Chief Executive Officer
 
Seta | Sunderland Engineering Training Association
 
Sunderland, North East
£90,000-£100,000 + Benefits
 
FIND has been appointed by Seta to lead the search for its next Chief Executive Officer.
 
This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the North East’s most respected engineering training providers.
Following the planned retirement of the current CEO after 12 successful years leading the organisation, the Board is seeking an exceptional leader to guide Seta through its next chapter.
 
Seta plays a critical role within the engineering and manufacturing community, supporting employers through high-quality apprenticeships, technical training and workforce development.
 
The organisation works with a broad range of employers, from SME and owner-managed engineering businesses through to nationally recognised brands including Rolls Royce.
 
Known for teaching and learning excellence, employer partnerships and operational quality, Seta has built an outstanding reputation across the region.
 
About Seta

• Not-for-profit 
• Approximately 35 colleagues
• Circa £2.8m annual turnover
• Approximately £350k annual surplus
• Deeply embedded within the North East engineering and manufacturing ecosystem

  
Seta operates as a purpose-led, not-for-profit organisation. Social impact and learner outcomes sit at the centre of decision making, whilst maintaining strong commercial discipline and financial sustainability.
 
The Role
This is a broad leadership role with responsibility across:

• Strategic leadership
• Operational performance
• Financial management
• Employer engagement
• Governance and compliance
• Apprenticeship delivery and quality
• Organisational culture and leadership

  
The CEO leads a senior leadership team spanning:

• Operations
• Commercial Training 
• Apprenticeships
• Sales & Employer Engagement

  
This is a hands-on executive leadership position requiring someone comfortable operating strategically whilst remaining close to the business. 
The successful individual will work closely with the Chair and Board of Trustees within a robust governance environment.
 
Candidate Profile

We are particularly interested in speaking with:

• Senior leaders from engineering apprenticeship, FE or Independent Training Provider environments or
• Engineering or manufacturing business leaders with a genuine passion for technical education and apprenticeships

  
The successful individual is likely to demonstrate:

• Strong commercial and financial capability
• Experience leading multi-functional teams
• Passion for engineering and manufacturing
• Credibility with employers and stakeholders
• Strong operational leadership capability
• Diligence and attention to detail
• Experience operating within regulated or funded environments
• A values-led leadership style aligned to a not-for-profit culture

  
Most importantly, this role requires someone passionate about supporting engineering skills, apprenticeships and the long-term success of North East industry.
 
Package

• £90,000-£100,000 salary
• Significant bonus potential (discretionary based on board approval)
• 6% employer pension contribution
• Private healthcare
• 26 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Additional annual leave with service
• Full-time onsite leadership role