Role description
Chief Executive Officer
Salary: £110,000
Location: Hybrid – Welwyn Garden City Area/Remote
Reporting to: Board of Trustees
Location: Hybrid – Welwyn Garden City Area/Remote
Direct reports: 6
Purpose: The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides inspirational leadership for IAM RoadSmart, leading a sustainable charity that delivers safer journeys for all. The CEO collaborates with members, partners, and stakeholders to influence policy, behaviour, and public understanding of road safety, combining strategic and commercial acumen to secure long-term financial sustainability, diversify income, and maximise charitable impact.
Key responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Lead the development and delivery of IAM RoadSmart’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Board.
Translate vision into clear priorities, objectives, and performance measures.
Identify opportunities to enhance the organisation’s influence, visibility, and impact in road safety and driver/rider training.
Drive innovation and diversification of commercial activities to support the organisation’s financial sustainability.
Ensure that digital, data, and technology are effectively used to improve service quality, member experience, and productivity.
Operational Leadership
Provide effective leadership to staff and volunteers, fostering a high-performance, inclusive, and values-driven culture.
Ensure efficient, safe, and compliant operations across all departments.
Establish and monitor KPIs to evaluate organisational performance and operational effectiveness, reporting regularly to the Board.
Commercial and Financial Leadership
Oversee the financial sustainability of the organisation, including budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and investment planning.
Lead strategies for growth across membership, training, fundraising, and commercial ventures.
Develop and maintain commercial partnerships, sponsorships, and new business opportunities to enhance revenue streams.
Safeguard the charity’s assets while ensuring cost-effective operations and maximising value for money.
External Relations, Partnerships & Advocacy
Act as the organisation’s chief ambassador and spokesperson to members, partners, government, and media.
Build and maintain strategic partnerships across public, private, and third sectors to support both mission and commercial objectives.
Influence national road safety policy and ensure IAM RoadSmart’s expertise and voice are recognised at all levels.
Governance & Compliance
Ensure compliance with charity law, company law, and all relevant regulations.
Support the Board of Trustees in effective governance through timely, accurate, and insightful reporting.
Ensure robust risk management frameworks are in place and actively managed, including strategic, operational, financial, and reputational risks.
Promote transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct across the organisation.
Key Deliverables
Successful delivery of the strategic and annual business plans.
Growth in membership, training uptake, and commercial income.
Strong, sustainable financial performance with diversified income streams.
Measurable impact on road safety outcomes and public influence.
High engagement, satisfaction, and performance of staff and volunteers.
Strong, collaborative relationships with stakeholders, partners, and the wider community.
Person specification
Essential Experience
Proven senior leadership experience, ideally in a membership, not-for-profit, or service-driven organisation.
Knowledge and/or experience of road safety or transport sector
Demonstrated success in developing and delivering commercially sustainable growth strategies.
Strong financial acumen, balancing mission impact with organisational sustainability.
Experience of influencing policy, government, or regulatory stakeholders.
Track record of building high-performing teams and leading cultural change and working effectively with Boards and/or non‑executive governance.
Skills & Attributes
Strategic, commercial, and entrepreneurial thinker, able to balance mission, sustainability, and growth.
Exceptional communication and influencing skills, engaging credibly with diverse audiences from members to ministers.
Strong financial management and risk oversight capabilities.
Proven ability to build partnerships across public, private, and third sectors.
Member- and customer-focused mindset, committed to service excellence.
Inspirational and inclusive leader who motivates, develops, and unites people around a shared vision.
Passionate about IAM RoadSmart’s mission and values, with integrity, resilience, and adaptability in complex environments.
