bring clarity, stability and ambition, while building trust with staff, partners, funders and the wider community.

Who we are

YMCA Leicestershire believes everyone should have a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become. Every year, we work alongside hundreds of young people and adults who are experiencing homelessness, instability, poor mental health or social isolation, helping them move towards safer, healthier and more independent lives.

Our services range from supported accommodation for young people aged 16–25 and a children’s residential home, to well-being support, employment initiatives and YASC, our welcoming day centre for people experiencing homelessness. We also run The Y Theatre, an important creative and community space in Leicester city centre.

Alongside practical support, we create opportunities for young people to build confidence, friendships and skills through employment, volunteering, arts, sport and resident engagement programmes.

From helping residents move into work through Project Flourish, to creating community spaces like Roots 2 Resilience, we focus on recognising strengths, potential and aspiration.

About the role

As Chief Executive, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to a complex and ambitious organisation delivering support across housing, homelessness, residential care and community services.

Leading YMCA Leicestershire’s supported housing and accommodation pathway for young people, ensuring services not only provide safety and stability, but also support young people’s personal development, confidence, independence and future aspirations.

You will lead YMCA Leicestershire through a significant period of organisational transition and change, helping to strengthen culture, rebuild trust and collaboration across teams, review and modernise ways of working, and shape a clear and ambitious vision for the future.

YMCA Leicestershire’s approach is rooted in trauma-informed and strengths-based practice, recognising the resilience, potential and aspirations of the young people it supports. The Chief Executive will play an important role in embedding these approaches consistently across the organisation’s culture, leadership and services.

This could suit an experienced Chief Executive seeking a broader and more complex leadership challenge, or a senior leader ready to step into their first Chief Executive role within a substantial and mission-led organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading YMCA Leicestershire’s supported housing and accommodation.
• Leading the development of the organisation’s next strategic plan.
• Strengthening financial sustainability and diversifying income streams.
• Building effective relationships with commissioners, funders and city-wide partners.
• Developing a positive, accountable and inclusive organisational culture.
• Supporting and developing the senior leadership team.
• Working closely with trustees to strengthen governance and strategic focus.
• Acting as a visible ambassador for YMCA Leicestershire externally.

This role requires a leader who can balance strategic thinking with operational oversight, while remaining connected to the experiences of the young people and communities YMCA Leicestershire exists to serve.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a values-led leader who can combine warmth, emotional intelligence and strong relationship-building skills with strategic clarity and sound operational judgement.

You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience within a multi-service organisation.
• Experience of organisational change, service development or cultural transformation.
• Experience of working with young people in housing, homelessness, social care or related settings.
• An understanding of trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches and their importance in supporting young people to thrive.
• Strong financial and operational understanding.
• Experience of leading through complexity, ambiguity or transition.
• The ability to build trusted relationships across staff teams, boards and external partnerships.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• A commitment to inclusive leadership and strengths-based approaches.

Most importantly, you will bring a genuine commitment to supporting young people and communities and be motivated by the opportunity to lead an organisation that is ambitious about the difference it can make in young people’s lives.

To view the role description and person specification, please go to the ‘How to Apply’ tab above, fill in your details and download the candidate pack.

For further information or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultant at Peridot Partners:

Clare Chesworth | clarec@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07904 158737