Chief Executive Officer

We believe everyone deserves a chance at a better future. UpCycle works to prevent people from being pulled into crime and help those already in the system find paths out. We run bike maintenance programmes for at-risk and marginalised youth in Bradford and in prisons and young offender institutions across the UK. Our trainees learn skills, gain valuable experience, and build the resilience and self-belief needed to succeed. Most refurbished bikes, often saved from landfills, are donated to those in need, both locally and globally. The remainder are sold in our Community Bike Shop in Shipley, providing affordable and good quality bikes to the local community and funding our work.

Last year, over 300 people in our prison workshops completed a meaningful training period. In the community, 450 trainees participated in a cycling programme, including nearly 100 in our flagship four-week Bike to the Future programme, where young people build their own refurbished bikes. Additionally, we delivered nearly 1,000 bikes to 10 prisons and received almost 800 refurbished bikes in return. Following quality checks by our mechanics in our Community Bike Shop, more than 500 refurbished bikes were donated to individuals in need, including 175 bikes to young people in Bradford, improving their access to education, employment, and social networks.

About the Role

We are looking for a Chief Executive Officer to sustain and develop the successes of the organisation, shaping our operating model and strategy while ensuring strong governance and financial sustainability. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CEO will provide leadership across all areas of the charity s work, from overseeing prison and community programmes to managing finances and maintaining key partnerships.

This role requires a motivated, hands-on leader with strong people management and organisational skills who can oversee a small but impactful team while ensuring the smooth running of our projects and long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Governance: Manage the organisation s overall operations, including financial oversight, risk management, governance, and regulatory compliance. Work closely with the Board of Trustees to implement the organisational strategy and identify opportunities for future growth.
• People Management: Lead and support the leadership team (Operations Manager and Fundraising Manager), ensuring a cohesive and collaborative working environment.
• Programme Oversight: Ensure all projects meet funder requirements and have sustainable resource plans in place, overseeing the delivery of prison and community programmes.
• Financial & Operational Oversight: Oversee all income and expenditure, ensuring financial stability and preparing financial reports, including an annual report and cashflow statements.
• Stakeholder & Partnership Management: Establish and maintain strong relationships with funders, delivery partners, and beneficiaries.
• Fundraising Support: Provide oversight of the Fundraising Strategy and work with the Fundraising Manager to identify and secure funding opportunities.
• Strategic Development: Ensure UpCycle continues to provide a sustainable and effective service, adapting to changing needs while maintaining financial security.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience in developing relationships with a range of diverse stakeholders, including funders and project partners.
• Strong people leadership skills, with experience managing and motivating teams.
• Financial management experience, including overseeing budgets and reporting.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise effectively, and remain flexible in a dynamic environment.
• Understanding of and commitment to UpCycle s mission and values.

Desirable:

• Experience leading an organisation or managing significant projects, small businesses, or social enterprises.
• Knowledge of the small charity sector, governance structures, and working with a Board of Trustees.
• Experience working with or supporting people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those involved in the criminal justice system.

Working Arrangements & Benefits

• Hours: 24 hours per week (flexible working across three days)
• Salary: £42,000 £47,000 (full-time equivalent)
• Location: Primarily remote, with regular visits to project sites (fortnightly or monthly)
• Reporting to: Board of Trustees
• Annual Leave: 12 days pro-rata (plus bank holidays)
• Pension: Contributory scheme available for eligible employees
• Probation: Six-month probationary period

Deadline: Monday 24th March 2025 at midday. We reserve the right to close the advert earlier if we receive a high volume of applications.

Interviews:
We may ask candidates to take part in a virtual preliminary selection exercise details will be provided where necessary.
In-person interviews on the 24th & 25th April 2025 (in the Bradford area). We will invite shortlisted candidates to visit our Community Bike Shop in Shipley and our workshop to meet the team before final interviews.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

UpCycle strongly believes that to serve the communities we work with effectively, we must reflect them at all levels of our organisation. We encourage applications from individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system, even if you do not meet every listed requirement.

Safeguarding

UpCycle is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. The successful candidate will be subject to reference checks and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We're a charity and company limited by guarantee. We operate with a small, dedicated team based in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Our Trading Name is UpCycle and our former name, registered with the Charity Commission is the Margaret Carey Foundation.

Join us in creating lasting change for some of the most vulnerable individuals in Bradford and prisons across the UK, empowering them to build brighter, more secure futures.