About Swanage Railway

Swanage Railway is a beloved heritage railway located in the heart of the community, attracting thousands of visitors each year. We are dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of railway transport, while providing an exceptional visitor experience. Our organisation thrives on the passion and dedication of our staff, and volunteers, and we are committed to continuous improvement and innovation.

About the role of Chief Executive

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Chief Executive to lead Swanage Railway into its next chapter of growth and success. The Chief Executive will provide strategic leadership and operational management, ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the organisation. This role requires a leader who can inspire and motivate both staff and volunteers, drive cultural change, enhance commercial and financial performance and contribute to and ultimately, drive forward the railway’s three-year business plan.

As the Chief Executive, you will be responsible for:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a long-term vision which sets a clear direction for the future of Swanage Railway.
• Leadership and Management: Unifying various departments, setting a clear vision, fostering a collaborative culture, and leading by example.
• Driving Cultural Change: Implementing strategies to embrace change, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Ensuring Compliance: Maintaining transparency, accountability, and high ethical standards, and supporting the governance review.
• Volunteer Management: Engaging and motivating volunteers, addressing recruitment and retention challenges, and creating a supportive environment.
• Operational Continuity and Improvement: Managing the existing team, ensuring safe and efficient operations, and overseeing day-to-day activities.
• Commercial and Financial Performance: Enhancing revenue, managing budgets, securing funding for capital projects, and developing revenue generation strategies.
• Destination and Visitor Experience: Promoting Swanage Railway as a tourist attraction, improving facilities and services, and enhancing the visitor experience.
• Strategic Planning and Execution: Setting goals, balancing immediate needs with long-term objectives, and developing a long-term vision.
• Community Engagement and Representation: Building relationships with stakeholders, representing Swanage Railway, and engaging with the Purbeck Community Rail Partnership.
• Educational and Charitable Objectives: Enhancing educational offerings, developing partnerships with local schools, and securing funding for educational projects.

To qualify for the Chief Executive of Swanage Railway, you must have experience of:

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within a heritage, tourism, or volunteer-led organisation.
• Strong track record of managing both staff and volunteers effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to drive cultural change within an organisation.
• Experience in enhancing commercial and financial performance, including revenue generation and securing funding for capital projects.
• Strong understanding of governance standards and compliance requirements.

To apply for the position of Chief Executive

For more information on the opportunity of Chief Executive at Swanage Railway please click the “Apply for this Role” button so that you can be diverted to the relevant page of the website of our selected search partner, Berwick Partners. Alternatively, please click on www.berwickpartners.co.uk/92241 to see the full job profile, job description and person specification.

For an informal conversation about the role please contact Tom Ewen from our selected search partner, Berwick Partners. You can contact Tom on thomas.ewen@berwickpartners.co.uk

To apply please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV along with a Covering Statement which highlights your motivations towards this opportunity and capabilities in a position of this kind. Please simply click on the Apply for this Role button on the relevant Berwick Partners job page. 

The close date for your application is set for 23:59 on SUNDAY 3^RD NOVEMBER 2024

If you have difficulties applying online, please contact the Berwick Partners recruitment team on response.manager@odgersberndtson.com