Worth Abbey, Crawley, West Sussex Salary £100,000 + benefits (full-time or pro-rata 4 days per week)  

Worth Abbey is a Roman Catholic Benedictine Monastery set in an area of outstanding natural beauty south of London, near Gatwick Airport. It was founded from Downside Abbey in 1933 and has been an inde­pendent Monastic Community since 1957. 

The Monastic Community ministers to many people, especially through parish work and active support of the life of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton. Our work of education of the young through Worth School is complemented with a retreat programme (The Open Cloister). Outreach Peru continues to support the work begun by Worth monks among the poor­est sectors of Peruvian church and society. The Wellspring Community, a Private Lay Association of the Faithful, is formed in their Bene­dictine identity by the Monastic Community for service in the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton. 

The Discipleship Project represents an emerging initiative through which Worth Abbey seeks to achieve greater cohesion between its existing pastoral endeavours, as well as developing new modes of outreach into the future.

The Abbot and the Trustees of Worth Abbey wish to appoint a permanent post holder to this new post as Chief Executive to assist the Abbot in his governance responsibilities and to assist in the development of the strategic direction of Worth Abbey and to manage the day to day business of Worth Abbey and its subsidiary Companies.

The essential professional requirements of the post holder are:

• A broad range of business, senior leadership and management skills 
• Experience of property management. 
• Knowledge of hospitality businesses and markets (e.g. retreat centres, hotels, catering). 
• The ability to develop and implement strategy and policy at a high level
• Sound financial management & contract negotiation knowledge and experience
• Commercial experience in organisations with complex stakeholder interests 
• Experience of ensuring good board level governance and implementing business planning 
• Well-developed people skills 
• Excellent administrative, IT and organisation skills
• Able to demonstrate nurturing a culture that embraces change, challenge and strives to achieve

Worth School is a separate legal entity with its own governance structure that uses land, buildings, personnel and other facilities provided by Worth Abbey and provides services to Worth Abbey.

The post holder will be in sympathy with the values of the Catholic Church and the work of the Abbey and the School. Tact, diplomacy, professional competence and intellect are paramount. 

The personality and ability to exercise authority in a diplomatic manner, and a forward-looking approach to challenges and opportunities is essential. The successful candidate will demonstrate evidence of vison, adaptability, entrepreneurship, energy, stamina and resilience. Above all the individual will have the energy, integrity and personality to engage with all in the Community to make a difference and contribute to the lasting legacy of Worth Abbey and its associated organisations. 

To apply please download further details of the position from maryleboneexecutivesearch.com/jobs

Apply online by submitting your full curriculum vitae detailing your qualifications, skills and experience together with a Personal Statement clearly outlining your motivation to undertake the role and how you meet the competencies required for the position as stated in the Person Specification.

For an informal confidential discussion call Richard Evans on:

079 5898 4161 or 020 3126 4858

Closing date for applications:                   30^th September 

Long List interviews:                                 4^th– 12th October

Candidate visits to Worth Abbey:             w/c 15th October 

Final Panel Interviews:                               w/c 22nd October

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.  References, a DBS check and other checks relevant to the position and in line with safer recruitment requirements will be conducted on the successful applicant.

To find out more visit:  

www.worthabbey.net    www.benedictines.org.uk