About the role This is a really exciting time to join the Rochdale Highway Service to support our in-house highway operational delivery team. We provide a wide range of functions from gully emptying and pothole repairs through to other reactive repairs and out of hours call out. We also manage the winter maintenance service including gritting and snow clearance which is considered to be a much-valued service by the Rochdale community and local ward councillors. About you To assist with the management and leadership of our in-house highway operational delivery team we are looking for an enthusiastic person to take up the role of Office Manager following the retirement of the current post holder. You will assist in the delivery of all support services, including, financial support; project and technical support and administration. You will also ensure appropriate levels of operational, technical and customer services are provided at all times. You will have strong analytical skills and be responsible for collating and managing relevant data and promoting the continuous improvement of services. You will work closely with collegues across the highway service to assist in ensuring that all highway related activity supports the aims and objectives of the service and the council as a whole. About us This role offers the chance to make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive and forward thinking Council. You will join a service that values collaboration and wellbeing, with opportunities for ongoing training and professional growth. The Council promotes flexible working, inclusivity and a strong commitment to staff wellbeing. You’ll be part of a team that works together to improve outcomes for local people. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects staff to share this commitment Artificial Intelligence (AI) We value genuine, personal applications. Using a generic AI generated response may not help you stand out, no matter how “personalised” it claims to be. Our application process and interviews are designed to dig deeper into your real skills and experiences. This helps us see whether the application reflects you, or if it was heavily assisted by AI. AI can be a great tool to help you polish your writing, but it shouldn’t create a version of you that isn’t true. Use it to enhance your application and not replace your voice. Next Steps If you are interested in what we are offering and have the skills we are looking for we want to hear from you. If you would like to discuss the post further, please contact Chris Cooper at Christopher.cooper@rochdale.gov.uk To apply please demonstrate how you meet the essential requirements of the person specification. We suggest that when completing your application form, you use the person specification criteria as headings then give a specific example. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.Supporting Documents
↗ Office Manager - Job Description
↗ Office Manager - Person Specification
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Location
Princess Street, , Rochdale , OL12 0HA, United Kingdom
Job ID
12301
Supporting You Through Every Step of Your Journey
We want every candidate to feel welcomed, informed and confident when applying for a role with us.
This section brings together everything you need to succeed - from guidance on writing an authentic application to and understanding how to use AI responsibly.
You’ll also find information about our Greater Manchester commitments, including our inclusive employment schemes and standards, as well as tools to help you explore your potential pay, benefits and entitlements. We’re here to ensure you have the support you need at every stage.
Working for a local authority in Greater Manchester
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These commitments span a number of long‑standing schemes and initiatives designed to open doors, remove barriers and ensure all applicants feel valued and respected throughout their employment journey.
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Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter
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Our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme
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Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment
Greater Manchester People Inclusion Standards
Greater Manchester People Inclusion Standards
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Applying Authentically With AI: Our Greater Manchester Approach
Across Greater Manchester’s local authorities, we want to hear your genuine experiences, skills and motivations, expressed in your own words.
To keep our recruitment process fair and inclusive, please complete your application personally and follow the instructions carefully. AI can be used to support you - for example, to help structure your answers or as a reasonable adjustment - but your application should still reflect your authentic voice. If you do use AI as a support tool, a brief explanation helps us ensure an equitable selection process.
Applications that depend too heavily on AI‑generated content may not progress to shortlisting.
This guidance outlines acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI, along with suggestions for using it in a way that supports you while keeping your application true to you.
What Is AI and How Do We Use It Across Greater Manchester?
AI refers to technology that can create or refine content, such as text, ideas, summaries, or planning. It can help improve productivity, problem-solving, and creativity.
We’re open to using innovative digital tools where they can help us work smarter and deliver better services for our residents. However, every use of AI is carefully considered to make sure it is ethical, responsible, and aligned with public-sector values.
When it comes to recruitment, we take a human-centred approach.
This means:
A trained hiring manager reads every application
Shortlisting is based on objective criteria required for the job
Interviews are conducted in person or via teams by the hiring manager for the role
All hiring decisions are made by hiring managers, not algorithms
AI does not make decisions in our recruitment process and our managers are being upskilled to spot AI in applications, particularly when this might have been used in a way that doesn’t feel genuine. If something in an application raises a question or concern, we will test this out with assessments or at the interview stage to confirm authenticity.
Our aim isn’t to catch anyone out but to make sure we’re getting to know the real you, giving every candidate a fair chance and finding the right person for the role.
Using AI in Your Application
When it comes to job applications, what matters most to us is you. We want to see your personality, your experience, and what excites you about joining our team.
We recognise that AI can be a helpful tool to support accessibility during the application process. If you choose to use AI for support, please read the instructions carefully and make sure your application is written in your own words, reflecting your genuine skills, knowledge, experience and enthusiasm.
We’re looking forward to hearing your story.
How to use AI Effectively and Responsibly
Your application is your chance to show us:
Who you are
What you can bring
The values you hold
Why you want to make a difference
AI can help you organise your thoughts or improve clarity but it cannot express your unique voice, experiences, or motivations.
AI is most helpful when used to:
Help you structure the information you are providing to evidence the criteria
Give examples of how to use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Proof-read to highlight grammar or spelling errors
Provide inspiration if you're finding it difficult to find the right words to explain something
But remember: your honesty, lived experience, and motivations are irreplaceable.
Do’s and Don’ts for Using AI in the Recruitment Process
Do:
Use AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement
Ask AI to help tidy up your writing or clarify structure
Use it to brainstorm examples, then rewrite them in your own voice
Reflect on AI suggestions and adapt them to match your experience
Use AI to help with research, but express your understanding yourself
Don’t:
Copy and paste AI-generated content directly into your application
Let AI exaggerate or invent experience you do not have
Rely on generic statements that don’t reflect the specific role requirements
Remove your individuality, we want to hear your voice
