Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Specialist

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Manchester is seeking an EDI Specialist to lead initiatives for diverse communities. The role involves supporting inclusive recruitment, developing training programs, and embedding inclusion in all practices. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in EDI and strong relationship-building skills. A competitive benefits package is offered, including flexibility for remote work.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Wellbeing support

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant experience of working in EDI in a substantive EDI post.
• Proven experience in delivering EDI interventions and approaches.
• Leading the development and delivery of training, guidance, resources.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• A passion for equity, inclusion and social justice.

Responsibilities

• Embed inclusion into everything done at the university.
• Support diverse communities and create policies.
• Design and deliver EDI training interventions.
• Lead on implementing the Inclusive and Diverse Culture strategy.
• Manage inclusive leadership development programmes.

Skills

Significant EDI experience

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Creativity

Job description

This advert is for two EDI Specialist vacancies in our EDI team, and based on your applications it will be decided which role you may be suited for. If you have a preference, please indicate this in your application. If you have applied for this post before, we kindly ask that you do not submit a further application.

Are you a passionate EDI professional ready to lead ambitious change for Manchester's diverse communities and beyond?

If the answer is yes, then this opportunity might be for you!

We are looking for someone to hit the ground running and therefore it's essential you have significant EDI experience of working in a substantive EDI role to take up these opportunities.

This is your chance to join a university that's committed to becoming intentionally inclusive. You'll be part of a team that's driving real change, helping to shape a culture where everyone feels they belong, and diversity is celebrated.

What you'll do

You’ll be a key member of our award-winning EDI team, working closely with the Head of EDI and EDI Director to embed inclusion into everything we do. From supporting colleagues and stakeholders to designing and delivering high-impact programmes, developing and delivering core EDI training interventions, creating policies and guidance, advising senior colleagues, supporting our staff networks to thrive, working on core inclusive communication campaigns, to managing inclusive leadership development programmes, your work will help foster a culture of belonging and equity. You’ll lead on implementing our Inclusive and Diverse Culture (IDC) strategy, offering expert guidance and building meaningful relationships across the University and with external partners.

In addition, one of the EDI Specialists roles will support the inclusive recruitment agenda and have oversight of key approaches to attract diverse talent to the University. This is part of the role, and you will be expected to be able to manage other core projects alongside this area of work.

Both roles are fast-paced and varied, requiring someone who thrives on challenge and is confident managing multiple priorities. You’ll be based at our vibrant city centre campus, with flexibility to work from home two days a week.

The role(s) will be based at 6 Great Marlborough Street, and the successful candidate(s) will be required to work, as a minimum, 3 days on‑site and 2 days from home. Please note that new external starters are normally appointed at the minimum point of the grade. However, salary matching may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis, in line with University policy.

The recruitment will take place via three stages:

• Stage 1: an initial MS Teams phone call with the hiring manager on Thursday 11 (11/12/2025) and Friday 12 December (12/12/25)
• Stage 2: in person competency-based interview alongside a presentation and scenario‑based questions with a stakeholder panel. This is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 13January (13/01/26) and Monday 19January (19/01/26)
• Stage 3: in person discussion with the Director of EDI and Associate Director of HR for OD, scheduled for Monday 26 January (26/01/26)

Who we're looking for

We're looking for a driven EDI professional with substantial experience in equality work. You'll be confident working at pace, with excellent communication and relationship‑building skills. You'll bring creativity, strategic thinking, and a collaborative approach to everything you do.

You’ll need:

• Significant experience of working in EDI in a substantive EDI post
• Proven experience in delivering EDI interventions and approaches
• Leading the development and delivery of training, guidance, resources
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and deliver high-quality outcomes
• A passion for equity, inclusion and social justice

Previous applicants need not apply.

What you’ll receive

At Manchester Met, we’re proud of our inclusive culture and commitment to wellbeing. You’ll join a supportive team that values collaboration, innovation and continuous learning. We offer a competitive benefits package including generous annual leave, flexible working, wellbeing support, and access to professional development opportunities.

For further information on the benefits of joining Manchester Met please see the attached Candidate Pack.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a CV (no more than 2 pages) and a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) outlining your suitability for the role.

For informal queries about the position, please contact Head of EDI Amraze Khan, [e-mail]

Further Information

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.

This vacancy is expected to attract a high volume of applications. Therefore, under the Disability Confident Scheme, only disabled people who apply under the scheme and best meetthe essential criteria will be offered an interview.

£41,064 to £47,389. Grade 8