Grants Manager

Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week

Contract Type:  Full-Time, Permanent

Additional Payments: Casual Car Allowance

Closing Date: 22 June 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the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.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 of employment 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 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 (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.  

Casual Car Documentation - The successful candidate will be a designated Casual Car User which means that car journeys may be necessary on an occasional basis, but are not essential to the role. If you do drive, you must always hold a full valid driving licence and provide your own car for use at work, as well as provide all the appropriate documentation. You will receive an allowance per mile of business use. 

Help change lives across Manchester – one grant at a time.

We Love MCR Charity is Manchester City Council’s charity, working to improve the lives of residents experiencing poverty, financial hardship and inequality. From emergency support to long‑term community investment, our grants make a real difference where it matters most, empowering young people and communities to thrive.

We are now looking for a Grants Manager to play a pivotal role in delivering our mission.

About the role

As Grants Manager, you will lead the design, delivery and evolution of We Love MCR Charity’s grants programmes. You will ensure funding reaches communities fairly, transparently and impactfully, supporting voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations across Manchester to thrive.

This role plays a key part in delivering Manchester City Council’s Our Manchester Strategy 2025–2035, ensuring that grant funding directly supports the city’s long‑term priorities around residents living well, safe and inclusive neighbourhoods, equality of opportunity, and stronger communities. The Grants Manager will translate strategic objectives into practical, impactful funding programmes that respond to real needs across Manchester.

This is a strategic and hands‑on role, ideal for someone who combines strong grant‑making expertise with deep empathy for communities and a passion for social justice.

What you’ll be doing

• Managing the full grants lifecycle – from programme design and application processes to assessment, monitoring and evaluation
• Building strong relationships with community organisations, partners and stakeholders
• Ensuring funding decisions are evidence‑based, inclusive and aligned with our charitable objectives
• Overseeing grant budgets, compliance and reporting requirements
• Using insight and impact data to continuously improve our grant programmes
• Representing We Love MCR Charity at forums, events and partnership meetings
• Supporting the wider programme of charity activities and events

 About you

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has proven experience managing grant programmes or funding processes
• Understands the VCSE sector and the barriers faced by communities experiencing hardship
• Is highly organised, analytical and confident working with data and budgets
• Communicates clearly and empathetically with a wide range of stakeholders
• Shares our values of compassion, fairness and community empowerment

Experience in place‑based funding, participatory grant‑making or working with marginalised communities would be particularly welcomed.

Why join We Love MCR Charity?

• Be part of a charity with deep roots in Manchester and a trusted citywide reputation
• Make a tangible difference to people and communities across the city
• Work alongside passionate colleagues and partners who care about social impact
• Enjoy a supportive, values‑led working culture

Ready to help Manchester thrive?

If you’re motivated by impact, collaboration and creating opportunity where it’s needed most, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help us continue building a stronger, fairer Manchester for everyone.

For an informal discussion, please contact the hiring manager, Simon Wright at 07815550531 and [email protected] to arrange a convenient time to discuss the role.  

Key Skills

1. Grant & Programme Management

• Proven experience managing grants across the full lifecycle, from application and assessment to monitoring and closure
• Ability to manage a diverse portfolio of community-based grants, ensuring alignment with We Love MCR’s priorities
• Experience balancing high-volume, small grants alongside larger strategic investments

2. Community & Place-Based Insight

• Strong understanding of Manchester’s communities, voluntary sector, and inequalities
• Ability to assess grassroots organisations and identify where funding will have the greatest local impact
• Commitment to inclusive grant-making and supporting underrepresented groups

3. Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact

• Experience designing and implementing proportionate monitoring frameworks for community grants
• Ability to capture outcomes, impact stories, and social value
• Skilled in translating data and insight into meaningful reporting for trustees, funders, and stakeholders

4. Financial Oversight

• Experience reviewing grant budgets and ensuring appropriate use of funds
• Ability to monitor spend, identify risks, and ensure compliance with funding conditions
• Strong attention to detail in financial and due diligence processes

5. Stakeholder Engagement

• Strong relationship-building skills with community organisations, partners, and civic stakeholders
• Ability to provide supportive grant management, offering guidance to applicants and grantees
• Confident representing the charity across Manchester networks and events

6. Equity & Inclusive Practice

• Understanding of barriers faced by smaller and grassroots organisations
• Experience applying equity-led approaches to funding decisions
• Commitment to fairness, transparency, and accessibility in grant processes

7. Communication

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to produce clear, engaging reports and impact content
• Skilled at explaining funding decisions and processes in a supportive and accessible way

Essential Requirements

• Demonstrable experience in grant management, grant-making, or community programme delivery
• Strong knowledge of the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, ideally in Manchester
• Experience working with diverse communities and grassroots organisations
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong IT skills, including Excel and grant/CRM systems
• Commitment to the mission and values of We Love MCR Charity

Desirable Requirements

• Experience working in a place-based or community foundation context
• Knowledge of Manchester’s funding landscape and key partners
• Experience in designing or improving grant programmes
• Understanding of safeguarding, due diligence, and risk management in grant-making
• Line management or mentoring experience

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about Manchester and its communities
• Collaborative, approachable, and supportive in working with applicants and partners
• High integrity and commitment to fair decision-making
• Proactive and solutions-focused
• Culturally aware and inclusive in approach