Senior, enterprise‐first leadership role shaping the strategy, governance and performance of NGM Group's charitable foundations.
Permanent, full‐time role | Hybrid work arrangements with strong office presence | Based in Newcastle.
Purpose of the role
At NGM Group, our Foundations play a central role in strengthening community resilience and delivering long‐term social impact in the regions we serve. The Portfolio Lead – Foundations is accountable for the strategic leadership, governance and performance of the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation (NPCF) and Greater Charitable Foundation (GCF), ensuring our philanthropic activities are enterprise‐aligned, well‐governed and deliver measurable outcomes.
Reporting to the Head of Community & Sustainability, this role is predominantly strategic and governance‐focused, acting as the primary management interface with the Foundations' Board. You'll bring an enterprise‐first mindset—balancing community impact with organisational priorities—while leading and supporting operational delivery via the Senior Manager – Charitable Foundations. The role is critical in ensuring the Foundations complement and strengthen NGM Group's strategic objectives, reputation, and our overall purpose of helping our customers and communities thrive.
Key responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership for the Foundations portfolio, ensuring clear alignment to NGM Group's enterprise priorities, risk settings and reputation.
* Act as the primary management liaison with the Foundations Boards, providing high‐quality, decision‐ready reporting, recommendations and advice.
* Lead, coach and support the Senior Manager – Charitable Foundations and broader team to ensure disciplined, effective operational delivery and risk management.
* Set and oversee the Foundations' operating plan, priorities and performance, with a strong focus on resilience, sustainability and measurable impact.
* Provide executive oversight of grant‐making models, strategic partner portfolios and impact measurement frameworks.
* Oversee funding models and investment stewardship, working with Boards and advisers to ensure long‐term sustainability and mandatory distribution obligations are met.
* Hold accountability for governance frameworks, compliance, fiduciary obligations and audit readiness across both Foundations.
* Ensure policies, procedures and governance documentation remain fit‐for‐purpose and enterprise‐aligned.
* Identify, manage and escalat material risks, reputational considerations or strategic misalignment as required.
* Lead horizon scanning across the philanthropy and community investment landscape to inform future strategy and partnerships.
What we're looking for
* Senior leadership experience in corporate or enterprise environments, with accountability for strategy oversight, governance assurance, risk management and organisational outcomes.
* Demonstrated experience leading or overseeing a corporate philanthropic or foundation program aligned to broader organisational priorities and risk settings.
* Substantial experience partnering with and advising Boards or Committees, including shaping agendas and providing high‐quality governance advice.
* Strong financial and commercial acumen, including oversight of budgets, funding models and investment stewardship.
* Sound understanding of corporate philanthropic and community investment models and relevant regulatory and compliance requirements.
* Proven ability to lead through others and operate effectively in a corporate, risk‐managed environment.
* Strategic judgement and governance focus, providing clarity and direction in complex environments.
* Confident executive presence with the ability to influence and build trust at Board and senior levels.
* Clear, concise communicator who translates complexity into decision‐ready advice.
* Collaborative, resilient leader who drives performance through others while navigating ambiguity and risk.
* Relevant tertiary qualifications in business, governance, finance, social impact or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
What can you expect from us
* Health and wellbeing support including Fitness Passport, corporate health insurance and annual flu vaccinations.
* Lifestyle perks such as hotel discounts and flexible work arrangements.
* 18 weeks paid parental leave, recognition programs, an employee referral program, and dedicated time to give back (two community volunteer days and three recreational leave days each year).
Application requirements
All applicants are required to undergo a skills assessment, comprehensive background check, Bankruptcy Check and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
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