Chief Executive Officer

About BNI

Founded in 1985, BNI is the recognized worldwide leader in business networking. With over 11,000 Chapters meeting every week in more than 79 countries, we have grown to over 315,000 Member-businesses. Strong leaders have tremendous earning potential and unlimited professional development opportunities. This is an exceptional opportunity for the right individual.

The Company has 18 support offices worldwide and employs over 300 people on its Global Support Team with an additional 1250 part-time teammates in Company-owned countries and regions. To see more about BNI’s culture, see below:

Job Purpose

Now in his 10^th year as CEO, BNI’s current Chairman & CEO, Graham Weihmiller, will soon be stepping up to become the organization’s Chairman & Executive Chairman.  See more information in this press release.  Accordingly, he is now recruiting a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to continue BNI’s growth and success. The successful CEO will drive improved processes and execution on a global basis to enhance the support and success of BNI Members and Directors worldwide, and to accelerate the expansion of BNI’s operations into new regions and countries.  

Key Responsibilities

• Embrace the mission of BNI – “the mission of BNI is to help BNI Members increase their business through a structured, positive, and progressional referral marketing program that enables them to develop long-term, meaningful relationships with quality business professionals.” This mission is supported by BNI’s philosophy of “Givers Gain®”.  The CEO will need to understand and strengthen the rich traditions that have allowed BNI to thrive while improving execution and driving innovation.
• Be an effective communicator and global ambassador for BNI. Given the global nature of BNI operations and the need to influence many constituents, the CEO will need a high IQ and strong communications skills to drive the adoption of operational best practices throughout the world. In addition, s/he will provide timely, evidence-based decision-making and clearly communicate and align all stakeholders to the Company’s vision and strategy. The role will require international travel (e.g. a minimum of 8-12 trips per year).
• Evaluate and focus BNI’s many expansion opportunities to the critical few that drive value of Members and Directors.  Determine the accompanying optimal organizational structure to achieve the strategy and hire, train, and coach high-performing professionals across all major functions. Will work closely with the Executive Team, Global Support Team, and all field leaders to ensure a consistent and excellent Member experience.
• Encourage innovation that supports BNI’s focus on “high touch and high technology” to provide positive and transformative opportunities for Members, Directors, and teammates.

Candidate Profile

Critical Experience

• Experience leading full P&L/GM
• CEO for stand-alone company
• Strong operational mindset (Process, Operating Systems, KPI’s, etc.). 
• Strong track record of execution
• Business unit/company growth strategy (organic & M&A) development and execution
• Operational leadership at scale to deliver growth and margin expansion
• Commercialization (marketing and sales) and go-to market leadership
• Franchise experience or experience in high growth, multi-location operations
• Experience with international operations preferred
• Private equity experience preferred

Personal Characteristics

• Empathetic, people-focused leader. Ability to connect hearts and minds of Members, Directors, and Global Support Team.
• Record of successfully building leadership teams, while inspiring passion in employees.
• Believer in “people-driven” business
• Humble, low ego, hungry and curious leader
• Effectively lead and connect internal and external stakeholders
• Results driven, roll-up sleeves mentality
• High motor/High energy leader
• Strong Communicator at all levels
• Operational rigor
• Degree from an accredited four-year college (MBA preferred)

Other

This position is based in our Charlotte, NC Global HQ. Those not located in Charlotte, NC must be open to full relocation to be considered for this role.

Background check and references required. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

An equal opportunity employer.