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, flexible working, and a chance to shape the future.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to creating opportunities for all.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people from diverse backgrounds.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience and a commitment to social equity.
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.
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.
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.
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 bank holidays
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Evening and occasional weekend representation required
Express your interest for the Babbasa Managing Director briefing pack here: https://form.typeform.com/to/Vb1LPyn5. We welcome exploratory conversations prior to application. Details on how to apply are included in the briefing pack. To apply, we request you submit:
- Your CV
- A covering letter outlining your motivations and relevant experience
First‐stage interviews will include a panel interview and a team discussion activity. Final‐stage candidates will deliver a presentation and meet other key stakeholders.
Babbasa is proud to be an equal opportunity organisation. We actively encourage applications from individuals from under‐represented communities and backgrounds. We believe our diversity strengthens our work and helps us better serve the young people and communities we exist to support. Babbasa exists to ensure that talent is never limited by background. Join us in building a more inclusive and opportunity‐rich future.
Managing Director in West Bromwich employer: Babbasa
Babbasa is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering young people from diverse backgrounds in Bristol. With a strong values-led culture, significant opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to social mobility, Babbasa offers a unique chance to lead impactful change while working alongside a passionate team. Join us in shaping the future of our communities and making a meaningful difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director in West Bromwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Be prepared for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the role and the impact you can make.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You should be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Managing Director at Babbasa. Keep it concise and focus on how you can contribute to their mission of empowering young people.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director in West Bromwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Managing Director role at Babbasa. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements that align with our mission of youth empowerment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your motivations for applying and how your values align with Babbasa's. Share specific examples of how you've made an impact in previous roles, especially in supporting diverse communities.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, demonstrate your strategic thinking skills. Discuss how you would approach leading Babbasa through its next chapter and how you plan to strengthen financial sustainability and build partnerships.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. Make sure to follow the instructions in the briefing pack carefully to ensure your application stands out!
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. Understanding their Integrated Youth Empowerment Programme and the 2026 strategy will show your genuine interest and alignment with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences, especially in times of change or growth. Highlight specific examples where you've built trust and collaboration within teams, as this aligns with Babbasa's values of Kindness, Imagination, and Determination.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be ready to talk about your experience with financial sustainability and governance. Share concrete examples of how you've secured funding or developed income streams, as this is crucial for Babbasa's future success.
✨Connect with Their Community Focus
Express your understanding of the barriers faced by low-income and ethnically diverse communities. Share your commitment to improving outcomes for young people, as this will resonate strongly with Babbasa's mission and demonstrate your alignment with their core values.
