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:
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A single Integrated Youth Empowerment Programme
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A stronger, values-led organisational culture
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A modernised operating model and digital infrastructure
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Sustainable growth and long-term impact
We are seeking an exceptional Managing Director to succeed our 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:
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Provide strategic and operational leadership across the organisation
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Embed Babbasa’s new integrated programme model
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Strengthen financial sustainability, governance and organisational resilience
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Build trusted relationships with funders, employers, civic leaders and community partners
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Support and develop a committed, ambitious team
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Champion Babbasa’s manifesto and values of Kindness, Imagination and Determination
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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:
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Senior leadership experience within an organisation or service
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Experience of leading teams through change, growth or transition
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Strong financial, governance and operational management capability
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Experience of building partnerships, securing funding and/or developing income streams
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Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
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A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for young people
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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:
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A nationally recognised social mobility mission
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Deep roots within Bristol’s communities
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A strong manifesto and values-led culture
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An ambitious and committed Board and team
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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
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23 days annual leave plus bank holidays
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Pension contribution scheme
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Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
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Evening and occasional weekend representation required
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Babbasa is proud to be an equal opportunity organisation. We actively encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented 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.
Non Charity Employer
6 - 10
To inspire and support young people from low income and ethnically diverse communities to pursue their professional ambition
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
An exciting opportunity has come up to oversee the operational management and delivery of our burgeoning volunteer-led music and mental health charity. We are looking for a new Community & Operations Lead who has a track record of working holistically and empathetically in line with best practice to effectively manage and grow our services at an operational level; support the ongoing safe recruitment and retention of volunteers through our volunteer pathway; build and support community engagement; manage our two studio sites; and design, develop and manage exciting projects informed by our community members’ vision in collaboration with the Strategy & Fundraising Lead.
Our new Community & Operations Lead will be a calm and reassuring presence with a track record of facilitating positive working relationships, co-productive and person-centred approaches, and intersectional working in order to support our work addressing local health inequalities and reducing the health, social and financial barriers to creativity and support that local people face.
Seed Studios is a music and mental health charity based at Old Trafford Wellbeing Centre and Broomwood Community Wellbeing Centre working with adults aged 18+. From our centres, we support positive mental health and culture in Trafford through...
- our weekly volunteer-led Community Music Wellbeing Workshops, in which adults learn new instruments and disciplines in sessions proven to improve confidence, skills, connections and mental & emotional wellbeing
- our 1-to-1 music tuition and peer support which compliments support that individuals receive from our Trafford, Manchester and Salford health partners
- our inspiring and community-building events such as Open Mics and our annual Celebrate Seed Studios event
- our innovative partnership programmes, like our monthly workshop series with older adults charity String of Hearts, and our fortnightly In Harmony workshops in partnership with Dementia Disco and Trafford Choices.
In 2025, We enabled over 800 hours of free volunteer-led sessions with an annual footfall of over 2500 as well as 24 hours of free, 1-to-1 music tuition support for referrals from our health partners every month.
Registered Charity
1 - 5
We envision a world in which all can access the creative, health, social and personal value that music can provide
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We are seeking an experienced and passionate People & Culture Manager to lead the delivery of a high-quality, people-focused service. This is a key leadership role responsible for shaping an inclusive, values-driven culture while ensuring effective people operations across the organisation.
You will oversee the full employee lifecycle, provide expert advice to managers and senior leaders, and drive initiatives that enhance employee engagement, wellbeing and organisational development. In addition, you will lead a newly established central operations function, bringing together customer services and administration to deliver a seamless and efficient support service across The Union.
About You
We are looking for a proactive and collaborative professional who is passionate about people and culture. You will bring:
- Strong generalist people management experience, ideally in a similar role
- In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and best practice
- A commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and creating a positive workplace
- A proven ability to drive engagement, culture, and organisational development initiatives
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
Why join us?
- Opportunity to shape and influence organisational culture
- A collaborative and supportive working environment
- The chance to make a meaningful impact on staff and student experience
For more information and to apply, visit our website via the ‘apply’ button.
Application Closing Date: 11:59pm on Thursday 18th June 2026
