Programme Lead- Employer Engagement & Partnerships
Manchester City Council
Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week 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 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the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action Manchester Adult Education Service (MAES) is seeking an experienced and motivated Programme Lead to support the development, coordination and delivery of the MAES strategy and associated action plans. The role will contribute to delivering the service’s core ambition: connecting Manchester residents to their potential, their community and their future through high-quality, inclusive education. The postholder will support the design and implementation of strategic programmes, initiatives and activities that increase participation in learning, improve access to employment and progression, and respond effectively to employer demand across key growth sectors. Working closely with internal colleagues and a wide range of external partners, including employers, training providers and the community and voluntary sector, the role will place a strong emphasis on engaging employers and developing long-lasting relationships that shape provision, create opportunities and support sustainable outcomes for Manchester’s residents and communities. Priority Programmes A key focus of this role will be supporting innovative, city-wide programmes that respond to labour market challenges and support inclusive growth. Responsive Manchester (Micro-Credentials Ecosystem) Traditional education pathways often lack the flexibility to keep pace with rapidly evolving employer needs. Responsive Manchester supports inclusive economic growth by enabling residents to gain relevant skills quickly. The Micro-Credential Ecosystem is delivered through a partnership model involving Manchester City Council, local employers and training providers, with credentials recognised and validated to support progression into employment, more secure employment or further learning. The delivery model includes: -Short, targeted learning focused on specific, employment-driven skills or competencies -Flexible and modular pathways that enable learners to build skills progressively -Employer-aligned content developed in collaboration with local businesses -Accessible pathways for unemployed and underemployed residents, including those with limited formal qualifications Ambition Manchester (In-Work Progression) This successful model directly addresses in-work poverty and aligns with the Making Manchester Fairer action plan. By offering flexible, scalable support, it helps participants build their confidence, capabilities and connections needed to access sustainable careers and improve their long-term prospects. The model: -Provides tailored guidance, coaching and labour market insight with reduced caseloads for more intensive support -Delivers bite-sized core and soft skills training through hybrid formats, supported by e-learning and micro-credential pathways -Builds strategic relationships with employers to identify skills gaps, create opportunities and align training with sector needs Key Responsibilities The successful candidate will: -Lead the design, coordination and implementation of strategic programmes to ensure wide and equitable participation across Manchester’s communities -Build and sustain strong, long-term relationships with employers, training providers and community organisations -Identify, engage and grow lasting employer relationships across priority sectors -Act as a key point of contact for employer engagement, supporting recruitment activity and participation in programme delivery -Coordinate employer involvement in shaping provision to ensure it is responsive to labour market need -Work closely with delivery teams to match employer demand with learner opportunities -Share labour market intelligence and employer feedback to inform programme development and continuous improvement -Maintain accurate records using CRM systems and track activity against agreed outcomes -Contribute to monitoring, reporting and evaluation for internal and external stakeholders -Represent MAES at external events, promoting opportunities and strengthening partnerships -Broker relationships with organisations delivering support to residents and connect communities to local opportunities -Produce high-quality communications, including reports, presentations and briefings For an informal discussion, please contact the hiring manager, Emma Langlois at emma.langlois@manchester.gov.uk to arrange a convenient time to discuss the role. We are looking for someone with: -Strong experience of partnership working, particularly with employers and stakeholders -Experience in employability, education or economic development programmes -A good understanding of Manchester’s communities, labour market and barriers to participation -Confidence in engaging with stakeholders at different levels and facilitating collaborative activity -Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively -Experience using CRM systems or data tracking tools to support delivery and performance monitoring -You will be collaborative, proactive and committed to improving outcomes for Manchester residents through inclusive, high-quality provision 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.
Contract Type: Full-Time, Temporary (March 2029)
Additional Payments: Casual Car Allowance, Essential Car Allowance, Flexibility payment
Closing Date: 23 August 2026
Closing time: 11.59pm
Interview Method: Face to Face. Candidates shortlisted for the role will first be invited to attend an Assessment Centre on the morning of Wednesday 9 September.Candidates who successfully progress to the next stage will then be invited to attend an Interview on Tuesday 15 September.
This role is subject to -
2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history.
DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for a Standard/ an Enhanced [delete as appropriate] Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-code-of-practice). We have a policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders and it is available upon request.
Responsive Manchester is the city’s approach to delivering flexible, employer-led learning. It aims to tackle persistent skills shortages and improve access to employment in high-demand sectors such as digital, health and social care, construction and education.
Since 2023, Ambition Manchester has supported outcomes for over 550 residents in low-income households, enabling progression into higher-skilled, better-paid roles or increased hours through targeted career coaching, core skills development and stronger employer engagement.
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.
Ready to apply?
Location
, , Manchester, , United Kingdom
Job ID
8471
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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 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
Local authorities across Greater Manchester are proud to be part of a shared commitment to widening access to employment and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
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.
Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter
Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter
Our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme
Our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme
Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment
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.
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
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