Director Policy, Performance & Reform

Manchester is a thriving, modern city known globally for culture, leisure and sporting success. The city is a leading economic centre and the scene of some of the country’s most transformational urban regeneration schemes.

We are one of the fastest-growing cities in Europe and a vital engine of economic growth for the north west and the UK. A city brimming with confidence, we attract international interest and investment, and deliver ambitious programmes for our communities to ensure all our residents can share in our growth.

This new role will be highly influential and crucial to the ongoing success of our city. As Director of Policy Performance and Reform, you’ll be passionate about delivering the political priorities for the people and the city of Manchester.  Working closely with the Leader, Chief Executive, and Deputy Chief Executive, you will be driving the delivery of the Our Manchester Strategy – our vision for the next 10 years - through policy and strategic thinking to positively address our city and region wide challenges. We want to reduce inequalities, narrow the economic and skills gaps, and deliver fairer outcomes for our people. You will use your leadership skills to deliver on public sector reform with our partners including the voluntary and community sector.

You will make a huge impact by delivering sustainable improvements to the quality and efficiency of services delivered against a wide range of challenges and opportunities.

Are you someone who can deliver impactful culture change and service delivery improvements whilst managing strong relationships with elected members and strategic directors, and be a ‘go to’ leader who removes blockers, inspires innovation, and upholds our corporate values?

We are looking for an individual with extensive experience of successful management at the highest levels in large, complex, multi-functional organisations.

• A sophisticated understanding of the strategic issues facing the City, the Council and the local government sector and an ability to provide CMT and Members with high quality objective and informed advice.
• A proven track record of successfully leading public service reform, city policy development and leading and managing cultural and organisational change.
• The ability to communicate complex ideas, data sets and issues succinctly at all levels to both individuals and groups.
• A proven ability to collaborate and work in partnership to deliver positive outcomes for residents and local people.

You will make a huge impact on the lives of Manchester and Greater Manchester residents through our external partner organisations and on a national level to ensure that Manchester delivers our key political, organisational and strategic priorities.

For more information on this fantastic opportunity, please view the dedicated microsite, and the role profile, both linked below.

View the Dedicated Microsite

Download the Role Profile

Indicative Timetable

Closing date for applications: Midnight Thursday 15 May 2025 
Longlist meeting: w/c 19 May 2025
Preliminary interviews (via Teams): w/c 26 May 2025
Shortlist meeting: w/c 2 June 2025
Final interviews: Thursday 19 June 2025
(these dates may be subject to slight change)

For an informal conversation about this role, please contact:

Sean Anderson
Email: sanderson@faerfield.co.uk
Phone: 0121 312 3755

Dawn Faulkner
Email: dfaulkner@faerfield.co.uk
Phone: 0121 312 3755

Martin Tucker
Email: mtucker@faerfield.co.uk
Phone: 0121 312 3755

To apply:

To apply for this job please click on the Apply button below and fill out the requested information. When prompted, please submit your CV and a Supporting Statement (no more than four sides of A4 each).

With your CV, please also provide the names and contact details of two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be contacted if you reach the final stages, and we will not contact referees without your permission.

Your supporting statement should express why you are interested in this role and what experience you can bring to the organisation. The statement should tackle the specific requirements of the role; outlining examples and outcomes showing how you meet those requirements.