At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and coordinate policy and research for our Council and its Committees.
- Company: Join Co-op, a member-owned organisation focused on community and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, 28+ days holiday, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong support for career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by empowering member-owners and shaping Co-op's future.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy and research, excellent communication, and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 56000 - 60000 £ per year.
Council & Governance Policy & Research Manager £56,000 - £60,000 plus excellent benefits (Work level 5) Manchester city centre – hybrid working with 2 days a week in the office and some evening and weekend work (find out more about our hybrid working policy at
At Co-op we do things differently.
We’re owned by our 7.5m members and exist to create value for them.
Our members and their voice are at the heart of the decisions we make.
Member-owners shape and influence Co-op directly and by voting for other member-owners to represent their interests on our Board and Council.
Our Council and Governance team work for member-owners by making sure their voice is heard, enabling them to choose and connect with their elected representatives locally and nationally and supporting Council to represent their interests in the decisions our Co-op makes.
Why this role matters In this role we’ll look to you to provide evidence-based policy and research support across a broad range of topics.
You’ll empower our Council and its Committees to deliver their policy priorities, develop key lines of enquiry, understand the needs of our member-owners and provide recommendations to the Board and the business.
You’ll prepare and co-ordinate all aspects of Council’s plan and external engagement with the wider co-operative movement to make sure that Council members have timely information to perform their roles.
This is a fantastic chance to build a rewarding career and make a positive impact on everything Co-op stands for.
- What you’ll do
- Support and co-ordinate the development and delivery of Council’s policy and research priorities
- Produce written and oral briefings, reports, presentations and materials for Council, Committees, Sub Committees, Co-op Board, internal Co-op colleagues and external bodies
- Use a broad range of policy and research methodology including engagement and co-design to provide the National Members’ Council with relevant information to support them in their role
- Prepare reports, briefings and presentations on complex issues in a way that is tailored to the audience to empower Council and Committees to make compelling evidence-based recommendations
- Attend meetings and other events to support attendees in deepening their knowledge so that outputs represent the voice of our member-owners
- Promote Co-op and the work of National Members’ Council and its contribution externally to partners and Co-op Members What you’ll bring We’re committed to making our roles as accessible as possible, so we only ask for the minimum criteria.
- To thrive here, you’ll need to bring
- A background in policy and research within a large complex matrix organisation
- Experience of working with elected representatives within a governance setting
- Significant experience of creating clear and engaging reports, briefs and materials and designing creative ways to engage in and facilitate the co-creation of policy solutions
- The ability to prepare and present information and advice in a clear and accessible way for all audiences
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills up to senior level Why Co-op?
At Co-op, we’re owned by our members.
And because we’re owned by you, we can do right by you.
So when you join us, you’re not just taking a job, you’re joining a movement.
We’re an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we’re powered by purpose.
- We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you’ll also receive:
- An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
- 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays
- A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
- Private healthcare
- Access to a subsidised onsite gym (at our Manchester HQ)
- 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands
- Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
- Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice
- 24/7 colleague support service
- Training and support for your development and career progression
- Cycle-to-work scheme A place you’ll belong We’re building diverse and inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve.
We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to creating a workplace where colleagues can feel like they belong, supported by our inclusive policies and the ways we work.
We’re proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme and offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for a job.
If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll support you.
Learn more about our recruitment process at jobs. coop. co. uk/apply-process and our inclusion commitments at jobs. coop. co. uk/diversity-inclusion
Please note that we may close applications for this role early.
As part of your application, you'll need to complete an online assessment.
This assessment typically takes up to 50 minutes.
If you're a current Co-op colleague, this does not need to be completed.
Council & Governance Policy & Research Manager in Manchester employer: Co-op
Co-op is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly for the Senior Power Platform & Automation Engineer role. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have opportunities to mentor colleagues and lead digital transformation initiatives while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model in Manchester. The company values your contributions and offers a supportive environment where you can thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Council & Governance Policy & Research Manager in Manchester
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Co-op, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Co-op and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Council & Governance Policy & Research Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Co-op and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Co-op
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Co-op, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Co-op.
