Chief Executive Officer

How to Apply

Please submit your CV together with a covering letter explaining why you are interested in the role and how your experience meets the requirements of the position. The closing date for applications is 7th August.

The RTFA Board warmly welcomes applications and requests that all submissions be sent by email to careers@rtfa.org.uk. Please refer to the job description for further details on compensation and requirements.

Role and purpose

The Renewable Transport Fuel Association (RTFA) was formed in 2020 to represent UK producers of renewable and low carbon fuels to support the decarbonisation of road, air, and maritime transport. The CEO is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight of the organization. Working closely with the Board, the CEO will ensure the RTFA delivers its strategic objectives, represents the interests of its members, and maintains a strong reputation as the leading voice for the renewable transport fuels sector.

Over the last 20 years, there has been relative agreement amongst the major political parties and successive administrations regarding the urgency and direction of travel in terms of transport decarbonisation. This has underpinned the introduction and development of the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) and the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate. Recently, that broad consensus across major political parties regarding Net Zero has become more fractured, with a number of parties openly arguing either against or to substantially reduce the long-term targets. Conversely, the benefits of domestic fuel production have been demonstrated in the context of increasing security of supply and fuel resilience. The UK’s renewable and low carbon fuel industry is integral to the country’s energy infrastructure, as well as playing a critical role in producing by-products important in the chemical and wider manufacturing sectors.

This changing context is likely to require the RTFA and its CEO to increase the focus on political objectives to ensure that the key vehicles, such as the RTFO and SAF Mandate, remain effective and continue to develop.

The CEO will lead the development and delivery of the RTFA's strategy across policy, communications, stakeholder engagement, membership, and organizational governance, while ensuring effective financial management and a collaborative organizational culture.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide overall strategic direction and leadership for the RTFA, ensuring all activities align with its objectives, values, and governance framework.
• Develop and deliver the RTFA's annual work programme, providing value across all renewable transport fuel sectors, including road, aviation, and maritime.
• Work closely with the Board and Treasurer to ensure the RTFA remains financially sustainable, with appropriate reserves and effective resource management.
• Identify emerging policy, regulatory, and industry developments and position the RTFA as a trusted and influential sector leader.

Representation and External Affairs

• Act as the principal representative and ambassador for the RTFA at conferences, industry events, government meetings, and public engagements.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with government departments, ministers, MPs, civil servants, regulators, industry leaders, trade associations, think tanks, and other key stakeholders.
• Promote the interests of RTFA members while strengthening the association's profile and influence within the renewable transport fuels sector.
• Represent the RTFA on committees, advisory groups, and industry forums or delegate representation appropriately.

Policy and Advocacy

• As the lead advocate for the industry, the RTFA’s CEO will:
  • Lead the development of evidence-based policy positions that reflect the interests and priorities of the RTFA's membership but which remain in accordance with the principles of life cycle impacts and technology neutrality.
  • Ensure policy development processes are transparent, inclusive, and representative of the diverse perspectives across the membership.
  • Advance RTFA policy recommendations through effective engagement with government, policymakers, regulators, and industry partners.
  • Foster collaboration with aligned organizations to advance shared policy objectives and industry priorities.

Leadership and People Management

• Lead, develop, and support a high-performing, collaborative, and inclusive team.
• Provide strategic direction, coaching, and performance management to employees.
• Review and approve key publications, policy papers, communications, and external correspondence prior to publication.

Governance and Administration

• Support the Chair and Board by scheduling Board meetings, preparing agendas, recording accurate minutes, and maintaining statutory governance records.
• Ensure effective governance processes are maintained in accordance with the RTFA's constitution and legal obligations.
• Work with the Board to review and develop the RTFA's committee structures, working groups, and member engagement processes.
• Manage member enquiries and complaints professionally, ensuring timely and appropriate resolution.

Financial and Operational Management

• Oversee the day-to-day financial operations in partnership with the Treasurer.
• Manage membership subscriptions, invoicing, income collection, and financial administration for projects and consultancy activities.
• Liaise with external accountants to support payroll, VAT submissions, statutory reporting, and annual accounts.
• Authorise payments to employees, HMRC, suppliers, and other stakeholders while maintaining effective financial controls.
• Oversee the continued organic growth in membership and manage all associated administrative onboarding processes.
• Lead membership recruitment initiatives.

Communications and Member Engagement

• Develop and implement the RTFA's communications strategy across digital platforms, media engagement, conferences, and member communications.
• Draft and oversee high-quality communications for ministers, parliamentarians, members, the media, and wider stakeholders.
• Ensure members remain informed, engaged, and actively involved in the RTFA's work and policy development.
• Strengthen the RTFA's reputation through effective external communications, thought leadership, and stakeholder engagement.