Programme Lead- Employer Engagement & Partnerships

Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week
Contract Type: Full-Time, Temporary(March 2029)
Additional Payments: Casual Car Allowance, Essential Car Allowance, Flexibility payment
Closing Date:23 August 2026
Closing time: 11.59pm
Interview Method: Face to Face. Candidates shortlisted for the role will first be invited to attend an Assessment Centre on the morning of Wednesday 9 September. Candidates who successfully progress to the next stage will then be invited to attend an Interview on Tuesday 15 September.

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the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action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.

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for a Standard/ an Enhanced [delete as appropriate] Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here ().

We have a policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders and it is available upon request.

Manchester Adult Education Service (MAES) is seeking an experienced and motivated Programme Lead to support the development, coordination and delivery of the MAES strategy and associated action plans. The role will contribute to delivering the service’s core ambition: connecting Manchester residents to their potential, their community and their future through high-quality, inclusive education.

The postholder will support the design and implementation of strategic programmes, initiatives and activities that increase participation in learning, improve access to employment and progression, and respond effectively to employer demand across key growth sectors.

Working closely with internal colleagues and a wide range of external partners, including employers, training providers and the community and voluntary sector, the role will place a strong emphasis on engaging employers and developing long‑lasting relationships that shape provision, create opportunities and support sustainable outcomes for Manchester’s residents and communities.

A key focus of this role will be supporting innovative, city‑wide programmes that respond to labour market challenges and support inclusive growth.

Responsive Manchester is the city’s approach to delivering flexible, employer‑led learning. It aims to tackle persistent skills shortages and improve access to employment in high‑demand sectors such as digital, health and social care, construction and education.

Traditional education pathways often lack the flexibility to keep pace with rapidly evolving employer needs. Responsive Manchester supports inclusive economic growth by enabling residents to gain relevant skills quickly. The Micro‑Credential Ecosystem is delivered through a partnership model involving Manchester City Council, local employers and training providers, with credentials recognised and validated to support progression into employment, more secure employment or further learning.

The delivery model includes:

• Short, targeted learning focused on specific, employment‑driven skills or competencies
• Flexible and modular pathways that enable learners to build skills progressively
• Employer‑aligned content developed in collaboration with local businesses
• Accessible pathways for unemployed and underemployed residents, including those with limited formal qualifications