Business Support Lead Level 1

Manchester City Council; Manchester; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday allowance (up to 31)

UK Local Government Pension Scheme

Enhanced parental and carers leave

Discounts through MCR+

Learning and development opportunities

Volunteer leave

Job summary

Manchester City Council is seeking a proactive Business Support Officer Grade 3 to join the City Centre & Specialist Markets Team. You will provide essential administrative and business support to ensure smooth service delivery and efficient operations across markets and events.

The role requires strong organisational skills, proficiency with Microsoft Office, and a commitment to high-quality customer service.

Qualifications

• Strong administrative and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a busy environment.
• Confident using Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Works well independently and as part of a team.
• Attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Enthusiastic, flexible and keen to contribute to a growing service.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support across the City Centre & Specialist Markets Team.
• Manage correspondence, emails, records and databases.
• Process invoices, purchase orders and other financial transactions where required.
• Maintain accurate records and support reporting requirements.
• Support the coordination of trading pitches, events and market operations.
• Liaise with traders, customers, partners and internal departments.
• Assist with arrangements for meetings, events and service activities.
• Provide excellent customer service and respond to enquiries in a professional and timely manner.

Skills

Administrative skills

Organisational skills

Prioritisation

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Word

Excel

Communication

Customer service

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Proactive attitude

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Edwin House, Edwin Road, Manchester, M11 3ER

Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week

Contract Type: Full-Time Permanent

Closing Date: 15 October 2026

Closing time: 11.59pm

Interview Method: Face to Face

Legal Right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action

This role is subject to -

2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history.

Proof of Manchester Residency -

Roles at Grade 1 to 3, traineeships, or apprenticeships will initially only be advertised to Manchester residents and internal candidates. An applicant is classed as a resident of Manchester if they live within the boundaries of the City of Manchester; i.e. Any Council Tax liability for their home would be with Manchester City Council. To check if you fall under the Manchester City Council boundary please visit - https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Join a Dynamic Team at the Heart of Manchester's Markets

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Business Support Officer Grade 3 to join the expanding City Centre & Specialist Markets Team.

Our team plays a key role in the successful management and operation of Manchester's vibrant city centre trading spaces, specialist markets, and the world-famous Manchester Christmas Markets. This is a busy, fast-paced environment where no two days are the same, offering an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys providing high-quality administrative support and working as part of a dedicated team.

About The Role

As a Business Support Officer, you will provide effective administrative and business support to help ensure the smooth running of the service. You will be responsible for a range of duties including:

• Providing administrative support across the City Centre & Specialist Markets Team.
• Managing correspondence, emails, records and databases.
• Processing invoices, purchase orders and other financial transactions where required.
• Maintaining accurate records and supporting reporting requirements.
• Supporting the coordination of trading pitches, events and market operations.
• Liaising with traders, customers, partners and internal departments.
• Assisting with arrangements for meetings, events and service activities.
• Providing excellent customer service and responding to enquiries in a professional and timely manner.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Has strong administrative and organisational skills.
• Can manage competing priorities and work accurately in a busy environment.
• Is confident using Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Has excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Works well both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrates attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Is enthusiastic, flexible and keen to contribute to a growing service.

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a supportive and ambitious team that helps deliver some of Manchester's most popular trading and market events. From managing city centre trading spaces to supporting the delivery of the internationally recognised Christmas Markets, you'll play an important role in helping us provide memorable experiences for traders, residents and visitors alike.

If you're looking for a varied and rewarding administrative role within a busy and evolving service, we'd love to hear from you.

Manchester City Council is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

We are looking for a highly organised and enthusiastic individual who enjoys working in a busy environment and is able to manage a varied workload. The ideal candidate will have strong administrative and customer service skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people. They will be confident using Microsoft Office applications and able to work both independently and as part of a team. Previous experience working within markets, events, place management, or a similar operational environment would be an advantage, although not essential. Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is proactive, adaptable and keen to support the successful delivery of Manchester's city centre trading spaces, specialist markets and the internationally

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities.

Working for Manchester isn’t just a job - it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.

Our Manchester Is Our Vision For a Fairer, Greener, And Healthier City - a Vision Shaped By The People Of Manchester. It Guides Everything We Do At The Council And Is Brought To Life Through The Our Manchester Behaviours

• We take time to listen and understand
• We work together and trust each other
• We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly
• We ‘own it’ and we’re not afraid to try new things
• We’re proud and passionate about Manchester

Benefits We Offer

• Generous holiday allowance - Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks during our annual leave purchase period.
• A buzzing pension - You’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave - Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events.
• Brilliant perks - Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
• Learn and grow - We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process.
• A Good Employment Charter member - We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave - Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.

Support During the Process

• Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
• Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone.

Requirements

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care.
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term condition
• Have you completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programmes?

When You Join Us

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, Offering

• A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
• Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
• A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.

For more information about the role or any adjustments, email [e-mail].

What We Will Need From You If You're Successful

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.

Pre-Employment Checks

If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you’ve applied for, see the top of the advert for details.

These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.

Other Relevant Information

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.

For more information about the role, please ensure that you read the role profile attached.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

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