Chief Executive – East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce

Location – Clayton-le-Moors, Lancashire
Salary – Competitive Executive Package
Contract – Permanent, Full-Time
Closing Date – 19^th July 2026

Shape the Future of East Lancashire

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce is seeking an exceptional and influential leader to become its next Chief Executive.

This is a rare opportunity to lead the region’s most important business membership organisation, championing the interests of hundreds of businesses and playing a pivotal role in driving economic growth, investment, skills development and prosperity across East Lancashire.

The successful candidate will be a visible and credible figure with the ability to influence decision-makers at local, regional and national levels. They will provide strategic leadership for the Chamber, ensuring it remains the leading voice of business while commercially thriving  – delivering high-quality services that help businesses start, grow, innovate and succeed.

Reporting to the non-exec Board, the Chief Executive will drive change, generating commercial growth, strengthening its influence, expanding its membership base and enhancing its contribution to economic development across the region.

About the Role

The Chief Executive will be responsible for the overall strategic, operational and financial leadership of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce.

They will champion the interests of East Lancashire businesses and ensure the Chamber remains at the forefront of policy development, economic growth initiatives and business support delivery. As a driven and energetic leader, they will bring together business leaders, elected representatives, public sector partners, educational institutions and national agencies.

The role requires a highly commercial and politically astute leader capable of building strong partnerships, influencing policy and delivering improvements for businesses and communities.

 

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on one of the UK’s most entrepreneurial and ambitious regions.  As Chief Executive, you will have the platform to influence policy, shape economic development priorities, support businesses and drive sustainable growth and prosperity across the region.

If you are a visionary leader with the passion, influence and determination to champion business and economic success, we would welcome your application.

To Apply

For a confidential discussion and further information, please submit your CV and supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role and your vision for supporting business growth and economic development across East Lancashire to Louise Sydenham at l.sydenham@chamberelancs.co.uk.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CEO

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and deliver the Chamber’s long-term vision, strategy and business plan.
• Provide inspirational leadership to the Chamber’s staff, members and stakeholders.
• Ensure the Chamber remains financially sustainable, commercially successful and member-focused.

Business Advocacy and Lobbying

• Act as the principal spokesperson and ambassador for East Lancashire businesses.
• Influence local, regional and national policy on behalf of Chamber members.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government departments, local authorities, elected representatives, combined authorities and national business organisations.
• Represent the Chamber in high-profile forums, consultations, policy discussions and stakeholder meetings.

Economic Development

• Champion economic growth and regeneration across East Lancashire.
• Build strong relationships with Chamber members and key stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with public and private sector partners to attract investment, jobs and opportunities into the region.
• Identify and develop strategic initiatives that strengthen the area’s economic performance and competitiveness.
• Promote innovation, entrepreneurship and business growth.
• Support initiatives that address workforce challenges, productivity and skills shortages.
• Secure external funding and investment opportunities that support economic development objectives.

Business Support Services

• Drive continuous improvement and commercial success in member services, events, training, international trade support and advisory services.
• Oversee the development and delivery of programmes that support start-ups, SMEs and larger businesses.
• Identify new service opportunities that meet the evolving needs of businesses.
• Build strategic partnerships that enhance the Chamber’s support offer.
• Ensure the Chamber remains recognised as a trusted and valued partner for business growth and development.

Financial and Corporate Governance

• Ensure robust financial management, governance and compliance.
• Lead budget development and financial planning processes.
• Identify and secure sustainable income streams and commercial opportunities.
• Support and advise the Board on strategic, financial and governance matters.
• Ensure effective risk management and organisational resilience.
• Maintain the highest standards of corporate governance and ethical leadership.

Leadership and People Management

• Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing executive and operational team.
• Create a positive organisational culture focused on performance and member value.
• Support talent development, succession planning and employee engagement.
• Ensure equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded throughout the organisation.

 

CANDIDATE PROFILE

We are seeking an accomplished and influential leader with a proven track record of delivering strategic impact within business, economic development, membership organisations, public affairs or related sectors.

Essential Experience

• Significant senior leadership experience, ideally at Chief Executive, Executive Director or equivalent level.
• Proven experience of influencing policy and lobbying decision-makers at senior levels.
• Demonstrable success in economic development, regeneration, investment promotion or business growth.
• Experience of leading business support, membership or commercial service organisations.
• Strong financial and commercial management experience.
• Experience of working effectively with Boards and governance structures.
• Evidence of building successful partnerships across public and private sectors.
• Experience of leading organisational change and growth.

Essential Skills and Attributes

• Outstanding leadership and communication skills.
• Strong political awareness and stakeholder management capability.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into delivery.
• Exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills.
• Commercially astute with strong business judgement.
• High levels of personal credibility and integrity.
• Strong media and public speaking capability.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on innovation and growth.
• Commitment to supporting businesses and driving economic prosperity.

Desirable

• Knowledge of East Lancashire and its economic landscape.
• Experience within chambers of commerce, membership organisations or economic development agencies.
• Understanding of UK business policy, local government and regional growth frameworks.
• Relevant professional or postgraduate qualifications.