Atkinson HR is pleased to be supporting Worcester Students' Union in the recruitment of their next Chief Executive Officer.

Worcester Students' Union (WSU) exists to represent, support and enrich the lives of students at the University of Worcester. As a charity, everything they do is guided by a commitment to members, ensuring they have a voice, access to outstanding services, and a community they are proud to be part of.

This is a genuinely exciting moment for the organisation. WSU has a fantastic opportunity to reshape its strategy and culture, supported by a dedicated and talented staff and officer team, and is determined to deepen its reach across a diverse student body, strengthen partnerships, and build on the energy and momentum that defines life at Worcester.
 

About the role

As CEO, you'll provide overall leadership and management of WSU, taking responsibility for delivering its charitable objectives and ensuring excellent services for students. You will develop a sustainable, strategically focused organisation that is ready to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Working in close partnership with elected student leaders and the Board of Trustees, you will bring professional expertise to support governance, operational delivery, and long-term planning. You will lead a committed staff team, model the values of the organisation, and ensure that WSU continues to grow in reach, relevance, and impact across the student community.
 

About you

WSU are looking for a strategic and inspirational leader with significant senior leadership experience in a complex organisation, and a demonstrable track record of developing and delivering successful organisational strategy. You'll be financially and commercially astute, able to interpret data to inform sound decisions, and experienced in working constructively with Boards and senior external stakeholders. Experience within the Higher Education, Students' Union, charity or membership sectors is desirable, though not essential.

You'll be an empowering and energetic leader, someone who builds inclusive, high-performing teams, encourages creativity, and is willing to engage with operational delivery as well as strategic direction. You'll bring the ability to balance challenge and support, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability across the organisation.

Above all, WSU are looking for someone with a genuine commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a real passion for working in a democratic, student-led environment. You'll believe in the importance of student voice, be able to communicate a compelling shared vision to a wide range of stakeholders and demonstrate a lasting commitment to WSU's charitable objectives and long-term development.
 

How to apply

Please refer to the Candidate Information Pack and find details of how to apply.

For an informal conversation about the role and application process, please contact Nida at nida@atkinsonhrconsulting.co.uk
 

Key dates

Closing date: Midday, Tuesday 5th May 2026

Longlist interviews (remote): Tuesday 26th May 2026

Final stage interviews (In-person, Worcester): Monday 1st June 2026