Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

At Croydon Community Energy, we bring community-owned renewable energy to Croydon – developing solar PV on community buildings and reinvesting the benefits locally to cut carbon and support communities.

Want to help turn rooftops into local power?

The role and its impact

This is a part-time CEO role providing hands-on leadership so CCE can deliver projects well, support volunteers, and build strong partnerships. Working with the Board, you will help move projects from early-stage development through to installation and reporting.

Key details

• Salary: £45,000 FTE pro rata (2 days/week = £18,000 per year)
• Hours: 2 days per week (flexible working pattern by agreement – evenings and weekends may be required)
• Contract: Fixed term for 12 months (with ambition to extend subject to funding)
• Location: Hybrid/home-based with regular presence in Croydon and occasional London travel
• Start date: 1 April 2026 (flexible)
• Reporting to: Chair of the Board (accountable to the Board of Directors)
• Contract basis: Self-employed contractor. You will manage your own tax and National Insurance and invoice CCE monthly.

What you’ll be working on

• Deliver CCE’s strategy and Board priorities, turning plans into clear actions, timelines and decisions.
• Coordinate the solar project pipeline with the Projects Director and delivery partners (from feasibility to commissioning and post-install monitoring).
• Oversee budgets, cashflow tracking and financial reporting with the Finance Director; keep risks visible and managed.
• Develop and deliver fundraising plans (grants, sponsorship, partnerships and, where relevant, community share offers).
• Enable good governance: board papers and updates, decisions logs, AGMs and member communications where relevant.
• Support and coordinate volunteers, fostering an inclusive, motivated culture and making it easy for people to contribute.
• Build relationships with key local stakeholders and represent CCE externally when needed.

This job is for you if…

• you are motivated by community energy, climate action and community benefit
• you can set direction, organise delivery and bring people with you (in paid or unpaid roles)
• you are confident planning and delivering projects, prioritising well and managing risks
• you can build trust with stakeholders across communities, funders, delivery partners and local government
• you are financially literate and comfortable with budgets and responsible spending decisions
• you can support good governance and work well with a Board or committee
• you communicate clearly, stay organised, and can work independently in a small organisation

It helps if you have…

• renewable energy and/or community solar project development experience
• fundraising, grant management and/or community share offer experience
• experience in co-operatives, social enterprises, charities, or volunteer-led organisations
• knowledge of Croydon and its communities, or experience working in a diverse urban borough
• experience in policy, advocacy or sector collaboration

If you do not meet every point, please still consider applying – we care about potential and values as well as experience.

Equal opportunities and accessibility

CCE is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from groups under-represented in the community energy sector.

If you are disabled (as defined under the Equality Act 2010) and meet the minimum criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. Please tell us what reasonable adjustments would help you take part. Information can be provided in alternative formats on request.

Funding for this role

CCE has been awarded £20,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund to deliver this role. The incoming CEO will help secure further funding to increase days worked and extend the role.

How to apply

Apply below via CharityJob with:

• Your CV
• A cover letter (max 2 pages) explaining how you meet the essential criteria and why you want the role

Closing date: Friday 27 February 2026 at 5pm
Shortlisting: w/c 2 March 2026
Interviews: w/c 9 March 2026 (online / in person in Croydon)
Task: Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a short task in advance (questions shared ahead of time)
Second stage (if required): w/c 16 March 2026
Data protection: We handle applicant data confidentially and retain it only as long as necessary.