The full-time, operational role, which includes P&L responsibility for the BPIF’s commercial operation as well as being a key influencer and advocate for the federation’s circa 1,600-strong membership and the industry at large, is arguably one of the biggest roles in print.
According to the job description the successful applicant will be a strategic leader with strong networking abilities, equally at ease with BPIF members or senior parliamentary figures.
Speaking last year, Woodward said that when she was ready to take on her next career challenge, she thought her ideal replacement to take the federation though the next stage of its development would possibly someone with a strong agency background.
BPIF president Tony Garnish said that while this was one avenue the federation was considering, he stressed that the board had an open mind and was more focused on finding the right person, regardless of their background.
“Somebody with a media background could be good, with some experience of managing in that arena, but first and foremost we will be looking for someone who will want to run the show as Kathy did, or very closely to that,” he said.
“We owe it to Kathy to ensure that all her hard work, energy and passion for the BPIF and the industry is continued by her successor.”
While he admitted that might deter some potential candidates, he felt it was more likely to attract the right candidates who would demonstrate the inclusive management style that was key to the role.
“I think what we need now is someone to take the federation forward by evolution, somebody to carry on the spirit of what we’ve been doing for the past three years, but somebody strong-minded enough to make their own changes – but more in line with the strategy we developed rather than necessarily re-writing it.”
Applications for the post close on 7 November, with first interviews planned for the week after, the federation hopes to have a new chief executive in post for early next year. For more information, visit jobs.printweek.com.
