Beg for top position then take charge (5)
I believe the answer is:
plead
'beg' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'top position then take charge' is the wordplay.
'top' indicates taking the first letters.
'then' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'take charge' becomes 'lead' (I've seen this in another clue).
The initial letter of 'position' is 'p'.
'p'+'lead'='PLEAD'
'for' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for plead that I've seen before include "Implore, entreat" , "Respond to charge" , "Argue (a position in court)" , "Make an emotional appeal" , "Supplicate" .)