At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future workforce by analysing skills needs and driving informed decisions.
- Company: Join Co-op, a purpose-driven organisation that prioritises people and communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, 28 days holiday, and discounts on products.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping to build a future-ready workforce.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in governance processes required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Future Workforce Analyst to join our Talent and Skills team in Manchester. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping how our business understands, manages, and develops the skills needed for the future. Using a combination of data analysis, colleague engagement, and external research, you’ll help identify current and future skills needs across the business. You’ll help make sure our skills frameworks remain accurate, relevant, and aligned to these changing needs. Working with colleagues right across Co-op, you’ll turn complex data into meaningful insight, support governance processes, and help drive decisions that mean we can build a future-ready workforce.
Why this role matters
The world of work is changing faster than ever. Understanding the skills our colleagues have today, and the skills we’ll need tomorrow, is critical to helping Co-op succeed in the future.
What you’ll do
- Manage queries and challenges relating to skills mapping, tracking and triaging feedback from colleagues and leaders
- Analyse feedback, trends, and colleague insight to make informed recommendations on skills mapping and framework improvements
- Maintain accurate records of issues, decisions, actions and outcomes from governance forums and meetings
- Make sure all new roles have an approved skills profile that is signed off and established within Oracle
- Maintain the skills library and support ongoing reporting requirements
- Conduct regular reviews of non-catalogued skills and recommend updates where appropriate
- Produce high-quality data packs for governance forums, including insights, trends, risks and recommendations
- Present findings and facilitate discussions to support informed decision-making
- Research emerging skills, industry trends and external frameworks to keep Co-op's skills approach current and future-focused
- Produce clear, evidence-based proposals for governance forums when recommending changes to skills frameworks
What you’ll bring
- Experience supporting or managing governance processes and forums
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to turn data into meaningful insights and recommendations
- Experience gathering and interpreting feedback through focus groups, workshops, or other research methods
- Confidence presenting data, insights, and recommendations to colleagues at all levels of seniority
- Experience working with HR or HCM systems (e.g., Oracle)
- Good collaboration, communication, and relationship-building skills
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 scheme (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
- 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
We’re building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone, and our support centre is an inclusive environment where all our colleagues can thrive. If you have a disability, we’ll make reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process. We’re also proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme - if you’re disabled and you meet the minimum criteria for this job, we’ll guarantee you an interview.
Learn more about our recruitment process at Explore our commitments to diversity, inclusion and wellbeing at As part of your application, you'll need to complete an online assessment. This assessment typically takes 15-20 minutes. If you're a current Co-op colleague, this does not need to be completed.
Future Workforce Analyst 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 Future Workforce Analyst in Manchester
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Co-op!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Co-op.
We think you need these skills to ace Future Workforce Analyst in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Co-op. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Co-op and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Co-op. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Co-op's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Co-op
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Co-op.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Co-op will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Co-op and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
