Pancreatic Cancer Action (PCA) is a pioneering UK charity dedicated to saving lives through early diagnosis, public education, and vigorous advocacy. Despite pancreatic cancer being one of the most lethal forms of cancer, it currently attracts only 3% of overall cancer research funding. Our mission is to transform these figures and significantly improve survival rates.
Founded in 2010 by a rare pancreatic cancer survivor, our work impacts patients, families, healthcare professionals, and policymakers alike across the UK. As a leading charity in the health and cancer sectors, we are dedicated to taking action to ensure more people are diagnosed early and in time for surgery.
We are seeking a visionary Chief Executive to steer our next phase of growth and deliver strategic impact within the health and cancer sectors.
Chief Executive Officer – Pancreatic Cancer Action
Lead the fight against pancreatic cancer
Flexible, remote working options available
Salary: up to £60,000 FTE, based on experience (flexible, with full-time or part-time arrangements)
Key role responsibilities
As our Chief Executive Officer, you will be instrumental in:
Setting the strategic vision: Direct PCA’s long-term strategy to drive measurable change in symptom awareness, survival rates and improved patient care.
Enhancing income streams: Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, securing grants, corporate partnerships, and major donations to ensure financial sustainability.
Engaging the health sector: Collaborate with the NHS, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to advocate for earlier diagnosis, improved pancreatic cancer care and higher survival rates.
Representing the charity: Serve as the public face and spokesperson for PCA, cultivating strategic partnerships and raising awareness across media and stakeholder groups.
Leading the Team: Inspire and manage a high-performing, inclusive team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
Ensuring Financial Resilience: Oversee budgeting, risk management, and financial planning to secure PCA’s future.
About you
We are looking for a dynamic, strategic leader with a proven track record in the charity sector. Ideal candidates will have:
Significant leadership experience (as a CEO, Director, or senior leader within a charity or third sector organisation).
Robust knowledge of the health sector, ideally with experience working alongside the NHS, healthcare charities, or public health initiatives.
A strong history of fundraising success, including securing grants, corporate sponsorships, and major gifts.
A demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans that drive growth and impact.
Expertise in managing change and transforming organisational practices.
Excellent communication skills, with confidence in media engagements, public speaking, and advocacy.
Sound financial acumen and experience in budget oversight and risk management.
A deep commitment to improving early diagnosis and survival rates for pancreatic cancer.
If you are an experienced Chief Executive seeking a flexible, part-time arrangement, we are open to tailored opportunities that balance leadership excellence with work-life balance.
What we offer
Salary: up to £60,000 FTE, based on experience
Work-Life Balance: Flexible working arrangements, including remote working, available for both full-time and part-time roles
Holidays: 25 days per year (FTE), plus public holidays, employee’s birthday, and closure between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Pension: Employer contribution of 3%
Inclusive Culture: A supportive working environment that values professional development and employee wellbeing
Ready to make a real impact in driving change in the fight against pancreatic cancer? To receive an Information Pack for this role with full details on how to apply, please send an expression of interest and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile in confidence to our consultant, Jenny Hills at executive@harrishill.co.uk. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny at the above address with suitable times to speak.
Closing date for applications: 9am, Tuesday 22nd April.
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.
