Job Description

Join a Transformative Movement: Become the Chief Executive of Thurrock Youth Zone

Location: Tilbury, Thurrock
Salary: £60,000 – £65,000 (depending on experience) + Benefits
Organisation: OnSide Youth Zones

Application deadline: 5pm Monday 30^th June

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for empowering young people and transforming communities? Do you thrive in dynamic, start-up environments and want to make a lasting impact in a place that truly needs it?

Thurrock Youth Zone is seeking its founding Chief Executive—a bold, values-driven leader to bring this brand-new, purpose-built facility to life in Tilbury. As part of the national OnSide network, this Youth Zone will be a beacon of opportunity, inclusion, and inspiration for thousands of young people. 

About the Role

As CEO, you will:

• Lead the launch and growth of a flagship Youth Zone engaging with the communities that will benefit from it.
• Act as a local ambassador, building bridges across diverse stakeholders—from funders and local authorities to young people and their families.
• Build and embed the first team - shaping the culture, strategy, and operations of a high-impact organisation from the ground up. 

What We’re Looking For

We welcome candidates from all sectors—charity, public, private, education, health, and more—who bring:

• Exceptional leadership and communication skills
• Strategic and operational agility
• Fundraising and commercial acumen
• A deep commitment to inclusion and community engagement
• Resilience and adaptability in a start-up environment 

What You’ll Get

• A 3–4 month immersive placement in an existing Youth Zone
• Mentorship from an experienced Openings Manager
• Access to OnSide’s national network and central support services
• Ongoing professional development and peer support 

Why Thurrock?

This is more than a job—it’s a chance to lead a movement. Thurrock Youth Zone is fully capitally funded and already has a number of Founder Patrons (who offer revenue funding) in place. The role offers a rare opportunity to build something sustainable and impactful from the very beginning. You’ll play a key role in uniting a diverse community and shaping the future for generations of young people.