VACANCY: Executive Chair of Produced in Kent

Location: Kent (Remote/flexible with occasional in-person meetings and visits to members)
Commitment: Part-time (2 days per week)
Remuneration: £20,000 per annum
Start date: Handover from 1 December 2025, paid role starts on 1 January 2026

About Produced in Kent
Produced in Kent is the leading trade organisation championing the county’s vibrant food, drink, and craft businesses. We support over 300 members and industry partners with marketing, advocacy and business advice, helping to grow Kent’s reputation as a fine food hub while preserving its heritage and local economy. We work with Kent’s vineyards, farm shops, cheesemakers, bakers, chocolatiers, artisan food producers, butchers, wholesalers, brewers and growers as well as our thriving craft and hospitality membership. You can find out more on our website.

The Role
We are seeking an experienced Executive Chair to lead our board and support our small but dedicated two-person team. This is a dream role for someone passionate about the food and drink sector in Kent, with strong industry connections and executive experience to replace our current Executive Chair who is retiring. Our preference is for someone who is a Kent/Medway resident.

You will play a key part in delivering our agreed strategic vision and programme of work, advocating for our members and ensuring the continued success and sustainability of Produced in Kent. You will provide strategic oversight, ensuring the organisation stays on course with its current goals and financial plans.

Key Responsibilities
• Provide strategic leadership, ensuring Produced in Kent fulfils its mission (as set out by the board) and supports members effectively.
• Chair board meetings, setting the agenda and facilitating discussions that drive progress while ensuring financial stability.
• Act as a mentor to the team and our members offering guidance and support when needed.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including businesses, policymakers and funders.
• Act as an ambassador, raising the organisation’s profile and influence in the sector both within Kent and further afield.
• Identify opportunities for growth, funding and partnerships to enhance Produced in Kent’s impact, while ensuring that the organisation can deliver within its current capacity and resources.
• Ensure good governance and effective decision-making at board level.

Key Requirements
To be eligible for this role you will need to be able to fulfil all of these key requirements:
• Proven experience as a non-executive director (NED) or in a senior leadership role.
• To be a passionate advocate for local food, sustainability, the growing community and economic development.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• To be a strategic thinker with experience driving organisational growth and impact within a tight funding framework.
• Experience of governance, finance and funding opportunities in the not-for-profit or trade membership sectors.

Desirable
• A strong existing network and contacts within Kent’s food, drink and/or hospitality sectors and with partner organisations.
• Experience of working closely with central/local government, and/or with public body committees, particularly in relation to economic development.

Why Join Us?
• This is a truly rewarding opportunity to work with Kent’s vibrant food and drink sector and be their champion.
• Work with a dedicated team and engaged board to make a real impact.
• Flexible, part-time role that fits around other commitments.

To Apply:
Please send your CV (maximum 2 pages) and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role against the key and desirable requirements (above), to susie@susiews.com by midnight on 1 August 2025.

Interviews to be held on 1st and 2nd of September.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Susie at the above email address.