Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Inspirational Leader, Natural Communicator to Deliver Positive Change

FIS is a leading trade association servicing the fit-out and finishing sub-sector of construction.  We are seeking an experienced CEO, ideally with deep sector knowledge, who can extend FIS’s influence with government, policymakers and policy and key industry groups, and lead to drive advocacy that builds on the organisation’s work to date.

The role
The CEO will play a critical role in further building relationships and extending the community and network to influence policy and behaviours within the sector, ensuring that the good businesses in the finishes and interiors sector can thrive and prosper. They will position FIS as a source of evidence-based insight and thought leadership on the future of the finishes and interiors sector, converting member insight into clear policy positions and leading campaigns.

To achieve this, the CEO must be collaborative and engaging at all levels, communicating effectively, making vital connections and balancing the interests of a diverse membership – essentially ensuring members’ voices are heard and championed.  The CEO will inspire confidence across the sector through visible, authentic and values-led leadership on the issues that matter most to members.

About the Finishes and Interiors Sector
FIS is the not-for-profit representative body for a £13 billion finishes and interiors sector in the UK. The organisation exists to support our members, improve safety, minimise risk, enhance productivity and drive innovation in the sector.

 

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The Opportunity
To lead the organisation that shapes the future of one of the UK’s most important specialist construction sectors at a time of significant policy, regulatory, skills, safety, procurement and commercial change. The CEO will build on FIS’s established credibility, strengthen its influence, and help secure a more resilient and sustainable future, for the finishes and interiors sector.

Role Purpose
This is a pivotal moment for FIS and its members. The next CEO will ensure FIS builds on established credibility and extend the organisation’s influence as the recognised voice for the sector and a trusted, evidence-led partner to government, policymakers, regulators, clients, members and others, helping to form the strategic alliances that will deliver change.

The CEO is responsible for providing leadership to the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS), setting the organisation’s direction, strengthening its influence, impact and ensuring it delivers clear value for members.

Working closely with the Board and wider membership, the CEO will shape and deliver the long-term strategic direction of FIS, champion the interests of members, and represent the sector at the highest levels of policy, government and industry. The role requires a visible, collaborative and commercially aware leader who can build strategic partnerships and secure positive impact across the sector and the wider built environment.

As the public face of FIS, the CEO will lead through influence, evidence, collaboration and strategic vision.  Key areas of focus will include:

• enhanced procurement, payment and contract management practices, including responsible and timely payment and the abolition of retentions
• furthering construction health and safety
• skills and competency
• addressing diversity issues through the supply chain
• making headway in driving visibility of career opportunities across specialist fit-out trades and the wider construction, helping to dispel any negative perceptions.

Whilst the CEO will retain strategic oversight and ultimate accountability for the organisation, they will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Senior Leadership Team who will remain responsible for day-to-day operational delivery.

What We Are Looking For

Essential

• Proven experience operating at CEO or senior executive level, with accountability for organisational strategy, performance and reputation.
• A demonstrable track record of influencing government, policymakers, regulators and senior industry stakeholders, and of securing tangible policy or legislative outcomes.
• Strong understanding of the UK construction sector and the contractual and procurement landscape, with the ability to build credibility quickly with members, policymakers and industry stakeholders.
• Experience of working with a Non-Executive Board and of operating within a formal governance framework.
• Commercial and financial acumen, including budget ownership and the development of sustainable income streams.
• An authentic, visible and confident leadership style, with the credibility and gravitas to act as principal spokesperson for a sector.
• Experience of leading, supporting and developing a senior leadership team, with the judgement to delegate operational delivery while retaining strategic oversight.

Desirable

• Background in a trade association, membership body or similar member-led organisation.
• Knowledge of the finishes and interiors sector, specialist fit-out or the wider offsite and specialist contracting supply chain.
• Experience of media, PR, public affairs or and campaign leadership at a national level.
• Experience of leading a strategic planning cycle from development through to delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

Sector Leadership & Influence

• Act as the principal ambassador and spokesperson for the FIS Membership.
• Build productive relationships with government departments, policymakers, regulators, clients, professional institutions and industry partners, through effective lobbying.
• Influence policy and legislation affecting the sector.
• Represent FIS at national forums, conferences and strategic industry groups.

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the SLT to develop and deliver the long-term strategic vision for FIS through a new 2028-2030 Strategy.
• Work with the Board to establish strategic priorities and oversee organisational performance.
• Work with the SLT to identify emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the finishes and interiors sector.

Governance

• Work closely with the Board to ensure effective governance.
• Have oversight of compliance with legal, financial and regulatory obligations.
• Maintain strong financial stewardship and appropriate risk management.
• Support the Board in making informed strategic decisions through timely reporting and advice.

Commercial Growth

• Identify new strategic opportunities through advocacy work.
• Support the Senior Leadership Team to develop new sources of sustainable income and strengthen existing commercial partnerships.
• Ensure FIS remains financially sustainable and resilient.

Reporting Relationships

The CEO reports to the President / Board of Directors.

The CEO provides strategic leadership to the Executive Team and delegates operational management to the COO and SLT, ensuring accountability for delivery and maintaining oversight of organisational performance.

What Success Looks Like in the First Three Years

By the end of the first three years, the CEO will ensure the following strategic priorities have been achieved:

• FIS further develops as the first point of reference for government, regulators and wider industry on all matters related to the sector.
• Specific policy, legislative or industry commitments being secured that support positive transformation in the sector.
• FIS being recognised by members as a trusted community that connects, supports and represents the sector effectively.
• FIS has further increased its profile, influence and reputation through effective use of strategic alliances, producing practical programmes, campaigns or interventions that support positive transformation in the sector.
• FIS has a financially resilient and sustainable operating model, with income, reserves and commercial partnerships aligned to strategic priorities.
• The COO, SLT and Executive team delivering agreed objectives with clear accountability.
• The 2028–2030 strategy being Board-approved, member-supported and impact-measured.

If you are interested in this role, please send your application to janeknight@thefis.org by 11 September 2026.