Commissioning Manager – Children and Young People in Manchester

About The Role

Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Closing Date: 6 February 2026

Interview Method: Face to Face

This Role is Subject to:

• 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. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.
• 2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history.

The Public Health Department leads work together with a range of partners through the development of strategies, policies, work programmes and commissioning of services to improve the health of the population of Manchester; protect them from threats to their health; prevent and mitigate risks to support better health outcomes; and create the conditions in society and the environment that lead to better health.

A key corporate area of work, supported by the Public Health Department is Making Manchester Fairer, an approach and plan to tackle the unjust inequalities in health between different communities in Manchester through taking action on the root causes of poor health. One of the eight priorities identified is Early Years, Children and Young People. Manchester is also working towards recognition as a UNICEF Child Friendly City.

During the discovery phase, one of the three ‘badges’ (priorities) identified by children and young people for Manchester was ‘Healthy’ and the Department of Public Health has been leading the work to deliver the action plan, which aims to reduce inequalities in health outcomes of children and young people, and ensure that they participate in decisions relating to their health and wellbeing.

Want to find out more? Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions not answered below, please ensure you have read the job advert and role profile, and if you have further questions, please email for a 15 min slot. You can book a time to talk to us by emailing: Sofia.Tropeano@manchester.gov.uk

What is the work pattern and location?

There is a requirement to be in the office in Town Hall Extension on a Tuesday, as this is our "theme team" anchor day. However, there will be an expectation of coming in at least 1 more day per week, if not more, as this role requires partnership working, presentations in person and in-person working. Flexibility is therefore required, and the person must be able to come into the office and meetings across Manchester when required.

Does this role involve line management?

Yes, at least one staff member. In Public Health we take a matrix management approach so it would be expected that the candidate might direct work of people not under their line management.

About the Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

• Can act as a subject matter expert for the Council on Children and Young People public health services including health visiting, school health, oral health, teenage pregnancy
• Has excellent financial and high-value contract management skills
• Has experience of service development, service improvement and outcomes monitoring
• Is passionate about reducing inequalities and improving the health outcomes of children and young people in Manchester

You will be joining an established team that is passionate about children and young people public health and addressing the inequalities exposed and amplified by the Covid pandemic and cost of living crisis. You will be working closely with the Strategic Lead for Children, Young People and Families, and different partners from across the Council, the NHS and the Voluntary sector.

We welcome and encourage job applications from all walks of life - from different backgrounds, nationalities, ages and experience of work. We want to attract people from ethnically diverse communities and disabled people, who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

About Us

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities. Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone. Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city – a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours:

• We take time to listen and understand
• We work together and trust each other
• We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly
• We ‘own it’ and we’re not afraid to try new things
• We’re proud and passionate about Manchester

Benefits we offer

• Generous holiday allowance – Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
• Buzzing pension – You’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave – Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events.
• Brilliant perks – Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
• Learn and grow – We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process.
• A Good Employment Charter member – We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave – Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.

Support During the Process

• Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
• Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirement for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:

• Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans
• Current or former care leavers
• Have a disability or long-term condition

When You Join Us

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering:

• A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
• Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
• A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.

For more information about the role or any adjustments, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk.

What we will need from you if you're successful

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.

Pre-Employment Checks

If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you’ve applied for. As a guide, these checks may include:

• Proof of Right to Work: You’ll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK.
• References: We’ll require references from your current and previous employer(s).

These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.

Other relevant information

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.

For more information about the role, please ensure that you read the role profile attached.

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.

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