Deputy Director Core Cities

More importantly, you'll be someone who combines intellectual curiosity with political judgement and the proactive ability to turn ideas into influence.

You will have:

· A strong track record of developing evidence-based public policy and translating complex analysis into persuasive advice.

· Experience of working with senior political and executive leaders, building trusted relationships and influencing decision-making.

· Experience of leading programmes and partnerships across organisational boundaries, bringing together diverse stakeholders around shared objectives.

· The ability to both work autonomously and lead and motivate teams, especially through influence rather than formal authority.

· A genuine passion for the role cities play in creating a stronger, fairer and more sustainable United Kingdom.

Please evidence your experience in each of the above criteria as we will be using them to shortlist.

Why Join Core Cities UK?

This is one of the most influential policy roles in local government. You'll enjoy unparalleled access to the Leaders and Chief Executives of the UK's major cities and play a direct role in shaping debates that matter nationally.

Recent Core Cities programmes have helped influence Government policy on issues ranging from investment and growth to public service reform and net zero. With an ambitious programme of work ahead, including new commissions, major policy development and strengthened engagement with Government and partners, this is an opportunity to help shape the future of urban Britain.

You'll join a collaborative, high-performing team where initiative is valued, ideas are encouraged and the opportunity to make an impact is genuine. If you believe Britain's cities are central to solving the country's biggest challenges—and you want to help shape that future—we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV and a personal statement outlining your suitability for the role against the criteria in no more than 2 pages. 

For more information or a chance to discuss the role with Core Cities UK Director prior to application, then please email [email protected].

Closing Date: Wednesday 26th August 2026

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 

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 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 

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, 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. 

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