Assistant Director (Preparedness, Prevention & Partnerships) NEW GMCA Posted today Manchester £73,896 to £82,840 Expires on 06/09/2026

Job: Assistant Director (Preparedness, Prevention & Partnerships)

Team: GM Resilience Unit (GMCA Resilience Directorate)

Salary : £73,896 to £82,840 (subject to job evaluation)

Hours : 36.25 hours per week, Monday-Friday, with out of hours as required as part of a 365/24/7 on call rota

Contract : Permanent - Hybrid Working

Location : GMCA Offices, Tootal House, 56 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 6EU

Advert closing date: September 6th at 23:59

Interviews: September 24th and 25th in Central Manchester.

We are seeking an exceptional Assistant Director (Preparedness, Prevention & Partnerships) to join GMCA’s Resilience Directorate at a pivotal time in the development of whole-of-society resilience across our city-region.

This is a unique opportunity to provide senior leadership across preparedness, prevention, policy integration and strategic partnerships, helping Greater Manchester anticipate, withstand, adapt to and recover from the risks and challenges of today and tomorrow.

Working as part of the Directorate's Senior Leadership Team, you will shape resilience strategy across Greater Manchester, influence policy and decision‑making at the highest levels, and strengthen partnerships locally, nationally and internationally to embed resilience across communities, organisations, infrastructure and public services.

The Role

As Assistant Director (Preparedness, Prevention & Partnerships), you will support the Chief Resilience Officer (Director of Resilience) in leading the Resilience Directorate and delivering its strategic objectives.

You will:

• Lead and oversee the Greater Manchester Resilience Forum’s (LRF) secretariat team.
• Lead the directorate’s approach to preparedness, prevention and whole‑of‑society resilience, integrating resilience into policy, planning and decision‑making across Greater Manchester.
• Oversee the development and delivery of resilience strategies, delivery plans, assurance frameworks and strategic programmes.
• Chair and support key Local Resilience Forum functions
• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with local authorities, emergency services, government departments, businesses, voluntary organisations, infrastructure providers and international resilience networks.
• Lead innovative programmes and pilot projects that enhance resilience capability, preparedness and risk reduction across Greater Manchester.
• Drive delivery of the Greater Manchester Resilience Strategy and support resilience objectives across the wider Greater Manchester Strategy.

About You

We are looking for an experienced and inspirational strategic leader with a strong track record in resilience, civil contingencies or emergency management.

You will bring:

• Significant experience operating at a senior level within resilience, emergency planning, public service, policy or partnership environments.
• Demonstrable experience of strategic leadership and delivering outcomes through complex multi‑agency partnerships.
• Strong understanding of resilience, risk management, preparedness, prevention and whole‑of‑society approaches.
• Experience developing and implementing strategies, business plans and large‑scale programmes within complex operating environments.
• The ability to influence, negotiate and build consensus amongst senior stakeholders, elected members and partner organisations.
• Excellent communication, relationship‑management and stakeholder‑engagement skills.
• The ability to think strategically, horizon scan effectively and translate long‑term ambition into practical delivery.
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem‑solving skills with a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

Essential Requirements

• Commitment to participate in a 24/7/365 resilience on‑call rota supporting Greater Manchester during emergencies.
• Ability to successfully obtain and maintain Greater Manchester Police Security Clearance.
• At time of application, a full driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use.
• Willingness to travel throughout Greater Manchester and beyond when required.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the future resilience of Greater Manchester.

You will help build stronger partnerships, influence strategic decision‑making, drive innovation in resilience practice and ensure communities, places and organisations are better prepared for future challenges.

By joining the Resilience Directorate, you will contribute directly to creating a safer, stronger and more resilient Greater Manchester.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. Further details can be found in the attached role profile below.

Benefits - Greater Manchester Combined Authority

The Selection Process

Candidates will be shortlisted following the closing date. Successful applicants will be invited to attend a selection process consisting of:

• A formal interview
• A written assessment
• A short presentation

Selection activities are expected to take place on September 24th and 25th in Central Manchester and last approximately 3 hours.

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 ( Please note we are not a licensed sponsor.

Hybrid working

This role is part of GMCA’s hybrid working scheme. As part of our commitment to ‘Build Back Fairer’ in Greater Manchester following the Covid‑19 pandemic, we have evolved our management methods by trusting and empowering staff to deliver their work in the best way that suits the business and their individual needs, and supports health and wellbeing. Our hybrid working policy sets out a flexible approach, combining attendance at our Manchester city centre office, allocated GM Local Authority office(s), or on site in the community, with remote working, typically from home (within a reasonable commutable distance from Greater Manchester); the location of work is primarily dictated by the needs of the business: ‘Do what is right for you and the business on that day’. If appointed to the role you will work with your manager to agree and regularly review the best working pattern for you, your team and your work.

Supporting Documents

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