The Folkestone Leas Lift is seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation as it moves from the restoration of this unique Grade II* listed funicular railway into its operational phase.
This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic, creative and commercially minded leader to transform a historic engineering asset into a high-performing, self-sustaining visitor destination.
The CEO will lead the development of a sustainable business model, drive income generation, oversee operations, build and motivate a high-performing staff and volunteer team, steward donors and funders, and establish the Leas Lift as a must-visit regional destination.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and grow income from ticketing, retail, food and beverage, events, sponsorship and fundraising.
- Lead the seasonal operation of the Leas Lift, maximising peak-period visitor numbers while developing off-season activity.
- Recruit, inspire and manage a high-performing staff team and volunteer base.
- Oversee food and beverage operators and commercial tenant agreements.
- Build a successful events and private hire business, including weddings, corporate functions and public events.
- Lead fundraising, major donor relationships, corporate sponsorship and grant management.
- Act as the organisation's primary press and media spokesperson.
- Develop marketing, tourism and strategic partnerships to grow visitor footfall.
- Provide strong financial oversight, budgeting, cost control and reporting.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety, engineering regulations and relevant licensing requirements.
Essential experience and skills
- Proven experience growing revenue and commercial footfall within an attraction, hospitality or heritage setting.
- Experience overseeing food and beverage, concessions or retail operations.
- Demonstrable success in developing and delivering profitable events or private hire activity.
- Fundraising experience across corporate partnerships, major donors and public or charitable trust grants.
- Ability to combine strategic leadership with a proactive, hands-on approach.
- Strong digital, print and partnership marketing experience.
- Experience leading small multidisciplinary teams and volunteers.
- Strong financial and budget management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with confidence acting as an organisation's public and media spokesperson.
Desirable experience
- Experience managing a highly seasonal business or coastal tourism asset.
- Heritage, museum or third-sector operational experience, including National Lottery Heritage Fund projects.
- Familiarity with heritage operations, ticketing systems, marketing technology and cloud accounting software such as Xero.
About Folkestone Leas Lift
Opened in 1885, the Folkestone Leas Lift is a Grade II* listed cliff funicular railway and one of only three remaining water-balanced lifts in the UK still operating with original machinery. Following its closure in 2017, a major restoration programme is nearing completion as the organisation prepares for reopening and long-term sustainable operation.
How to apply
Please submit:
- A current CV
- A covering letter of no more than two pages outlining your interest in the role and how your experience meets the requirements.
Closing date: Friday 4 September 2026
First-stage interviews: w/c 14 September 2026
Final interviews: w/c 28 September 2026
Pay: £65,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Folkestone
