Swire Charitable Trusts

The Swire Group is a leading global conglomerate employing over 133,000 people worldwide. Over the course of its 200-year history, the group has grown into a highly diversified business with activities and expertise across property, aviation, marine services, trading and industrial and beverages and food chain. Like many family businesses, a sense of stewardship, responsibility and charitable intent has been at the heart of the business since its inception. In the UK, charitable activities are realised through the Swire Charitable Trusts.

For over 45 years the Swire trusts have supported the work of thousands of mostly UK based charitable organisations, and in 2020 we awarded over £6 million in grants to over three hundred charities. Our focused programmes make grants to organisations supporting some of the UK’s most vulnerable people to overcome barriers and realise their potential, and to charities who are protecting our precious environment and heritage. Last year we dedicated an additional £1 million to a Covid-19 Programme to provide funding to charities providing a critical response to the pandemic, or those facing severe funding pressures.

We are now looking for a new Head of Trusts who will play a crucial role in the successful running of the Swire Charitable Trust and four Swire family trusts. Reporting to the Swire Charitable Trust’s Chair and working closely with all Trustees, you will be responsible for all the trusts’ focused and discretionary grant making activity. Internally, you will manage a small team to ensure the smooth and efficient administration of the trusts’ activities; externally, you will act as a positive and proactive ambassador, developing strong and meaningful relationships with charities and other funders. You will be responsible for ensuring our programmes and practices maximise impact, building a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative self-starter and experienced leader with a willingness to handle all aspects of the work of the Swire trusts. A seasoned operator with strong analytical skills, you will also have a firm eye on the bigger picture. With outstanding communication and relationship building skills, you will be able to win the trust of and influence senior colleagues both internally and externally. Whether you come from a private or voluntary sector organisation, you will bring good commercial instincts and a demonstrable interest in the charitable sector.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Swire Charitable Trusts on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference HARAFA. Alternatively, telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Wednesday 15 September.