Chief Executive Officer Full Time

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is seeking an outstanding, strategic leader to guide the UK’s pre-eminent voice for local shops through its next chapter. This is a rare opportunity to lead a long established, highly respected, influential membership organisation at the heart of the UK retail sector, representing over 50,000 convenience stores from independent retailers to major national chains.

About the Association of Convenience Stores

Established in 1995, ACS is the voice of over 50,000 local shops across the UK, including independent retailers and major chains such as Sainsbury’s, Co-op, BP, and Tesco (via Booker and One Stop). ACS’s mission is to represent the interests of the convenience store sector through lobbying, regulatory advice, research, and networking. The organisation is known for its credibility, quality of engagement, and ability to influence policy, with a best-in-class events programme and sector-leading research. ACS operates as a not-for-profit, with a lean, highly experienced team and a strong reputation for collaboration across the retail and business community.

About the role

As ACS’s Chief Executive, you will work closely with the Board to set and deliver a clear strategy that ensures the organisation remains a powerful advocate for its members and the wider sector. You will lead a talented team, maintain ACS’s reputation for best-in-class research and events, and drive innovation in member engagement and commercial sustainability. The role requires a visible, credible public presence – engaging with government, media, and industry stakeholders at the highest levels.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of ACS’s strategy, ensuring it reflects the evolving needs of members and the sector.
• Act as the public face of ACS, representing the organisation in policy debates, media, and industry forums.
• Build and sustain strong relationships across a diverse membership, from independent shop owners to FTSE 100 CEOs and government officials.
• Ensuring sustainable income and value for members and supplier partners through ACS’s commercial model.
• Champion digitisation and innovation in member engagement, internal processes, and communications.
• Inspire, motivate, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a positive and inclusive culture.
• Maintain robust governance, financial discipline, and compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements.

Candidate profile

You will be a strategic, empathetic leader with a proven record of senior leadership and stakeholder engagement in a relevant context such as trade associations, membership bodies, senior retail/supplier or public affairs roles. You will bring:

• Exceptional communication and advocacy skills, with confidence in high-profile public and media settings.
• Strong political acumen and the ability to influence policy and build credibility across government and industry.
• Experience of driving organisational change, commercial growth, and digital transformation.
• A collaborative, consultative approach, able to balance member engagement with decisive leadership.
• A genuine interest in the convenience sector and the ability to quickly grasp its nuances and challenges.
• Experience of not-for-profit management, board-level governance, and financial oversight.

Package & practicalities

• Salary: Commensurate with experience.
• Location: Hybrid working, with regular presence required at ACS’s Farnborough office and frequent travel to Westminster and sector events across the UK.

How to apply

To apply, please click on the “Apply for this role” button. You will be redirected to the Odgers Group website, where you can attach your supporting statement and most recent CV as your application.

For more information or to discuss this role informally, please email thomas.ewen@odgers.com. While we try to respond to all inquiries sometimes it can prove impossible because of high-demand. In such instances we encourage you not to delay and to apply directly.

Closing date for applications: 23:59 on 16th November 2025

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