Job Description

Job Overview

Merton Chamber of Commerce is an area-based Chamber in South West London with a proud history of serving the local business community. With over 11,000 businesses across the borough, we actively engage with approximately 2,500 and have a membership base of over 650.

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead Merton Chamber towards achieving its strategic goals and objectives. Reporting to the Chair and Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for delivering the Chamber's mission and business plan - ensuring Merton continues to be a place where businesses thrive, innovate, and feel supported whilst strengthening the financial resilience of the Chamber.

As the Chamber's most senior representative, the CEO will lead efforts to expand engagement, grow membership, enhance the Chamber's visibility and reputation, and build meaningful partnerships that deliver value to the business community and the borough's wider economy.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

Develop and implement a rolling 3-year strategic business plan, including measurable annual objectives aligned with the Chamber's mission. Lead on the Chamber's contribution to borough-wide and regional business strategy, influencing key stakeholders and ensuring business priorities are represented. Drive service development and innovation, including exploring the use of AI and digital tools to enhance delivery and efficiency.
Board Governance & Compliance

Schedule and organise meetings of the Board, Finance, and HR Committees, ensuring accurate reports, KPIs and minutes are delivered. Organise the Annual General Meeting in line with constitutional requirements. Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements including Companies House, HMRC and The Pensions Regulator. Recruit and induct new Board members as required.
Finance & Resource Management

Prepare the annual operational budget and monitor financial performance, reporting regularly to the Finance Committee. Work with the Chamber's external bookkeeping and accountancy services firm to ensure financial information is accurate and up to date. Lead income generation strategies, including membership, sponsorship and grant funding contracts. Develop and implement an annual sponsorship plan.
Operations & Service Delivery

Oversee the Chamber's core services, including: The Merton Best Business Awards Annual events and workshops programme Membership services and customer care Merton Giving - a local charitable giving initiative Report on service performance in line with contract and sponsorship requirements. Regularly review processes to achieve operational efficiency, paying particular attention to the membership journey (and renewals) and other key stakeholder journeys. Commit to a process of continuous improvement for services, ensuring core services meet the needs of local businesses.
People Leadership & HR

Lead and manage a small team comprising employed staff and external resources. Oversee recruitment, development and performance management processes. Work with the HR Committee on employment terms, salary reviews and pension compliance.
Marketing, Communications & Profile

Develop and deliver an annual marketing and communications plan, including brand, content and event promotion. Oversee the Chamber's website, ensuring effective management by external providers and timely updates by the team. Oversee the implementation of our brand guidelines and Communication Strategy. Oversee the development of all comms, including bi-monthly newsletter and social media. Act as the public face of the Chamber and seek opportunities to raise the profile of our work, through public speaking, media engagement and strategic forums.
Partnerships & Membership Engagement

Develop and sustain relationships with key stakeholders including the Council, education providers, local BIDs, community partners and regional bodies. Work closely with the London Chamber of Commerce and the South London Partnership to amplify Merton's business voice. Increase membership through targeted engagement, events and outreach. Conduct business surveys and research to guide service development.

Requirements

Essential

Demonstrated leadership and project management experience, with the ability to inspire and manage teams. Strong understanding of small business needs and challenges, ideally within a local economy context. Confident financial manager, with experience of setting and monitoring budgets and achieving income targets. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to lead public events and workshops. Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build trust with senior business stakeholders and sponsors.
Desirable

Knowledge of Merton's business environment and stakeholder landscape. Experience of working with or securing public sector funding. Familiarity with governance and compliance in a not-for-profit or membership-based organisation. Tech and social media savvy.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 38,500.00-42,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 24 per week

Benefits:

Company events Transport links
Application question(s):

Are you able to work and attend Chamber events in SW London?
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in London SW19 4BD