Programme Lead - Making Fairer

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. This role is not 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.

Working hours: 35 hours per week.
Contract type: Permanent, full‑time.
Closing date: 29 January 2026 at 11:59pm.

Manchester City Council is committed to tackling health inequalities and making Manchester fairer, greener and healthier. The Making Manchester Fairer programme addresses root causes of poor health through education, housing, employment and transport. The role‑holder will provide strong governance and project management support to ensure the implementation of the Making Manchester Fairer Action Plan, working closely with the Strategic Lead, Age Friendly Manchester, and the PMO.

• Develop, monitor and report on programme governance frameworks in line with PRINCE2 or equivalent.
• Translate strategic vision into impactful programmes and projects.
• Deliver successful outcomes for a diverse workload, managing a portfolio of complex projects.
• Provide line management for at least one staff member and manage work of people outside the direct reporting line through matrix management.
• Engage stakeholders and partner with external organisations to achieve programme objectives.
• Lead presentations and meetings in person and in the office (requirement to work at least three days in the Manchester office per week, with a mandatory Tuesday anchor day).

• Proven experience of successfully managing and delivering a wide range of complex projects within a structured project management process such as PRINCE2 or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of programme governance and experience delivering programmes with robust governance structures.
• Excellent programme and project management skills.
• Strong understanding of health inequalities, equalities, diversity and inclusion.
• Experience working in political environments and on high‑profile programmes.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement and partnership working.

• Minimum qualifications and experience as outlined above.
• Evidence of right to work in the UK.
• References (3 years' history where possible).

• Generous holiday allowance: 26 days annual leave + bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service; purchase up to two additional weeks.
• Pension:
  Enrolment in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme with life cover of three‑times salary.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave.
• Perks: discounts on shop, holidays, phone contracts, cycle‑to‑work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests.
• Learning and career development: workshops, training sessions, apprenticeships and qualifications, including a comprehensive onboarding process.
• Flexible working and fair employment charter commitments.
• Volunteering leave: up to three days pro‑rated paid leave.

We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, disabled people and young people. The Council is committed to providing workplace adjustments and accessibility support.

• Interview adjustments available on request.
• Accessible formats:
  Recite Me tool and other accessibility options on the careers page.

For further information or to discuss the role, please contact Sofia Tropeano at Sofi or email  for assistance.

All candidates are required to complete pre‑employment checks, including proof of right to work and references. All applications must be truthful; plagiarism or fabricated evidence may lead to withdrawal or disciplinary action.