Manchester is a thriving, modern city with a global reputation for culture, leisure and sporting success. Not only one of the fastest-growing cities in Europe, and a vital engine of economic growth for the north west and the UK, we’re also a pioneer in public service reform, reshaping services in ways that influence thinking far beyond our boundaries. There’s no better place to bring your talents than one of the country’s most dynamic public service organisations in one of Europe’s most progressive cities. 

We have an ambitious City Plan.  To deliver this the council must be a great place to work, with a culture we can be proud of and an absolute commitment to the highest standards of performance and conduct. That’s what this job is all about: you’ll lead one of the biggest, busiest, most complicated and most rewarding core city People functions in the country, from inclusive recruitment to talent management and building great career pathways to supporting all our people to feel valued at work.  

We’re proud of our successes such as our award-winning approach to employee engagement setting a new benchmark in organisational development and our new EDI plan furthering the work started in our race review.  We are also clear-eyed about where we need to do more or think differently. 

As one of the fastest growing and most diverse local labour markets in the country, our priorities include the continuous improvement of workforce representation at all levels, strengthening equality, pay, and fairness, supported by the implementation of our new HR & Finance system. We are also pursuing a renewed focus on culture and behaviours and an integrated talent strategy developing world-class leaders.  
We want to meet people with a sophisticated mix of expertise, experience and leadership skills, who can immediately establish a strong, credible reputation and momentum for change. Your communication, negotiation and influencing ability will be exceptional, and you must bring a track record of consolidating and strengthening large, complex organisations.

 

You’ll be joining a strong, well-respected, politically and financially stable city, with highly valued partnerships. The professional opportunity to deliver a high performing service and lead an exceptional team shouldn’t be missed. We know this job will be a major enabling factor in us achieving our vision for Manchester, and we’re really looking forward to meeting experienced, optimistic leaders who can make it all happen.  

To apply please visit https://faerfield.co.uk/jobs/permanent-roles/manchester-director-people

To arrange a confidential conversation with Dawn Faulkner at Faerfield, please call 0121 312 3755.  

Closing date: 6th April 2026 

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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, 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 

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.
For more information about the role or any adjustments, email  dfaulkner@faerfield.co.uk
 

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 members or veterans
  • Current or former care leavers
  • Have a disability or long-term condition

 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 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 

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) 
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. 
 
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Location

, , Manchester, , United Kingdom

Job ID

7760