Wouldn’t it be amazing if…
* You could lead a charity that transforms lives through employment, providing second chances to those who need them most?
* You could scale an organisation that reduces waste, protects our planet, and turns reclaimed materials into valuable resources?
* You could do both—and drive real, lasting impact at the crossroads of environmental and social good?
... That’s exactly the opportunity in front of you at Oxford Wood Recycling
About Oxford Wood Recycling (OWR)
Established in 2005, Oxford Wood Recycling (OWR) is a pioneering social enterprise and charity dedicated to tackling two of the biggest challenges of our time: environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
We specialise in wood waste collection, recycling, and the sale of reclaimed timber and wood products, preventing tonnes of wood from ending up in landfill each year. But we don’t stop there. We believe in second chances—not just for wood, but for people.
Our “Wood to Work” program is a transformative employability initiative, offering life-changing opportunities to individuals facing barriers to work.
We create a positive, inclusive environment where people can rebuild confidence, gain valuable skills, and take meaningful steps toward employment.
Now, we are at a pivotal moment in our journey, and we need an exceptional leader to take OWR to the next level.
About You
You are a visionary leader with a passion for sustainability and social justice. You don’t just want to run an organisation—you want to transform it. You bring strategic thinking, business acumen, and the ability to inspire others to join our mission. You are driven by impact, committed to growth, and excited about the opportunity to scale an organisation that changes both lives and landscapes.
You have experience at the highest levels of leadership, whether in the charity, social enterprise, or business world. You know how to build relationships, secure funding, and drive innovation. You are ready to roll up your sleeves, lead from the front, and make OWR a nationally recognised force for good.
You’ll need:
* Experience working at board level with multiple stakeholders.
* ·Director-level leadership within a social enterprise, charity, or related sector.
* ·Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets, cash flow, and revenue streams.
* Proven track record in funding development and income generation.
* Strategic planning and execution skills, with a focus on growth and impact.
* Experience working with or as part of a Board of Trustees/Directors.
* Demonstrated experience working with neurodiverse colleagues or individuals facing employment barriers.
* Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
* Define and execute an ambitious growth strategy for OWR, in alignment with our charitable mission.
* Lead the organisation through its next phase, establishing a clear vision for our hybrid funding model, combining trading income with charitable fundraising.
* Radically increase OWR’s profile, positioning it as a leader in social and environmental impact.
* Drive storytelling that highlights the powerful connections between sustainability, employment, and community benefit.
Operational Oversight
* Ensure the effective management of daily operations, including wood waste collection, retail activities, and the Wood to Work program.
* Develop our social impact reporting to showcase the tangible benefits of our work, feeding into broader environmental impact reporting.
Financial Management
* Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, ensuring long-term sustainability.
* Monitor and address cash flow challenges while identifying and implementing new revenue streams.
* Ensure the resilience of OWR through a balanced mix of commercial income and fundraising.
Fundraising Leadership
* Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to secure major (£100,000+) and smaller (<£10,000) grants.
* Build relationships with funders, corporate sponsors, and individual donors to secure sustainable funding.
* Lead the creation of compelling proposals, case studies, and marketing materials to drive fundraising success.
* Enhance OWR’s online presence to better communicate its charitable mission and fundraising needs.
Fundrising Development
* Identify and pursue opportunities to expand OWR’s services, including online sales and new market segments.
* Leverage partnerships and customer relationships to amplify our mission and impact.
* Develop corporate training and engagement opportunities that align with social and environmental goals.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, partners, funders, and the wider community.
* Actively engage with businesses and clients to feed into their social and environmental reporting.
* Develop training days and customer engagement opportunities to further spread our mission.
Team Leadership
* Recruit, lead, and mentor a diverse senior leadership team, creating a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and high performance.
* Ensure OWR continues to be a welcoming and supportive workplace for neurodiverse colleagues and those facing employment barriers.
Governance
* Work closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure good governance and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
* Provide regular updates to the Board, ensuring transparency and strategic alignment.
Key Challenges
Financial Stability - Ensuring a sustainable income mix while managing cash flow challenges.
Leadership Transition – Navigating OWR through a critical period of change and opportunity.
Market Awareness – Strengthening our brand, expanding our reach, and increasing engagement with key stakeholders.
Why this role? Why now?
Oxford Wood Recycling is at an inflection point, ready to significantly expand its impact. This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead an organisation that is redefining what a sustainable, socially driven enterprise can achieve. You will have the chance to shape its future, elevate its profile, and create lasting change in the community and beyond.
If you are an ambitious, strategic leader with a passion for both people and the planet, this is the role for you. Come and take OWR to the next level.
How to Apply
If this opportunity excites you and you believe you have the skills, experience, and passion to lead Oxford Wood Recycling, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and be part of something extraordinary.