Volunteer Lead

Role Title: Volunteer Operations Lead - Tour de France Grand Départ 2027

Salary: Up to £42,500 per annum (dependent on experience)

Contract: Full-time, fixed term until end of August 2027

Location: Manchester (hybrid working model, minimum 3-days per week in Manchester office)

Start Date: Immediate

About British Cycling

In 2027 the UK will host the Grand Depart of both the Tour De France and the Tour De France Femme, Avec Zwift. This will be the first time in history that both races have departed from the same country, outside of France. A landmark social impact programme will also be delivered across the UK, tackling inactivity, improving mental wellbeing, boosting economic growth and supporting communities to thrive.

A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) – Grand Depart GB 2027 – will maintain oversight of the delivery of the events and will manage public funding on behalf of DCMS, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and UK Sport.

The SPV is a Joint Venture between UKEL (a new sports events company) and British Cycling.

British Cycling will deliver the operational and business function, social impact and volunteer programmes along with all consumer facing functions, on behalf of partners.

We are now recruiting for a passionate and experienced Volunteer Operations Lead to drive the events' national volunteer programme.

This is a unique opportunity to shape one of the most ambitious and inclusive volunteer programmes ever launched in the UK, through three key strands:

• National Volunteer Programme – Mobilising volunteers from across the UK to support the delivery of a world-class Grand Depart GB 2027 experience through a variety of roles.

• Young Volunteer Programme – Empowering young people aged 14–25 with leadership, mentoring, and skills development opportunities before, during, and after the event.

• Accessible Volunteer Programme – Creating inclusive and meaningful volunteer opportunities for individuals with physical and learning disabilities, removing barriers and driving social impact.

What we're looking for:

You will be passionate about the power of volunteering and the impact this can have in shaping our sport and communities.

You bring proven experience in delivering large-scale volunteer programmes, ideally within recent major events or national initiatives. You understand what it takes to mobilise, support, and inspire thousands of volunteers across diverse communities.

You will be a confident leader and project manager, capable of overseeing complex operations, coordinating multiple workstreams, and driving high performance across teams and delivery partners.

You are a strong communicator who thrives on building relationships with volunteers, colleagues, stakeholders, and community organisations. You know how to engage people, promote inclusion, and create a sense of shared purpose.

You will be highly organised, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. You take initiative, adapt quickly to change, and bring creativity and resilience to everything you do.

You are a natural collaborator and team player, committed to working across departments and with external partners to deliver exceptional experiences.

You have significant experience in leadership roles across the volunteer and event sector, bringing excitement, innovative thinking and new ideas to shape the programme and bring it to life from conception to execution.

What you will be doing?

As the Volunteer Operations Lead, you will:

• You will lead the volunteer function within the project team, overseeing programme development, integration and operational delivery for the Grand Départ GB 2027 Volunteering Programme.
• Design and implement a world-class volunteer experience from recruitment to on-the-ground delivery, to leaving a lasting impact.
• Lead the programme scoping, volunteer recruitment, training, deployment and recognition
• Work with British Cycling's National Volunteer Manager to ensure the programme compliments British Cycling's wider Volunteer Strategy and Action Plan.
• Collaborate with internal teams, local authorities, and community partners.
• Ensure seamless integration across all volunteer strands.
• Manage programme budgets and lead a team of Project Officers.

What are the perks?

• Competitive Salary
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Generous Holidays (25 days + bank holidays)
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Life Assurance
• Pension

How to apply

Send us your CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest in the role and why you feel you meet the criteria via the apply button below.

Applications close: 7th December 2025