Manchester City Council
Programme Manager
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Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week
Contract Type: 2 x Full-Time, Permanent
Closing Date and Time: 11:59pm, 18 August 2026
Interview Method: Face to Face
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
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the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action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.
Manchester has a strong track record of regeneration and renewal, driven by ambitious partnerships and a shared vision for inclusive growth. District centres, local centres and high streets are at the heart of communities, where people live, work, shop and connect. To support the development of these areas and deliver the Our Manchester Strategy, the City Council is investing in a dedicated regeneration team and is now recruiting talented individuals, including two Programme Managers, to help lead regeneration projects and create positive outcomes for local communities.
To note, this advert relates to two Programme Manager posts sitting with the District Centres and Localities Regeneration Team. A number of Senior Project Manager posts are also being advertised in parallel.
Programme Manager (x2)
We are recruiting two Programme Managers to lead on district centre and locality regeneration projects in North and South Manchester. The postholders will lead a team to scope, commission and deliver projects, working with colleagues across the council and engaging with communities and stakeholders to deliver meaningful improvements and investments.
The successful candidate will have a diverse and stimulating workload, which will include:
- commissioning and managing the production of development and regeneration frameworks;
- undertaking the client function for public realm and other district centre investments;
- programming and managing community engagement and consultation;
- supporting the drafting of funding bids to the GMCA, Homes England and other bodies, monitoring of delivery spend and grant claims;
- working alongside the Development team to maximise the benefit from council-owned assets and bring forward development in district centres;
- working with Neighbourhoods and other services to support the Pride in Place (PiP) programme;
- identifying options for new housing within district centres and localities, and collaborating with the Strategic Housing team and others to help deliver on the council’s Housing Strategy;
- helping to establish a shopfront improvement programme, alongside other high street interventions;
- engaging with ward councillors and Executive Members to provide briefings and feedback as required.
As an indication of potential workload, the Programme Manager for the North will lead on district centre regeneration projects in areas including Moston Lane, Harpurhey, Newton Heath and Cheetham Hill, as well as projects emerging from the two PiP areas in the North. In the South, the focus will be on projects in Chorlton, Burnage, Withington and Northenden, as well as projects emerging from the Wythenshawe and Benchill South PiP area.
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Finding out more
More information on the District Centres and Localities Programme can be found in the recent report to the City Council’s Executive (see item 49): Agenda for Executive on Wednesday, 10th June, 2026, 2.00 pm
If you have any questions about the role or wish to discuss these opportunities please email James Collier, Head of Regeneration (District Centres and Localities): james.collier@manchester.gov.uk.
What We're Looking For
You will be able to show that you have an appropriate level of knowledge and experience of undertaking a similar position in a regeneration or development role, gained within either a local authority or the private sector.
You will be able to contribute to the delivery of improvements to Manchester’s district centres and localities and manage your own workload without day-to-day supervision. You will have informed opinions on what makes a good ‘place’ and be keen to put those ideas into practice, applying best in class practice and innovation.
You will be a good communicator and adept at engaging with residents, stakeholders and colleagues, listening and responding and managing competing demands to secure the best outcome for local communities.
You will be self-motivated, adept at problem-solving, and keen to be part of a high performing team
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.
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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
Requirements
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 jobs@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,
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