Principal Policy Officer

About The Role

Working hours: 35 hours per week Contract type: Permanent Working style: Hybrid Closing date: 11.59pm, 9 November 2026 Interview method: in person Skilled Worker Sponsorship
You must already have a valid right to work in the UK documentation, as we cannot offer visa sponsorship for this role. About The Role Manchester City Council's City Policy service helps develop, support and deliver the city's strategic priorities as set out in the Our Manchester Strategy 2025-35. We bring together evidence, partnerships and strategic thinking to help tackle some of Manchester's biggest opportunities and challenges.

The Strategy and Economic Policy team works across a wide range of issues that affect Manchester residents, businesses and communities. We help shape the city's long-term direction through strategy development, policy advice, programme delivery and partnership working, with a particular focus on creating a fairer and more inclusive economy.

We are recruiting a Principal Policy Officer to help more Manchester residents benefit from the city's economic success. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of Manchester through strategy, policy and partnership work at a city-wide level.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the development of new city-wide strategies, policies and initiatives.
• Support delivery of the Our Manchester Strategy 2025-35 and Manchester's economic strategy, Investing in Success.
• Work with partners across the city and city-region to develop shared priorities and deliver collective action.
• Gather and use evidence, insight and engagement to inform policy development and decision-making.
• Listen to and understand the needs and experiences of residents, businesses and stakeholders.
• Provide briefings, reports and advice to senior officers, elected members and partner organisations.
• Manage projects and programmes that contribute to Manchester's strategic priorities.

For queries about the role, please contact the hiring manager, Peter Norris, at [email protected] to arrange a convenient time to discuss the role. This route is for vacancy related enquiries only and should not be used to submit applications. Pre-employment checks If you are successful, your appointment will be subject to completing the relevant pre-employment checks. These checks will be carried out as part of our recruitment process. For more information on these checks, please visit checks page.

Politically Restricted Post

This post is classified as politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, as amended by the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009. This act imposes restrictions on political activities by employees who hold certain positions. Further guidance will be indicated in the appointment documents.

About the Candidate

We're looking for someone who is motivated by the opportunity to make a difference in Manchester and who enjoys turning ideas, evidence and partnerships into practical action.
You may currently work in policy, strategy, economic development, research, public affairs, local government, consultancy or another related field. Most importantly, you'll bring experience of working on complex issues with a range of partners and stakeholders to deliver meaningful outcomes.
Successful candidates are likely to demonstrate:

• Experience of developing strategies, policies, programmes or projects that address real-world challenges.
• The ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, building productive relationships and finding common ground between different interests.
• Strong judgement and an ability to work through complex issues, using evidence and insight to develop practical solutions.
• A proactive and well-organised approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work to deadlines.
• Confidence working independently while also contributing positively as part of a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex ideas clearly to different audiences.
• A commitment to equality, inclusion and ensuring Manchester's success benefits all residents.

Desirable
It would be beneficial, but not essential, if you have:

• An understanding of Manchester's economy and the opportunities and challenges facing the city.
• Experience of developing, implementing or evaluating policy or strategy.
• Knowledge of local government or the wider public policy environment.

About Us

Working for Manchester City Council is a chance to make a real difference in a diverse city. You’ll help improve lives and support our local communities. Working together, we can create better public services for everyone.

Benefits we offer

• Up to 26 days’ annual leave, rising to 31 days after five years’ service

• Buy up to two extra weeks’ leave

• Up to 3 days’ volunteering leave

• A 35-hour work week for full-time roles

• We review pay each year and recognise three trade unions

• A defined benefit pension scheme

• Enhanced parental and carers leave

• Employee discounts and perks

Learn more at Careers - Manchester City Council

Our commitment to inclusion

At Manchester City Council, we're dedicated to creating a workplace that fully reflects the diversity of our local communities. We actively encourage applications from people of all ages and backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from applicants from ethnic minority communities and disabled people, who remain underrepresented in parts of our workforce.

GM Elevate Programme

If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the 'Personal Statement' section or 'Supporting Statement' section of your application.

Accessible Formats:
Use ReciteMe  through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. It has tools such as text-to-speech, language translations, and adjustable text size and colour.

Calculate your take home pay.

Privacy Notice