Managing Director Designate

Contract Term: Permanent Location: Newport, Isle of Wight Contract Type: Full time, 37 hours per week, some flexibility required to meet work demands. Salary Range: £40,000 to £45,000 plus relocation assistance if appropriate. Closing date: 23 rd October 2026 The role This new position is a key part of our succession planning. The successful candidate will assume increasing responsibilities, working closely with and then succeeding the current Managing Director. The transition period will be tailored to the selected candidate's needs, ensuring the timing is right for them to take on full executive responsibility. The organisation Natural Enterprise (NE) carries out a range of activities which help deliver economic development and environmental improvement on the Isle of Wight, focusing specifically on the natural environment and rural economy. NE does this through a ‘multi-agency' approach, working closely with partners such as the Isle of Wight Council, Environment Agency, Natural England, Southern Water, Royal Isle of Wight Agricultural Society, and other public and private bodies. The Board of NE has representation from the private, public, voluntary and community sectors.  NE is passionate about making a positive impact.  We provide a wide range of services, both locally and regionally, from economic development work to extensive project delivery and managing European and other Rural & Economic Development Funding Programmes. Our team combines expertise in sustainable development, project management skills and experience of delivering practical solutions for our clients and partners. NE's profits are reinvested for the sole benefit of the Isle of Wight, its communities and countryside. We aim to make a positive difference to the communities we live and work in. Purpose of the role You will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the business, managing a team of 8 people. You will lead business development activities to deliver new income streams. You will manage and deliver key projects and contracts. You will represent NE at customer, stakeholder, partner, and funder meetings. Personal qualities There is no ideal profile of the ‘right' candidate. You may come from the private, public, voluntary or community sectors. You may already be part of the Island community or aspire to be part of it. However, we expect to see certain personal qualities in strong candidates. These include a commitment to community involvement and strong leadership qualities. You should be able to enhance the organisation's reputation for creative problem solving and effective project management. At the heart of your skill set will be excellent interpersonal skills, relationship-building expertise and an open, positive mindset. You will have a track record of commerciality, entrepreneurial flair and a passion for economic development and environmental improvement. If you would like to learn more about this role by speaking with the current Managing Director, Graham Biss, you can contact him on 01983 296244. If you would like to apply for this position, please email sian.grove@naturalenterprise.co.uk