The opportunity

Culture and heritage play a vital role in shaping Greater Manchester supporting identity, community wellbeing, inclusion and economic growth, as well as driving regeneration, tourism and pride in place.

We’re looking for a Senior Policy Officer Culture & Heritage to support the development and delivery of policy and programmes across this portfolio. You’ll work on a wide range of issues from cultural infrastructure and heritage assets to place-based investment helping to turn strategic priorities into practical delivery.

You’ll work closely with partners across Greater Manchester, including local authorities, cultural organisations and national bodies, to support delivery of the Greater Manchester Strategy and wider GMCA priorities.


Your role

As part of the Culture, Creative Industries, NTE and Music team, you’ll support a varied and high-profile programme of work. This role combines policy, delivery, research and stakeholder engagement, and will give you the opportunity to work across multiple strands of activity.

You will:

  • Support the development and delivery of culture and heritage policy and programmes, ensuring alignment with the Greater Manchester Strategy and cultural priorities.
  • Work with the Principal, Culture & Heritage to deliver key strategies and initiatives, including activity relating to cultural infrastructure, heritage assets, museums and collections.
  • Undertake research and analysis, helping to build the evidence base to inform policy, investment and programme design.
  • Support delivery of place-based initiatives, working with local authorities and partners to develop and implement cultural and heritage projects.
  • Coordinate governance and programme activity, including preparing reports, briefings and papers for meetings and decision-making processes.
  • Support stakeholder engagement, working across the cultural and heritage sector with local, regional and national partners.
  • Contribute to funding proposals, investment papers and consultation responses.
  • Act as a key point of contact within the team for culture and heritage policy work, supporting clear communication and coordination.

About you

You’ll enjoy working across policy and delivery and be comfortable managing a range of priorities in a collaborative and fast-moving environment.

You’ll bring:

  • Experience in policy, programme delivery or research, ideally within culture, heritage or a related field.
  • An understanding of the culture and heritage sector, including its contribution to regeneration, wellbeing, tourism and inclusive growth.
  • Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use evidence to inform policy and decision-making.
  • Excellent writing skills, including producing clear reports, briefings and funding submissions.
  • Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple strands of work.
  • Strong relationship-building skills, with experience working with a range of partners and stakeholders.
  • A commitment to inclusion and accessibility, ensuring culture and heritage benefit all communities.

We recognise that no candidate will meet every requirement we’re looking for someone with the right skills, mindset and potential to grow in the role.


Why GMCA

Working at GMCA means being part of a team that is shaping the future of Greater Manchester. You’ll contribute to work that supports communities, strengthens places and improves people’s lives.

We offer:

  • Flexible and hybrid working
  • A generous annual leave allowance
  • Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
  • Ongoing learning and development opportunities
  • A supportive and inclusive working environment


Our commitment

We value the diversity of our workforce and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.


Supporting Documents

↗ Role Profile

Ready to apply?

Location

Tootal Buildings, 56 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 6EU, United Kingdom

Job ID

1149

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This section brings together everything you need to succeed - from guidance on writing an authentic application to 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.

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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.

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.

  1. 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.

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    • A trained hiring manager reads every application

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  2. Using AI in Your Application

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    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.

  3. How to use AI Effectively and Responsibly

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  4. Do’s and Don’ts for Using AI in the Recruitment Process

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    • Remove your individuality, we want to hear your voice

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