Managing Director The Giftware Association

The Giftware Association (GA) has proudly represented the UK’s gift and home sector since 1947. We are looking for a strategic, commercially minded, and confident Managing Director to lead our next chapter. This is a high-profile leadership role, blending strategic direction with practical delivery, and requiring a natural relationship builder who can champion our members’ interests at the highest levels.

Working closely with the National Committee, the Managing Director will lead the development and delivery of a refreshed strategy to ensure the Association is relevant, valuable, and financially resilient — while ensuring that everything we do reflects the needs, challenges and ambitions of our members.


Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Work with the National Committee to develop and deliver a clear multi-year strategy, to meet our members ever evolving needs.
- Deliver commercial growth by delivering valuable services, events, and support to members.

Membership Growth and Engagement
- Ensure the Association’s services and benefits align with what members need to thrive.
- Drive membership by communicating these services, creating a clear and compelling value proposition.
- Celebrate and champion member successes, ensuring their stories are highlighted across our channels.

Operational and Commercial Oversight
- Lead and develop a small, dedicated internal team.
- Manage the Association’s budget and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
- Oversee the delivery of major events, including the Gift of the Year Awards.

Representation and Advocacy
- Act as the voice of the UK giftware industry to Government policymakers, trade organisations, and media.
- Build trusted relationships with industry stakeholders.
- Collaborate with other trade bodies, both in the UK and internationally, to maximise the sector’s influence and unlock opportunities for our members.


Your Profile
We are seeking a candidate with:
- Proven leadership experience within a senior role in a membership organisation, trade association or giftware company.
- Strong commercial and strategic acumen, with experience of delivering income growth.
- Confident communication and influencing skills.
- Experience building and maintaining high-level partnerships.
- A strong understanding of the challenges facing SMEs, ideally in product-based industries such as retail or wholesale.
- A collaborative leadership style, with a focus on empowering teams and fostering a culture of innovation and service excellence.
- Strong financial and budgetary management skills.

Location and Work Pattern
The role is based in our Birmingham office, with the flexibility to work from home one day per week. National and occasional international travel will be required to meet with members, attend events and represent the Association to government and partners.

Contract
Full-time, permanent, reporting to the the Chairman and National Committee.

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter explaining why you are interested in the role and how your experience matches the brief, before March 31st 2025.

 Send submissions to natalie.edmead@batf.uk.com.