Project Manager Level 1

Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week

Contract Type:  Full-Time, Permanent

Closing Date: 26 April 2026

Closing time: 11.59pm 

Interview Method: Face to Face 

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

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the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. 

This role is subject to - 

2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history. 

The City Council is looking for a Housing Strategy Project Manager, to help develop our ambitious new Supported Housing Strategy as well as supporting the development, delivery and ongoing evaluation of other new and existing housing strategies – including Manchester’s Housing Strategy 2022-2032.

Based in the Strategic Housing team, the new Project Manager will play a leading role within the Growth & Development Directorate – set up to deliver on key housing market objectives in line with the sustainable economic transformation of the city.

About the Team

The Housing Strategy Team is responsible for advancing Manchester’s Housing Strategy, which includes an ambitious goal of 36,000 new homes by 2032 (with 10,000 affordable homes). Our team champions projects designed to increase housing supply, improve housing quality, and support vulnerable residents in secure housing environments. The team also manages the city’s Enabling Independence Accommodation Strategy, which fosters independence through innovative housing solutions across Manchester. By collaborating closely with other departments, commissioners, and housing providers, we work to ensure Manchester’s housing landscape evolves and grows in line with residents’ needs.

About the Role

As a Project Manager within Manchester City Council’s Housing Strategy Team, you will play a pivotal role in advancing Manchester’s housing goals by developing and delivering Manchester’s new Supported Housing Strategy. For example:

• Project manage the development of Manchester’s Local Supported Housing Strategy in line with the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023.
• Coordinate supporting housing needs assessment work, including supply mapping, unmet need analysis and future demand forecasting.
• Develop and track the Support Housing Strategy delivery plan. 
• Ensure alignment with Manchester’s wider housing, health, social care, homelessness and community safety strategies.
• Lead a midpoint review of Manchester’s Housing Strategy – appraising the impact it has had to date and identifying what more we can do (with new Government support via the Social and Affordable Housing Programme 2026-2036).
• Consider Manchester’s Private Rented Sector strategy in light of significant government reforms to the sector via the Renters Reform Act.
• Produce reports and updates for senior leaders, members and government to meet statutory deadlines.
• Monitor implementation, review evidence and support continuous improvement.
• Champion resident experience, promoting independence, dignity, safety and high‑quality supported housing.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced project manager with a passion for public service and social impact. Your role as Project Manager will not only shape the future of housing in Manchester but also play a vital part in ensuring that all residents have access to safe, affordable, and high-quality housing solutions tailored to meet their needs.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact [email protected]

About the Candidate:

The successful candidate will have the following skills:

Project Management: Proficient in structured project management, with a track record of successfully delivering complex projects to scope, time, and budget.

Strategic Thinking: Capacity to contribute to the development of housing policy and innovate within the housing / supported housing sector.

Policy Skills: Able to research emerging best practice and develop innovative, creative solutions to complex policy challenges.

Analytical: Ability to synthesise and evaluate complex data from multiple sources to inform strategic decision-making.

Planning and Organisation: Strong time-management and organizational skills to set realistic schedules and prioritise multiple workstreams.

Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information effectively across varied audiences.

People Management: Proven ability to lead, coach, and support team members towards achieving objectives.

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.
• 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 

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:

• Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans
• Current or former care leavers
• Have a disability or long-term condition
• If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programme

If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the Supporting Statement section of your application.

When You Join Us 

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering:

• 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.

For more information about the role or any adjustments, email [email protected]. 

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. As a guide, these checks may include:

• Proof of Right to Work: You’ll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK. Please note, visa sponsorship is not guaranteed for this role.
• References: We’ll require references from your current and previous employer(s).
• Proof of Qualifications: Evidence of qualifications relevant to the role will be required.
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: A criminal record check may be necessary, depending on the role.
• Proof of Manchester Residency: For some roles, you may need to demonstrate that you reside within the boundaries of Manchester City Council.
• Police Vetting: Some roles may require police vetting to ensure suitability for accessing sensitive law enforcement systems or information.
• Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) Clearance:  BPSS clearance is primarily used for roles that involve access to government data, systems, or assets. It ensures that individuals meet basic security requirements and can be trusted with sensitive information
• Driving Licence: If the role requires driving, we’ll need evidence of your valid driving licence.

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.

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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