Deputy Director Core Cities
Manchester City Council
Hosted by Manchester City Council, our small, highly influential team works directly with the Leaders and Chief Executives of all twelve cities and senior officers across our network. On behalf of Core Cities, we engage nationally with the UK Government, other partners in Local Government and key stakeholder groups in business, finance, academia and policymaking. We are now looking for an exceptional Deputy Director to help take the organisation through its next stage of development. This is an unusual and exciting leadership opportunity operating at the heart of UK urban policy. Working closely with the Director, you will help shape the strategic direction of Core Cities UK, developing ambitious policy positions and leading programmes that influence national debate and deliver tangible change for our member cities. You will work across the breadth of local government policy, helping cities build consensus around shared priorities while developing innovative policy solutions to some of the country's biggest challenges—from economic growth and housing to public service reform, health, climate and tackling deprivation. You'll combine strategic thinking with practical delivery: leading major policy commissions, building partnerships, managing programmes, supporting organisational leadership and representing Core Cities UK at national conferences, political meetings and public events. This is a role for someone who enjoys operating with autonomy and self-drive, thrives in complex political environments and is motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting difference across the UK's cities. You will bring extensive experience of policy development, strategy or organisational leadership within local government, central government or a similarly complex public policy environment. 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 stephen.jones@corecities.com. 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: Benefits we offer 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 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: When You Join Us We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering: For more information about the role or any adjustments, email specialistrecruitment@manchester.gov.uk 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.
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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Location
, , Manchester, , United Kingdom
Job ID
8731
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Help you structure the information you are providing to evidence the criteria
Give examples of how to use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Proof-read to highlight grammar or spelling errors
Provide inspiration if you're finding it difficult to find the right words to explain something
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Use AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement
Ask AI to help tidy up your writing or clarify structure
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Reflect on AI suggestions and adapt them to match your experience
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Copy and paste AI-generated content directly into your application
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Rely on generic statements that don’t reflect the specific role requirements
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