Can you lead an organisation where care, culture and community come together?
Location: Leeds, with flexible working and regular on-site presence. Some travel, including to Manchester, Liverpool, London and Dublin. Occasional evening or weekend work will be required.
Applications close: 9 a.m. Friday 4th September 2026.
Who we are
Leeds Irish Health and Homes are a much-loved and highly respected Community Benefit Society supporting Irish people and the wider community across Leeds. Through housing, welfare rights, mental health, health and wellbeing services, social prescribing, cultural activities and long-term one-to-one support, we meet people where they are and stay alongside them for as long as they need us.
Our approach is personal, holistic and rooted in relationships. We help people build independence while remaining connected to community and culture. With an annual income of around £1million, a committed team and strong partnerships locally, nationally and internationally, we consistently achieve an impact beyond our size.
About the role
Following the planned departure of our long-serving Chief Executive, we are seeking a thoughtful, ambitious and emotionally intelligent leader to guide LIHH into our next chapter.
This is an exciting moment to join us. We have recently secured ownership of our community building, creating the opportunity to develop a welcoming, accessible and vibrant hub that brings our services, activities and community together under one roof.
The development of this property will be one of the defining priorities for our new Chief Executive. You will work with our community, Board and partners to shape the vision, build a compelling case for investment and secure the funding needed to deliver it. You will lead the project through its next stages, ensuring the building becomes a sustainable long-term asset that enables LIHH to support more people and create new opportunities for connection, partnership and income generation.
Alongside leading our people and services, you will work closely with the Board to develop our strategy, maintain strong governance and strengthen our long-term financial resilience.
You will build relationships with commissioners, funders, donors, housing providers, public bodies and the Irish Government, while representing LIHH with credibility across local, national and international networks. You will also become a director of Fréa, our partnership with Irish community organisations in Manchester and Merseyside.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for someone with substantial senior leadership experience gained within, or alongside, the voluntary sector. You may come from a charity, health, housing, community services or local government background. More important than a particular career path will be your ability to lead multiple services, understand complex finances, secure and manage funding, support a high-performing and caring culture, and bring people with you through change.
You will be equally comfortable speaking with community members over a cup of tea and representing LIHH with senior decision-makers locally and internationally. You will bring sound judgement, diplomacy, warmth and resilience, alongside the confidence to make difficult decisions when needed.
You do not need to be Irish or from an Irish background. You will, however, need to understand, or quickly develop a deep understanding of, the experiences of Irish people in Britain and the role that culture, identity and community play in our work. Experience of working with diaspora or minoritised communities may be particularly relevant.
This is a rare opportunity to build on a remarkable legacy while bringing your own leadership, ideas and energy to an organisation with deep roots, strong goodwill and significant potential.
Please click on the link to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you will find full details of the role and how to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Friday 4th September 2026.
