Deputy Director Core Cities

Manchester City Council; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance

Pension

Parental leave

Perks package

Learning and development

Employment charter

Volunteer leave

Job summary

Core Cities UK, hosted by Manchester City Council, seeks an exceptional Deputy Director to shape the policy agenda across major UK cities. You will work with Leaders, Chief Executives and senior officers to develop ambitious policy positions and lead programmes driving growth and reform.

You will combine strategic thinking with practical delivery, managing commissions, partnerships and national engagement to turn ideas into tangible outcomes across the UK.

Qualifications

• A track record of developing evidence-based public policy and translating complex analysis into persuasive advice.
• Experience working with senior political and executive leaders, building trusted relationships and influencing decision-making.
• Experience leading programmes and partnerships across organisational boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Shape the strategic direction of Core Cities UK and develop ambitious policy positions.
• Lead major policy commissions, build partnerships and manage programmes across cities and national partners.
• Represent Core Cities UK at national conferences, political meetings and public events.
• Work with local government leaders to build consensus around shared priorities and deliver tangible change.
• Operate with autonomy and drive, translating ideas into influence.

Skills

Policy development

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Policy communication

Leadership

Job description

At a time when political interest in devolution and regional growth has never been higher, this is a unique opportunity to shape the policy agenda of the UK. Core Cities UK is the collective voice of the UK's major cities: Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield. Together we work to unlock the full potential of our cities through driving economic growth, tackling inequality, improving public services and leading the transition to a more sustainable future.

Hosted by Manchester City Council, our small, highly influential team works directly with the Leaders and Chief Executives of all twelve cities and senior officers across our network. On behalf of Core Cities, we engage nationally with the UK Government, other partners in Local Government and key stakeholder groups in business, finance, academia and policymaking.

We are now looking for an exceptional Deputy Director to help take the organisation through its next stage of development.

This is an unusual and exciting leadership opportunity operating at the heart of UK urban policy. Working closely with the Director, you will help shape the strategic direction of Core Cities UK, developing ambitious policy positions and leading programmes that influence national debate and deliver tangible change for our member cities.

You will work across the breadth of local government policy, helping cities build consensus around shared priorities while developing innovative policy solutions to some of the country's biggest challenges—from economic growth and housing to public service reform, health, climate and tackling deprivation.

You’ll combine strategic thinking with practical delivery: leading major policy commissions, building partnerships, managing programmes, supporting organisational leadership and representing Core Cities UK at national conferences, political meetings and public events.

This is a role for someone who enjoys operating with autonomy and self-drive, thrives in complex political environments and is motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting difference across the UK's cities.

You will bring extensive experience of policy development, strategy or organisational leadership within local government, central government or a similarly complex public policy environment.

More importantly, you'll be someone who combines intellectual curiosity with political judgement and the proactive ability to turn ideas into influence.

You will have:

• A strong track record of developing evidence-based public policy and translating complex analysis into persuasive advice.


• Experience of working with senior political and executive leaders, building trusted relationships and influencing decision-making.


• Experience of leading programmes and partnerships across organisational boundaries, bringing together diverse stakeholders around shared objectives.


• The ability to both work autonomously and lead and motivate teams, especially through influence rather than formal authority.


• A genuine passion for the role cities play in creating a stronger, fairer and more sustainable United Kingdom.

Please evidence your experience in each of the above criteria as we will be using them to shortlist.

Why Join Core Cities UK?

This is one of the most influential policy roles in local government. You’ll enjoy unparalleled access to the Leaders and Chief Executives of the UK's major cities and play a direct role in shaping debates that matter nationally.

Recent Core Cities programmes have helped influence Government policy on issues ranging from investment and growth to public service reform and net zero. With an ambitious programme of work ahead, including new commissions, major policy development and strengthened engagement with Government and partners, this is an opportunity to help shape the future of urban Britain.

You’ll join a collaborative, high‑performing team where initiative is valued, ideas are encouraged and the opportunity to make an impact is genuine. If you believe Britain's cities are central to solving the country's biggest challenges—and you want to help shape that future,we'd love to hear from you.

Closing Date: Wednesday 26th August 2026

Interview Date: Online interview, first or second week of September

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 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

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.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:

• 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.

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 ofemployment.This is not arole 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) 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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