Business Support Lead Level 1

Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

Closing Date: 11 February 2026

Closing time: 11.59pm

Interview Method: Face to Face

This Role Is Subject To

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 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. 

2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history.

The Directorate Support Service provides a variety of business support functions for two diverse Directorates (Neighbourhoods and Growth & Development) at Manchester City Council. Our role is to support the Strategic Directors, Directors and Heads of Service to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible to meet their service objectives.

This role sits within the Neighbourhoods directorate and involves working across both the Neighbourhoods and Growth & Development directorates, as part of a team of Business Support colleagues.

The role involves working with

and providing support to the Directorate Management Team; this includes diary management, email monitoring, IT assistance, improving ways of working, and organising and minuting meetings. You will also gain a wide range of knowledge of the different services in the directorates.

The team works in a culture of continuous improvement to review and refresh working practices and business support processes to meet the needs of the Directorates. You will have the opportunity to work on more diverse projects, communications and events to help support your personal and professional development.

If you think this sounds like an exciting opportunity, then we would love to hear from you. If you would like an informal chat about this post or would like any further information please contact Hayley Crane, Business Support Team Manager hayley.crane@manchester.gov.uk

We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and positive individual that can demonstrate the Our Manchester behaviours in their approach to life and work. Good communication and building positive relationships is vital to this role, with the ability to work with a range of individuals at every grade across the council.

Ideally you will be an experienced Business Support Lead who is able to work flexibly, manage competing demands, and able to adapt your working style to meet the needs of the senior officer(s) you will be supporting. Being able to use your initiative and to apply this to finding solutions to emerging, time critical issues is also key.

We would love to hear from you if you have experience of: 

• Interpersonal: Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, accurately and in ways that promote understanding. Ability to advise others and deal with sensitive issues in difficult situations inside and outside own area, influencing and negotiating when required.

 

 

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.

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

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 members or veterans

Current or former care leavers

Have a disability or long-term condition

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

Required

If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you’ve applied for. As a guide, these checks may include:

• Proof of Right to Work: You’ll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK.
• References: We’ll require references from your current and previous employer(s).
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: A criminal record check may be necessary, depending on the role.
  
  

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.

For more information about the role, please ensure that you read the role profile attached.

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.

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