Events Specialist (Zero Carbon)

Old Moat; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Manchester is looking for an Events Zero Carbon Specialist to drive sustainability in events. You will engage with event organisers, collect data to monitor carbon reductions and help develop bids for international events. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about sustainability in the events sector and aims to make Manchester a leading sustainable destination.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Local government pension scheme

Enhanced parental and carers leave

Access to discounts via MCR+

Diverse learning opportunities

Volunteering leave

Qualifications

• Understanding of how events can achieve sustainability targets.
• Experience in engaging with event organisers.

Responsibilities

• Engage with event organisers on sustainability performance.
• Collect data to monitor carbon emissions reductions.
• Support event bid development.
• Update with national developments in sustainability.

Skills

Passion for sustainability

Understanding of events

Data collection

Engagement with stakeholders

Job description

About The Role

Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week
Contract Type: Full-Time, Temporary (01 December 2026)
Additional Payments: 6.7% Flexibility Payment
Closing Date: 14 December 2025
Closing time: 11.59pm
Interview Method: Face to Face
This role is subject to: 2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history.

Manchester works with global brands, international federations and UK Government Agencies, to help position and profile the city as a world‑leading event destination and support commercial promoters, event agencies and community event organisers to bring event properties into our parks, venues and public spaces. Alongside the economic, marketing and social benefits that these events deliver, we are committed to developing best practice in sustainable events to ensure that we can deliver on Manchester’s commitment to be zero carbon by 2038, with specific actions for events within the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan 2025‑30.

A new, initially time‑limited post of Events Zero Carbon Specialist has been created which will provide the focused delivery for a number of key actions co‑created between the Zero Carbon team and Events, Leisure, Markets and Parks teams, to ensure that events hosted by MCC, funded by MCC or taking place on Council land are as sustainable and low carbon as possible.

• Engage with event organisers on sustainability performance and recommendations for continued improvement to ensure Manchester is identified as a leading sustainable events destination and aligned with the sustainable visitor destination ambitions outlined in the 2025 Greater Manchester Visitor Economy Strategy.
• Continue the targeted collection of data to build on the carbon baselines developed over the last two years to enable monitoring of carbon emissions reductions.
• Support event bid development to demonstrate Manchester’s low carbon and sustainability credentials in order to attract international profile events, which are essential to Manchester being acknowledged and acclaimed as a global sustainable destination.
• Continue to keep up‑to‑date and engaged with national developments, namely Green Events Code of Practice.
• Support delivery of the capital investment project – Power Rewired – that will provide a more sustainable grid power approach for events in the city centre.
• Support development of the capital investment bid for more sustainable grid power for events in parks as Phase 2 of the Power rewired project.
• Enable progress to be monitored and reported on through the Council’s CCAP governance structures ensuring a focus on tangible measures of success.

For an informal discussion, please contact the hiring manager, Margaret, at 07951282087 and [e-mail] to arrange a convenient time to discuss the role.

About the Candidate

We would love to hear from you if you have: a passion for and an understanding of the sustainability sector and a clear understanding of how events can achieve sustainability targets for environmental, social and economic objectives.

About Us

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.
• 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, recognise 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.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

• Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans
• Current or former care leavers
• Have a disability or long‑term condition
• If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programme

If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the Supporting Statement section of your application.

When You Join Us

• 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

• Proof of Right to Work: You’ll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK. Please note, visa sponsorship is not guaranteed for this role.
• References: We’ll require references from your current and previous employer(s).
• Proof of Qualifications: Evidence of qualifications relevant to the role will be required.
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: A criminal record check may be necessary, depending on the role.
• Proof of Manchester Residency: For some roles, you may need to demonstrate that you reside within the boundaries of Manchester City Council.
• Police Vetting: Some roles may require police vetting to ensure suitability for accessing sensitive law enforcement systems or information.
• Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) Clearance: BPSS clearance is primarily used for roles that involve access to government data, systems, or assets. It ensures that individuals meet basic security requirements and can be trusted with sensitive information.
• Driving Licence: If the role requires driving, we’ll need evidence of your valid driving licence.

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.

Other

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