Head of Wholesale and Retail Markets
Manchester City Council
Mnachester Permanent £52,413 Expires 19/03/2026
Manchester City Council is seeking a Head of Wholesale & Retail Markets to lead and develop its diverse market portfolio, which includes one of the UK’s largest wholesale markets and vibrant retail markets serving local communities. The role includes strategic leadership and operational management to support over 500 businesses and create dynamic market environments. The role provides inspirational leadership for a customer‑focused, commercially aware service critical to Manchester’s local economy. Reporting to the Strategic Lead Business Units, you will lead a varied and high‑profile portfolio, including: New Smithfield Wholesale Market Weekly Sunday Market & Car Boot at New Smithfield Retail markets at Longsight and Gorton Oversight of business support and property services for the market estate Management of Market Rights across the city Future development of market-related services, buildings and commercial opportunities You will play a central role in shaping the long‑term vision for the Markets Service — ensuring they remain safe, vibrant, customer‑focused environments that reflect the city’s values and meet the needs of diverse communities and traders. Key Responsibilities Provide strategic direction and leadership to continuously improve service quality and customer experience Use insight, data and effective performance management to shape future service delivery Build strong partnerships across the Council, external agencies, traders and community stakeholders Champion Manchester’s “Our Manchester” behaviours, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and inclusion Ensure compliance with health & safety legislation and best practice Deliver robust financial and resource management, ensuring best value Drive commercial growth, business performance improvements and long‑term market development Lead staff teams, setting clear expectations and supporting personal and professional development You are a confident and experienced leader with a passion for people, place and customer service. You will bring: Strong communication and relationship‑building skills An analytical, solutions‑focused mindset Proven decision‑making abilities, including in high‑pressure situations Experience managing budgets, contracts and commercial performance Excellent people‑management skills, motivating teams to deliver exceptional service A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive leadership You will hold a full UK driving licence and a NEBOSH General Certificate (or working towards / equivalent). You will have local government experience in a managerial role in an operational service 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: Benefits we offer 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 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: When You Join Us We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering: For more information about the role or any adjustments, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk. 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. Calculate your take home pay. Use this service to estimate how much Income Tax and National Insurance you should pay for the current tax year. Employment could affect your benefits, find out more here. Turn2us Benefits Calculator.
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Additional Payments: Casual Car Allowance and 6.7% Flexibility Payment
Closing Date: 19 March 2026
Closing time: 11.59pm
Interview Method: Face to Face
Legal Right to Work: Applicants must have existing right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
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.
This role is subject to -
2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history.
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
, , Mnachester, , United Kingdom
Job ID
7688