Chief Executive Officer

Backup Charity; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A youth-focused charity in Bolton seeks a Chief Executive to lead efforts against youth homelessness. This pivotal role demands strategic vision, emotional intelligence, and leadership to inspire and guide a dedicated team. The ideal candidate will have expertise in housing, financial management, and trauma-informed practices. Join this mission-led organization to make a meaningful difference in young people's lives.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave, increasing to 7.6 weeks with service

Up to 6% employer contribution pension

Qualifications

• Proven track-record in strategic leadership, ideally in relevant supported housing or youth services sector.
• Knowledge of housing law, Ofsted requirements and legal frameworks shaping services.
• Deep understanding of trauma-informed practice and co-production.

Responsibilities

• Deliver on the strategy with clarity and purpose.
• Lead with values by embedding co-production and lived experience.
• Ensure financial health, strong governance and operational compliance.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Knowledge of housing law

Emotional intelligence

Building trust

Financial acumen

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent

Job description

What if your next leadership role could change the lives of hundreds of young people and shape the future of youth homelessness support?

BackUp North West believes that no young person should experience homelessness. For the young people that do, BackUp is a standout provider of high-quality, holistic housing and wraparound care. They provide safe accommodation and young-person centred, tailored support, as well as the tools to build independent, fulfilling lives. Each year, nearly 200 young people walk through the doors.

We're now looking for a new Chief Executive to lead BackUp North West into its next chapter, as our long-serving CEO steps down leaving a legacy of impact, growth and unwavering dedication to young people. It's a significant moment of change and will require strategic vision, emotional intelligence and skilled leadership of a committed team.

Salary: £70-80k per annum
Location: Bolton, mostly onsite with some flexibility where needed
Contract: Permanent, 37 hours per week FTE
Benefits: 6.6 weeks per year (rising to 7.6 weeks with service) and up to 6% employer contribution pension

About the role

This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-performing, trauma-informed charity with an exceptional reputation and bold ambition to meet rising demand and increase impact.

As CEO, you'll be expected to bring the personal and professional strengths needed to:

• Deliver on the strategy with clarity and purpose.
• Lead with values by embedding co-production and lived experience.
• Ensure financial health, strong governance and operational compliance.
• Be a visible, inspiring leader for young people, teams, services and communities.
• Champion young people's voices and influence change at every level.

Qualifications and experience

• Proven track-record in strategic leadership, ideally in relevant supported housing or youth services sector.
• Knowledge of housing law, Ofsted requirements and legal frameworks shaping services.
• Deep understanding of trauma-informed practice, co-production and ED&I.
• Financial and commercial acumen, with experience securing funding and managing complex budgets.
• Ability to build trust, empower teams and lead through change.
• Authenticity, self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
• Commitment to amplifying young voices and ensuring young people are at the heart of all decision-making.

What's special about BackUp North West?

In return, we can offer you a values-led culture that champions staff wellbeing, psychological safety and professional growth. You'll inherit an ambitious, mission-led team with a strong track record of innovation and the chance to make a real difference in young people's lives, every day.

If you're as excited by this unique opportunity as we are, then we'd absolutely love to hear from you.

To apply: Please send your CV or profile to Amelia Lee at our recruitment partner Charity People, as the first step. If your skills and experience are a good match, we'll be in touch with further details on the application process.

Interviews: Dates to be confirmed, will be available in the job pack.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability, gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

What We Do

BACKUP provides multiple services across Bolton to young people aged 16-25 years who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness. Read here about all the supported accommodation which includes emergency housing, temporary accommodation, short and medium stay supported housing. Also the non-accommodation based support work that focuses on mental health, employment support and much more.

Young people can live in more than one Backup service as they make progress and develop more independence prior to moving on completely. The different services are designed to meet various levels and ranges of needs.

Read our moving stories of young people who have used BackUp North West and thrived Every year BackUp delivers multiple events for fundraising. Each one is designed to raise awareness and much needed money to support young people who are homeless. Annually we have our core events; Gala Ball, Golf Day and Ladies Lunch. We also have other events that are different each year so that we can have a wider appeal to all. Here is an opportunity to see us in action, the personality behind the brand. Hopefully you will see us living the values and ethos of BackUp.