At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Babbasa in empowering young people and driving social mobility.
- Company: Babbasa, a renowned youth empowerment organisation in Bristol.
- Benefits: 23 days annual leave, strong values-led culture, and significant impact opportunities.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to making a difference.
- Why this job: Shape the future of an impactful organisation and support diverse communities.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience, strong communication skills, and commitment to youth empowerment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Could you lead Babbasa into its next chapter? Babbasa is one of Bristol’s most recognised youth empowerment organisations, supporting talented young people from low-income and ethnically diverse communities to progress into employment, education and enterprise. Founded in 2010, our name comes from an ancient African word meaning “ordinary people coming together to act as a support bridge.” That belief continues to shape everything we do.
Over the past 15 years, we have supported more than 4,000 young people, built powerful partnerships across business, education and civic sectors, and received national recognition including the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility. We are now entering an important new phase. Following a period of organisational reset and renewal, Babbasa is implementing a bold and focused 2026 strategy centred on:
- A single Integrated Youth Empowerment Programme
- A stronger, values-led organisational culture
- A modernised operating model and digital infrastructure
- Sustainable growth and long‑term impact
We are seeking an exceptional Managing Director to succeed our Interim CEO (currently the Babbasa Founding Director) and help lead Babbasa through this next chapter with clarity, discipline, compassion and ambition.
About the Role: As Managing Director, you will work closely with the Board, senior team, employees, partners and young people to:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across the organisation
- Strengthen financial sustainability, governance and organisational resilience
- Build trusted relationships with funders, employers, civic leaders and community partners
- Support and develop a committed, ambitious team
- Champion Babbasa’s manifesto and values of Kindness, Imagination and Determination
- Act as a visible and credible public leader for the organisation locally and nationally
This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected social mobility organisation at a pivotal moment in its journey.
Who We’re Looking For: We are looking for a values‑led and emotionally intelligent leader who combines strategic thinking with strong operational capability. You may come from the charity, social enterprise, education, youth, public or private sectors, but you will bring:
- Senior leadership experience within an organisation or service
- Experience of leading teams through change, growth or transition
- Strong financial, governance and operational management capability
- Experience of building partnerships, securing funding and/or developing income streams
- Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills
- A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for young people
- A collaborative and inclusive leadership style
- An understanding of the barriers faced by people living in ethnically diverse and/or low‑income communities is vital.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.
Why Join Babbasa? At Babbasa, you will join an organisation with:
- A nationally recognised social mobility mission
- Deep roots within Bristol’s communities
- A strong manifesto and values‑led culture
- An ambitious and committed Board and team
- Significant opportunity to shape the future direction of the organisation
We believe talent should never be limited by background — and we are looking for a leader who shares that belief.
Additional Information: 23 days annual leave plus
Managing Director employer: Babbasa
Babbasa is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering young people from diverse backgrounds, offering a supportive and values-led work culture that prioritises kindness, imagination, and determination. As a Managing Director, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of a nationally recognised organisation while working closely with a committed team and influential partners in Bristol. With a focus on professional growth and community impact, Babbasa provides a meaningful platform for leaders who are passionate about social mobility and making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Instead of just waiting for job postings, take the initiative to reach out to organisations you admire, like Babbasa. Express your interest in their mission and see if they have any upcoming opportunities. Sometimes, the best roles aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges they face. This will not only help you answer questions but also show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for youth empowerment shine through. We want to see how your values align with Babbasa’s mission and how you can contribute to our vision of supporting young people from diverse backgrounds.
Be Specific:Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your leadership skills and achievements. We love seeing how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in areas like financial sustainability and team development.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the Managing Director role. Highlight your strategic thinking and operational capabilities, and don’t forget to mention any experience you have with building partnerships or securing funding.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babbasa
✨Know Babbasa Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Babbasa's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their Integrated Youth Empowerment Programme and the 2026 strategy. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your vision with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Managing Director, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your collaborative and inclusive approach. Discuss how you've successfully led teams through change and built strong relationships with stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Babbasa is looking for someone with strong financial management skills. Be ready to discuss your experience in securing funding, managing budgets, and ensuring financial sustainability. Use specific examples to illustrate your capability in these areas.
✨Connect on a Personal Level
Babbasa values emotional intelligence and understanding of diverse communities. Share personal stories or experiences that reflect your commitment to improving outcomes for young people from low-income and ethnically diverse backgrounds. This will resonate well with the interviewers.
