Programme Director, Greater Manchester Baccalaureate

Employer:

Location:

Manchester, M1 6EU

Pay:

Competitive

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full time

Disability Confident:

No

Closing Date:

30/04/2026

About this job

Salary: £66,727 - £72,554 (Subject to JE)

Your role: This is an opportunity to lead something genuinely new.

As Programme Director for the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc), you will play a prominent role in transforming technical education across the city region.

The MBacc, building on the vision set out by the Mayor, aims to guarantee that every young person growing up in our city-region has a clear path and line of sight to good jobs and training opportunities right here in Greater Manchester.

You will be responsible for driving the programme forward, embedding it at all levels to ensure the system demonstrably values technical education as a prestigious route.

That means working closely with local authorities, education providers, employers and national partners as well as with colleagues across GMCA. You will operate at senior level, helping to shape policy, guide investment and navigate a high profile and politically visible area of work.

This role is well suited to someone who wants to make a lasting difference, enjoys working across boundaries and is motivated by improving outcomes for young people at scale.

It offers influence, responsibility and the chance to help position Greater Manchester as a leader in technical education.

About you

You are someone who leads with purpose and understands the realities of working in complex public sector environments.

You bring experience of leading significant programmes or services and are comfortable working with a wide range of partners, including senior leaders and elected members.

You are thoughtful in how you approach challenge, able to balance different perspectives and confident in offering clear advice when it matters.

You care about inclusion and fairness and actively create space for different voices, particularly those of young people.

You work collaboratively and value strong relationships, knowing that lasting change depends on trust and shared ownership.

You communicate clearly and honestly, whether you are explaining complex issues, engaging partners or supporting colleagues through change.

You take responsibility seriously, work with integrity and hold yourself and others to high professional standards.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

About us

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) brings together the city region's ten councils and key partners including Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to deliver the Greater Manchester Strategy.

Our shared vision is to create a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life.

We work to grow an inclusive economy and ensure people have what they need to live happy, healthy lives, tackling inequalities.

Our policy department includes Digital, Economy, Education, Work & Skills, Environment, Place Making, Public Service Reform, and Safer & Stronger Communities, supported by essential corporate functions like Finance, Legal & Governance, People Services, Procurement, and Communications.

We value the diversity of our employees, and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities across Greater Manchester.

We encourage applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of age, disability, Trans status, Non binary identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.

Working conditions

Hybrid working: This role is part of GMCA's hybrid working scheme. The policy sets out a flexible approach, combining attendance at our Manchester city centre office, allocated GM Local Authority office(s), or on site in the community, with remote working from home as a reasonable commutable distance from Greater Manchester. The location of work is primarily dictated by the needs of the business; 'Do what is right for you and the business on that day'. If appointed to the role you will work with your manager to agree and regularly review the best working pattern for you, your team and your work.

GM Elevate Programme: If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme within the last two years, please indicate this within the 'About You' or 'Supporting Statement' section of your application.

Supporting Documents

Jobs are provided by the Find a Job Service from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).