Lead Analyst

Contract: We are recruiting 1 x permanent post, and 1 x fixed term post (12 months) maternity leave cover.


Your role:

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is a statutory body consisting of the ten local authorities of Greater Manchester and a directly elected Mayor. It has wide-ranging policy development, regeneration and transport functions and an ambitious agenda to build a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life.

We are seeking two Lead Analysts to join the GMCA Research Team, supporting the work of the Safer and Stronger Communities Directorate.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority's Safer and Stronger Communities Directorate works with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to make Greater Manchester a safer, fairer and more resilient place to live, work and visit. The Directorate supports the delivery of the Mayor's police, crime and fire responsibilities, working closely with Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, local authorities, health partners, probation services, the voluntary and community sector, and local communities.

The Directorate leads the development and delivery of key strategies and programmes that improve community safety, reduce crime and offending, support victims, tackle serious violence and gender-based violence, strengthen community cohesion, and build public confidence in policing and community safety services. It also plays a key role in overseeing performance, commissioning services, and driving partnership approaches to some of Greater Manchester's most complex social challenges

As a Lead Analyst, your work will be varied. Key responsibilities will be supporting and leading on research and evaluation projects, working with a range of quantitative and qualitative data, presenting and communicating research findings to senior leaders across Greater Manchester and supporting both internal and external stakeholders with data and intelligence needs. The postholder will therefore need strong interpersonal skills, be able to communicate research findings to a range of audiences and support colleagues to embed evidence-based insights into strategy development and delivery. We would particularly welcome applicants with experience of working on evaluation projects.

The role will sit within the GMCA Research Team. The Research Team produce high quality research and intelligence to inform the evidence base that underpins policy and strategy for the city region. As part of the GMCA Research Team, you will join a supportive and vibrant team of other Analysts, Lead Analysts and Principal Researchers, with opportunities to collaborate on cross-team initiatives.

Please note, the Lead Analyst Role Profile is structured against a progression framework that allows Lead Analysts to progress from Grades 6 to 8.

About you:

Below are the skills and experience we are looking for. Don’t be put off if you feel less strong on some of the areas different people bring different skills, knowledge, and experience, and we’re keen that you apply and have the opportunity to show us the strengths that you will bring to the role.

  • Experience of undertaking research and analysis, including delivering research projects. We would particularly welcome applicants with evaluation experience.
  • An understanding of how data and evidence can be used to inform strategy, policy, and delivery, and how to maximise insight and intelligence from the research you undertake.
  • Strong analytical capabilities with evidence of working with complex quantitative data sets and/or experience of working with qualitative data (e.g. interviews, focus groups, community engagement)
  • A good understanding of the current public policy and political landscape, and the opportunities and challenges that organisations like GMCA are presented with.
  • Ability to develop relationships with colleagues and understand different perspectives, particularly in terms of how people might make use of data and evidence.
  • Confidence in sourcing, analysing, and presenting complex information to both specialist and non-technical audiences.
  • Commitment to personal development and an eagerness to learn new techniques and approaches, including being self-motivated and able to use your initiative.
  • Commitment to the development of yourself and others, and to identifying learning opportunities and encouraging the sharing of best practice.
  • Commitment to equality and diversity, both within research outputs and the wider workplace.

Above all, we want you to have a passion for Greater Manchester and the work we do, and to really care about making a difference to the lives of our diverse Greater Manchester communities. We expect a lot, but in return, offer a lot a competitive salary and benefits, including the Local Government Pension Scheme; family friendly policies and flexible working practices; a generous holiday entitlement, starting at 25 days plus bank holidays; a Cycle scheme; a progression framework for Lead Analysts; and lots of health and wellbeing support. We are committed to supporting colleagues to learn through their work and invest in both formal and informal training and development opportunities.

Please note this role will require NPPV2 Police Vetting.

For more information about the role or recruitment process, please contact Jessica Phoenix (Principal Researcher Safer and Stronger Communities): jessica.phoenix@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk

To find out more about working in the GMCA Research Team, please click here: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/research/

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. However, we value human talent and are looking for passionate individuals to join our organisation. Please ensure you personally complete your application and read all the instructions carefully to maximise your chances of success.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting, however we understand that AI may be used as a reasonable adjustment, if using AI to support your application, please give a brief explanation why to help ensure fair selection process.

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Employees on the redeployment register will be given priority for any vacancies in the first instance. If employees are identified as a match from the register then the vacancy may be withdrawn or put on hold pending an outcome.

For this opportunity, you must be able to prove you have the right to work in the UK - if in doubt please visit the following link Employers' right to work checklist - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Please note we are not a licenced sponsor.


GMP VETTING

This post requires Non-Police Personnel Vetting.

Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years UK residency for Non-Police Personnel Vetting. If an applicant does not have the minimum residency required eligibility would be considered on a case by case basis using all information that can be obtained following a successful application.

The College of Policing’s Code of Practice for Vetting must be followed. This information is available from the College of Policing website. For further details please see below:

Vetting | College of Policing

Supporting Documents

↗ Lead Analyst Role Profile

Ready to apply?

Location

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

Job ID

1256

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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.

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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.

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.

    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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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

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