Specialist Programme Lead

About The Role

Working Hours: 35 Hours per week

Contract Type: Full time / Permanent

Working Style: Hybrid - Employees split their time between working remotely (e.g., from home) and working on-site (e.g., in an office).

Additional Payments: Essential car user allowance

Closing Date: 04 September 2026

Interview Method: Face to Face

Applicants must have existing right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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.
• 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 an Enhanced 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. We have a policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders, and it is available upon request.

Manchester City Council is seeking an ambitious and motivated Specialist Programme Officer to join our Post-16 Service. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the development, coordination and delivery of programmes that support children and young people to access enriching opportunities within education, employment, training and wider opportunities, contributing to the city's economic growth and social inclusion ambitions.

Working within a dynamic team, you will provide professional support, research, analysis and programme management expertise to help deliver strategic priorities and achieve positive outcomes for Manchester communities.

You will collaborate with a wide range of partners, including education providers, training organisations, employers, voluntary sector organisations and colleagues across the Council to ensure programmes deliver real impact. The role aligns with the Manchester Education Strategy agenda which provides leadership and coordination for education experiences across the city.

You will:

• Support the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of specialist programmes and projects.
• Conduct research, analysis and information gathering to inform policy development and service improvement.
• Develop effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support programme delivery and partnership working.
• Provide advice, guidance and support to colleagues and partners on programme activities and priorities.
• Contribute to reports, briefings, business cases and funding submissions for senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Monitor programme performance, lead on commissioning activity, identify risks and opportunities, and support continuous improvement.
• Help ensure services are delivered in line with strategic objectives, policy requirements and best practice.

Explain how this role is key to making impact in your service

As a Specialist Programme Officer, you will help deliver programmes that have a direct impact on the lives of Manchester residents. Working across education, skills and inclusion initiatives, you will support the design, coordination and improvement of services that enable children and young people to access enriching opportunities that enhance their education, training and sustainable employment opportunities.

This role is central to ensuring that the Council's strategic ambitions become real-world outcomes. By working collaboratively with partners, analysing performance and identifying opportunities for improvement, you will help shape services that reduce inequalities and inequity, improving opportunities for children and young people across Manchester.

If you are passionate about delivering meaningful change, thrive in collaborative environments and want to play a key role in improving outcomes for residents, this is an opportunity to make a tangible difference.

About the Candidate

• Strong communication and engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of audiences.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex information and translate this into practical solutions.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, experience of commissioning and can meet deadlines.
• A proactive and collaborative approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.
• The ability to contribute to strategic thinking, policy development and programme delivery.
• Experience working within employment, skills, education, economic development or related programmes would be advantageous.

About Us

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 during our annual leave purchase period.
• 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

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care.
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term condition
• Have you completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programmes?

When You Join Us

• 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.

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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