Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week (3 week rota including evening work and on-call)
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Additional Payments: Flexibility Payment    
Closing Date: 13 April 2026
Closing time: 11.59pm 
Interview Method: Face to Face (1st day assessment centre and 2 day formal interview)
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the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.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 - 
  • Legal right to Work:  In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.
  • 2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history. 
The role is part of the Operations Team at the gallery, responsible for running our three gallery sites - Manchester Art Gallery (in the city centre), Platt Hall (Rusholme) and Queens Park Conservation Studios (Harpurhey). 

You'll provide effective operational support for the benefit of all building users, ensuring the safety of the gallery's collection, and supporting a range of activities within the gallery. Day-to-day responsibilities include regular building checks, safe opening and closing of our buildings, fire safety and security provision and first-aid, supervision of contactors, and ensuring good housekeeping so our buildings look as good as possible.

The team work on a rolling rota pattern (Monday-Sunday), provide call-out, and support the gallery's out-of-hours events business. 

Manchester City Galleries are proudly part of Manchester City Council and belong to the people of Manchester. We believe that creativity can be a powerful force in making a healthy society and achieving positive social change. We meet the needs of Manchester’s varied communities, connecting art and people through exhibitions, engagement and education. Art can expand our knowledge of the world and our sense of place within it.

At our three sites – Manchester Art Gallery, Platt Hall, and our Conservation and Research Centre in Queens Park - we care for a collection of over 50,000 objects including art, craft and design and clothing. In our 200th year, we are taking stock of our collection, working with and for the people of Manchester to shape our future.
We are committed to working in partnership, offering free social spaces and building collaborations with communities, agencies, charities and other council services. We place people at the centre of all that we do, using our resources to make the city a fairer place. This commitment to social justice includes actively working to address the inequalities of class, race, gender, sexuality, age and disability as well as improving our environmental sustainability

We're looking for somebody who is dynamic can think on their feet, isn't fazed by unexpected problems and can communicate clearly and calmly . The gallery is a busy building in the heart of the city - with  a wealth of activity 7 days a week, both in the public galleries and back of house.

Previous experience in an operations role is desirable, but not essential, but you should have a good knowledge and understanding of health and safety, security, and fire safety - and an interest in the operation of historic buildings and/or museums and galleries.

There is a physical element to the role, so you do need to be able to access all areas of our buildings (including basements, roof areas and risers), and be able to safely carry portable items. You will hold a First Aid at work and CCTV Level 2 qualification or be able to obtain both  within 6 months of commencing the role.

If you are a good team player, with strong communications skills, and an interest in making the gallery a great place to work and visit, we'd love to hear from you.

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. 

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.

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. 

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

7787