Global Growth & Trade Leader

GMCA; Manchester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Greater Manchester Combined Authority is seeking a strategic leader to drive the Principal International Growth agenda and strengthen the city-region’s global connections. You will lead cross‑directorate work on trade, investment and knowledge exchange, providing high‑level advice to the Mayor and senior leaders while managing budgets and governance across major international initiatives.

Join a collaborative, outward‑looking team that engages national government, universities and business

Qualifications

• Strategic leadership, political awareness, and understanding of economic growth and international policy.
• Experience with international trade, investment and city-region policy.
• Ability to engage senior stakeholders across public, private and academic sectors.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation and briefing skills.
• Strong programme management, governance and budget oversight.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior leadership within the International Team, with line management responsibilities.
• Lead the design, development and delivery of policies and programmes for international growth.
• Act as GMCA’s principal lead for international growth across trade, investment and knowledge exchange.
• Build and maintain senior relationships with government, authorities, universities and business partners.
• Provide strategic advice, briefings and presentations to senior officers and political leaders.
• Lead and coordinate international missions and market activity supporting GMCA growth opportunities.
• Provide governance, risk management, budget oversight and reporting to senior boards.
• Support government departments on Free Trade Agreements and trade policy.
• Commission and manage external contracts and secure resources.
• Represent GMCA locally, nationally and internationally.

Skills

Strategy development

Policy design

Delivery leadership

Trade policy

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Programme governance

Budget oversight

Partnerships

Inclusion & collaboration

Job description

Greater Manchester Combined Authority is seeking a strategic leader to drive the Principal International Growth agenda and strengthen the city-region’s global connections. You will lead cross‑directorate work on trade, investment and knowledge exchange, providing high‑level advice to the Mayor and senior leaders while managing budgets and governance across major international initiatives.

Join a collaborative, outward‑looking team that engages national government, universities and business