Chief Executive Officer

Could you lead the national voice of UK ceramics and help shape the future of one of Britain’s foundation industries?

Ceramics UK is the national trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers across the UK ceramics sector. The industry contributes around £2 billion in economic value and supports approximately 20,000 jobs, supplying essential products to construction, healthcare, defence, aerospace, electronics, energy, food production, hospitality, advanced manufacturing and the creative industries.

This is a pivotal time for the sector. From energy and industrial policy, decarbonisation and fair international trade to skills, innovation and investment, the decisions made today will determine the competitiveness and resilience of UK ceramics for years to come. We are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead Ceramics UK through its next phase of development.

Reporting to the President and Management Committee, the Chief Executive Officer will provide clear strategic direction and ensure Ceramics UK continues to deliver meaningful value for its members and stakeholders. Leading a team of eleven, you will strengthen the organisation’s influence, maintain its financial sustainability and ensure a consistently high standard of member service.

As the principal ambassador and advocate for the UK ceramics sector, you will work closely with industry leaders, Government, Parliament, regulators, academic institutions and strategic partners. You will champion the sector’s interests, build understanding of its national importance and help create the conditions for its continued growth, competitiveness and sustainability.

This is far more than an organisational leadership role. It is an opportunity to influence national policy, represent an industry with a world-renowned heritage and an exciting future, and make a lasting contribution to UK manufacturing.

• Lead the delivery of Ceramics UK’s strategic plan, advise the President and Management Committee, and drive organisational performance.
• Strengthen Ceramics UK’s voice with Government, Parliament and regulators, leading advocacy on energy, trade, industrial strategy, skills and decarbonisation.
• Build trusted, productive relationships with members, industry leaders, partners and other key stakeholders.
• Grow membership and retention, while developing partnerships, sponsorship and appropriate commercial opportunities.
• Lead, support and develop the Ceramics UK team, bringing stability, confidence and a strong performance culture.
• Oversee finance, HR, governance, health and safety, compliance and risk, while protecting the organisation’s reputation.

We are looking for a strategic, collaborative and outward-looking leader who can inspire a team, engage a diverse membership and represent the industry with authority and credibility.

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience, with a strong record of strategic planning and organisational leadership.
• Experience of government relations, advocacy or political lobbying, with the judgement to operate confidently in complex stakeholder environments.
• Commercial and financial management capability, together with a focus on organisational sustainability and member value.
• Outstanding communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Experience of developing and empowering high-performing teams.

Experience with in manufacturing or a membership organisation, an understanding of industrial policy, and knowledge of the UK ceramics sector would be advantageous, but direct ceramics experience is not essential.