Chair of Trading Board
Midlands Arts Centre Closing date: Mon, 28 Sep 2026
- Part time
- Unpaid
- Apply now
Tue, 01 Sep 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
The relationship between the Charity and its Trading company is fundamental to our success.
As Chair of the Trading Board, you will help ensure that commercial activity supports charitable purpose, that governance arrangements remain effective, and that both boards have the information and assurance needed to make good decisions.
This is more than a conventional subsidiary chair role. The successful candidate will play a key role in connecting the governance of both organisations and helping to maintain strong alignment between commercial performance, organisational values and strategic priorities.
The role is particularly important as we continue to strengthen our commercial activities and maximise the contribution they make to long-term sustainability.
The role provides an opportunity to shape our long-term financial sustainability by ensuring that commercial activity is governed effectively, commercial ambitious and firmly aligned with our public benefit objectives.
The Chair of the Trading Board provides leadership to the Board and ensures that the Trading Company is governed effectively, operates sustainably and delivers commercial success in support of the Charity's mission.
As the principal link between the Trading Board and Charity Board, the Chair plays a key role in ensuring alignment between commercial activity and charitable purpose. Working closely with the Charity Chair, Chair of the Finance & Governance Committee, Chief Executive & senior leadership team, the Chair helps ensure oversight, sound decision-making and strong governance.
Job Requirements
Person Specification
Essential Experience:
Significant board level experience as a Chair, Trustee, Non-Executive Director, Company Director or equivalent sector leader
Strong understanding of governance, accountability and board effectiveness
Experience of operating within complex organisational structures, ideally involving charities, subsidiaries or group arrangements
Demonstrable experience of financial oversight, strategic planning and risk management
Ability to build effective relationships and influence across multiple stakeholder groups
Excellent judgement, diplomacy and communication skills
Desirable Experience:
Commercial leadership experience within hospitality, retail, leisure, culture or other customer-facing trading environments
Experience of charity governance and the relationship between charities and wholly-owned trading subsidiaries
Knowledge of the cultural, charitable or not-for-profit sectors
Job Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Governance
Lead and chair the Trading Board, ensuring effective governance, compliance and challenge
Focus the Board on strategy, performance, sustainability and risk
Support a skilled and diverse Board, including succession and development
Charity & Trading Relationship
Act as the key link between the Trading and Charity Boards
Work with the Chair of Finance & Governance on performance, budgets, financial risk and sustainability
Report significant trading matters and risks to the Charity Board and, where appropriate, its Committees
Promote effective relationships and information sharing between Directors, Trustees and the leadership team
Ensure trading supports MAC's objectives, values and reputation
Strategy, Performance & Risk
Oversee the Trading Company's strategy and performance
Support and challenge the executive team on commercial performance, investment and delivery
Oversee strategic, financial, operational and reputational risks
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Chair of Trading Board
- Salary: Unpaid
- Hours: Part time
- Artform: Combined arts
- Role: Catering & Hospitality
- Contract: Temporary
- Closing date: Mon, 28 Sep 2026
-
Location:
| view on Google MapsWest Midlands
Job: Chair of Trading Board
Job: Chair of Trading Board
Organisation: Midlands Arts Centre
Postcode: B12 9QH
How to Apply
Download the full recruitment pack for details of how to apply.
To apply, please send:
Your CV
A supporting statement (maximum 2 A4 pages) outlining your interest in the role and the skills or experience you would bring.
- Contact name: Holly Mulhern
- Contact email: [email protected]
About Midlands Arts Centre
Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) is an exciting, ambitious arts centre which offers a wide array of free exhibitions, theatre, music, cinema and comedy performances as well as creative learning and participation activities. Well-loved and well used, it’s a relaxed friendly place attracting a diverse mix of visitors. As well as MAC our work also extends outside of the venue across the city to community settings to inspire new audiences to experience high-quality art experiences.