FPA Chief Executive Officer

About the role

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will be the public voice of the FPA. You'll work closely with the FPA Executive Chair, FPA Board, members, and a small support team to make sure the FPA is effective, credible, and influential.

This is a hands on role in a small trade organisation. As CEO, you'll deliver against the board approved strategy, represent members, and make sure things get done - from policy and advocacy through to day to day coordination and keeping the wheels turning.

You'll be the person members, government, and stakeholders recognise as the point of contact for the FPA.

Reporting

The CEO reports to the FPA Board through the FPA Executive Chair.

What you'll be responsible for Being the voice of the FPA

• Acting as the main spokesperson and advocating for the FPA and its members.
• Leading the development of clear, practical policy positions on issues affecting the industry.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with government, regulators, and relevant industry bodies.
• Making sure the FPA's views are heard and understood when policy and regulatory decisions are being shaped.

Representing members and the industry

• Representing the FPA at meetings, events, and forums with government, industry, media, and other stakeholders.
• Promoting the association's role, credibility, and relevance.
• Keeping across emerging issues, risks, and opportunities and responding in a timely, well informed way.

Supporting and engaging members

• Championing member interests and reflecting their priorities in the association's work.
• Overseeing the development and improvement of member services and benefits.
• Building strong relationships with members to support engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
• Supporting sustainable membership growth where appropriate.

Leading the organisation

• Working with the FPA Board to deliver and regularly review the Strategic Plan.
• Providing clear, practical advice to the FPA Board to support good decision making.
• Identifying opportunities to strengthen the FPA's impact, profile, and long term sustainability.

Governance, finances, and operations

• Ensuring the FPA meets its governance, legal, and compliance obligations.
• Providing financial oversight - working closely with the FPA Treasurer, auditors and admin support to ensure resources are well managed.
• Overseeing day to day operations, recognising this is a small organisation where flexibility and pragmatism matter.

Working with people and committees

• Providing leadership and support to the FPA's sole employee and external contractors.
• Fostering a collaborative, respectful, and purpose driven culture.
• Supporting committees to work effectively and stay aligned with agreed priorities.

About you

• Experience working with boards, senior stakeholders, and external partners.
• Strong advocacy, policy, and communication skills, including confidence dealing with government and media.
• The ability to build trust and maintain constructive relationships across diverse groups.
• Sound financial understanding and comfortable working with budgets and financial reports.
• A practical, self directed approach, with the ability to juggle priorities and follow things through.
• Strong interpersonal skills and good judgment.

Desirable (but not essential)

• Experience in a trade association, professional body, or other membership organisation.
• Qualifications in business, management, or a related field.

Approximately 12 full days per month.

Home based role.

Twelve month probation period.

Either party may terminate the contract with three months' written notice.

How to apply

Please apply by email by sending your CV and a covering letter to .

The closing date for applications is 16 March 2026.

foodservicepackaging.org.uk