Chair of the Stakeholder Board (World Climbing Series & World Para Climbing Series Manchester 2027)

Organisation: British Mountaineering Council
Salary: Voluntary role; reasonable expenses reimbursed
Location: Manchester
Contract type: Volunteer (Part time)
Closing date: 6 February 2026
Interview date: 25 February 2026
Job Description: Introduction
Manchester has been selected as the Host City for one edition of the World Climbing Series and World Para Climbing Series in 2027, one of the most prestigious international climbing competitions on the global calendar.

The event, supported by event partners Manchester City Council (MCC), the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) and UK Sport, will be hosted in central Manchester in June 2027 and will feature the world’s best climbers competing for crucial qualification points ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028. This is a flagship international event and a defining opportunity to showcase Manchester as a world-class host for climbing and outdoor sports. The event represents a significant opportunity to deliver measurable economic, social, and legacy impacts aligned with the strategic aims of MCC, the BMC, and UK Sport.

As the Local Organising Committee (LOC) prepares for this prestigious competition, we seek to strengthen our governance and strategic capability by appointing an independent Chair to lead the Stakeholder Board through planning, readiness, and delivery of the World Series round in Manchester.

The Stakeholder Board (SHB) provides strategic direction and oversight across finance, governance, risk, progress, and alignment of partners. It is the main decision-making forum for all matters within its delegated authority as agreed with MCC.

About the Role
The Chair will lead the SHB, provide independent oversight, and ensure the event is delivered effectively, safely, and within budget. The Chair will set the tone for governance, decision-making, and collaboration between MCC, Manchester Active, the BMC, UK Sport, and other delivery partners.

The Chair will work closely with the Event Director to ensure the LOC has the direction, support, and challenge required to deliver the World Climbing Series event to the standards expected by MCC, the BMC, UK Sport, and World Climbing.

The Chair will also represent the SHB externally, creating and supporting relationships with other strategic partners as required.

Terms of Appointment
• Annual Time Commitment: ~2.5 days per quarter initially, rising to ~4 days per quarter in the final 2 quarters before event delivery. 2 days expected post-delivery.
• Duration: Fixed term to 30 September 2027
• Remuneration: Voluntary role; reasonable expenses reimbursed.
• Location: Meetings in Manchester or online.
• Start Date: Early 2026 (or upon appointment).

For more information on the role please visit www.thebmc.co.uk/jobs
How to apply: To apply, please send the following deails to juliet.williams@manchester.gov.uk 1. CV (max. two pages) 2. Covering letter explaining suitability and approach (max. two pages) Informal enquiries: Paul Ratcliffe – CEO, British Mountaineering Council - +44 7899 791804