Policy & Strategy Liaison Officer

Old Moat; Manchester; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Manchester is seeking a highly motivated Policy & Strategy Liaison Officer to support the Leader of the Council and senior management. This role requires a confident communicator with strategic thinking abilities, political awareness, and the capacity to manage sensitive matters. Candidates will be responsible for drafting briefings, assisting in decision-making processes, and engaging with various stakeholders. Competitive salary and generous benefits included.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Local government pension scheme

Enhanced parental leave

Discounts on various services

Access to learning opportunities

Flexible work and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an advisory, policy, or stakeholder engagement role.
• Strong political awareness and ability to navigate organizational dynamics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level advisory support to senior management.
• Draft strategic briefings and prepare speeches.
• Ensure effective liaison with stakeholders.

Skills

Confident communicator

Strategic thinker

Political awareness

Problem-solving

Written and verbal communication

Job description

About The Role

Working hours: 35 hours per week

Contract type: Permanent

Closing date: 11.59pm, 6 October 2025

Interview method: in person

Interview date: 21 October 2025

This role is subject to:

• 2 references - where possible, we require 3 years' history

We are seeking a highly motivated and politically astute individual to join our team as a Policy & Strategy Liaison Officer supporting the Leader of the Council, Chief Executive, Executive Members, and Senior Management Team.

This is a pivotal role at the heart of the organisation, and you will act as a trusted advisor, managing sensitive and confidential matters, and ensuring effective liaison with internal and external stakeholders.

You’ll be responsible for supporting high-level decision-making and ensuring the smooth delivery of key projects and initiatives. From preparing strategic briefings and speeches to managing media presence and political interfaces, this role offers variety, influence, and the opportunity to make a real impact.

For an informal discussion, please contact Nigel Murphy on 0161 234 1141 or [e-mail] to arrange a convenient time to discuss the role.

About the Candidate

About You

You are a confident communicator and strategic thinker with an understanding of local government and the political landscape. You thrive in fast-paced environments and are comfortable working with senior leaders, elected members, and external partners.

You’ll bring:

• Proven experience in an advisory, policy, or stakeholder engagement role.
• Strong political awareness and the ability to navigate complex organisational dynamics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft reports, briefings, and speeches.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving and project delivery.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, and maintain discretion and confidentiality at all times.

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 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. 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 options to top up benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave: Enhanced family leave options to provide time for bonding with a new born or supporting your family.
• Brilliant perks: Discounts on shopping, holidays, days out, phone contracts, cycle to work, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
• Learn and grow: Access learning opportunities, workshops, training, apprenticeships, qualifications, and comprehensive onboarding.
• A Good Employment Charter member: Secure, flexible work, fairness, annual pay reviews, recognition of trade unions, and wellbeing support.
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave: Pro-rated paid volunteering leave.

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

We’re dedicated to creating a workplace that 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 top of our careers page. It offers features like text-to-speech, translation, and adjustable text size and colour to improve accessibility.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the minimum shortlisting requirements and identify with at least one of the following criteria: Armed Forces members or veterans; current or former care leavers; have a disability or long-term condition; completed the GM Elevate Leadership Development Programme or MCC positive action programme. If you have completed GM Elevate, please indicate this in your Supporting Statement.

When You Join Us

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering:

• A workplace adjustment hub with specialist support and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
• Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network for inclusion and influence.
• A commitment to accessibility standards in all information and disability-friendly workplaces.

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 eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route per Manchester City Council policy.

Pre-Employment Checks

If you are successful, the checks may include:

• Proof of Right to Work: You’ll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not guaranteed for this role.
• References: We’ll require references from your current and previous employers.
• Proof of Qualifications: Evidence of relevant qualifications will be required.
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: A criminal record check may be necessary depending on the role.
• Proof of Manchester Residency: Some roles may require residence within Manchester City Council boundaries.
• Police Vetting: Some roles may require vetting to access sensitive information.
• BPSS Clearance: May be required for roles involving access to government data or systems.
• Driving Licence: If the role requires driving, provide a valid licence.

These checks are part of our commitment to safety and security.

Other relevant information

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work. We’ll provide necessary aids or adaptations as needed, and redesign duties if required.

For more information about the role, read the attached role profile. Calculate your take home pay: use the provided service to estimate Income Tax and National Insurance. Privacy Notice.