At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide second-line support for grants and licensing systems and resolve complex incidents.
- Company: Join Arts Council England, a leader in arts and culture with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible hybrid working options.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities and support for diverse applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving critical systems that support the arts community.
- Qualifications: Experience with workflow-driven systems and confidence in technical problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 33643 - 33643 € per year.
Contract: Permanent, working 35 hours per week. Salary: £33,643 per annum plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: Manchester. The role will be based in Manchester; however, we are operating a hybrid way of working and support our staff to make use of remote working options when combined with regular on-site contact days with other members of the team, normally 1-2 days a week.
We’re recruiting an Application Support Analyst to join Arts Council England’s Business Systems Team, supporting the systems that underpin our grants and licensing services. This role focuses on second‑line application support, investigation of complex system issues, and hands‑on configuration and improvement of our grants and licensing platforms. You’ll work on live services used by both internal colleagues and external applicants, helping to keep critical systems stable, reliable and efficient.
What you’ll do:
- Provide second‑line support for grants and licensing systems
- Investigate and resolve complex incidents, including workflow failures, performance issues and data problems
- Build and configure funding programmes, workflows and forms
- Work with external system suppliers to resolve technical issues
- Support system testing, releases and business‑critical periods
- Use automation where appropriate to reduce manual effort and improve resilience
What we’re looking for:
- Experience supporting or working with workflow‑driven systems (e.g. grant‑making, case management or licensing)
- Experience analysing system behaviour and working with relational data
- Understanding of forms‑based web applications
- Confidence working with a wide range of technical and non‑technical stakeholders
Extremely desirable:
- Knowledge of Python and automation technologies, with experience using scripting to:
- Automate repetitive or operational tasks
- Support bulk data processing or system maintenance
- Improve reliability and reduce support overhead
- Experience creating and maintaining reports, including:
- Using reporting tools such as Cognos
- Writing or supporting SQL queries to extract and validate data
- Producing structured outputs to support operational decision‑making
This is a hands‑on, practical role suited to someone who enjoys problem‑solving, improving systems and making services work better.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Arts Council are committed to being an inclusive employer, building an inclusive workplace, and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. However you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Arts Council. If there are any adjustments that would support you in your application, please do let us know when you apply.
If you are disabled, Evenbreak are able to provide support with your application. For further information please visit their website.
We participate in the ‘Offer an Interview’ scheme which means that we offer an interview to any disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role they’re applying to, subject to the volume of applications received. Disabled candidates, those living with a long-term condition and/or neurodivergent candidates may be eligible for this scheme.
About us: Arts Council offers a range of benefits to our employees including hybrid and flexible working, a generous annual leave allowance and the Arts Council Retirement Plan - a final salary scheme.
Job ref: FCS45
Closing date: Monday 01 June 2026
Please note: We do NOT accept CVs or cover letters as part of our recruitment process. If you require any documentation in an alternative format, please contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk
Application Support Analyst (FCS45) in Manchester employer: Arts Council England
Arts Council England is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being through flexible and hybrid working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a final salary pension scheme. Located in Manchester, our inclusive work culture fosters diversity and encourages personal growth, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about supporting the arts and improving systems that benefit communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Application Support Analyst (FCS45) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Arts Council England and their values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your problem-solving skills! Since this role is all about tackling complex system issues, brush up on your analytical thinking and be ready to discuss how you've resolved similar challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about what to expect in the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity and ready to take the next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Application Support Analyst (FCS45) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Role:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Understand what an Application Support Analyst does and how your skills fit in. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Show Off Your Experience:When filling out your application, highlight any experience you have with workflow-driven systems or technical support. We want to see how you've tackled similar challenges before, so don’t hold back on those examples!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England
✨Know Your Systems
Familiarise yourself with the grants and licensing systems you'll be supporting. Understand their workflows, common issues, and how they interact with users. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your capability to provide effective second-line support during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of complex incidents you've resolved in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to troubleshooting and how you’ve improved system performance or reliability. This will highlight your hands-on experience and problem-solving mindset.
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Since knowledge of Python and SQL is desirable, make sure you're comfortable discussing these technologies. If you have experience with automation, prepare to share specific instances where you've used scripting to enhance efficiency or reduce manual tasks.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with different teams to resolve issues or implement changes, as this role requires strong interpersonal skills.
