Grants Manager in Manchester

About the Role

The Grants Manager is responsible for designing, delivering and evolving We Love MCR Charity’s grant programmes. This is a full-time, permanent position, requiring 35 hours per week. The role includes a casual car allowance.

Legal Right to Work: Applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not available.

What You'll Be Doing

• Manage the full grants lifecycle – design, application processes, assessment, monitoring and evaluation.
• Build strong relationships with community organisations, partners and stakeholders.
• Ensure funding decisions are evidence-based, inclusive and aligned with charitable objectives.
• Oversee grant budgets, compliance and reporting requirements.
• Use insight and impact data to continuously improve grant programmes.
• Represent We Love MCR Charity at forums, events and partnership meetings.
• Support the wider programme of charity activities and events.

About You

• Proven experience managing grant programmes or funding processes.
• Understanding of the VCSE sector and barriers faced by communities experiencing hardship.
• Highly organised, analytical and confident working with data and budgets.
• Effective communication skills – clear, empathetic with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Shares values of compassion, fairness and community empowerment.
• Experience in place-based funding, participatory grant-making or work with marginalised communities is welcomed.

Key Skills

• Grant & Programme Management – manage a diverse portfolio, balance high-volume small grants with larger strategic investments.
• Community & Place-Based Insight – understand Manchester’s communities and assess grassroots organisations.
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact – design and implement monitoring frameworks, capture outcomes and translate data into reporting.
• Financial Oversight – review grant budgets, monitor spend, ensure compliance with funding conditions.
• Stakeholder Engagement – build relationships, provide guidance to applicants, represent the charity nationally.
• Equity & Inclusive Practice – apply equity-led approaches to funding, commitment to fairness and accessibility.
• Communication – produce clear, engaging reports and explain funding decisions in a supportive way.

Essential Requirements

• Demonstrable experience in grant management or community programme delivery.
• Strong knowledge of the VCSE sector, preferably in Manchester.
• Experience working with diverse communities and grassroots organisations.
• Capability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong IT skills, including Excel and grant/CRM systems.
• Commitment to the mission and values of We Love MCR Charity.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience in place-based or community foundation context.
• Knowledge of Manchester’s funding landscape and key partners.
• Experience designing or improving grant programmes.
• Understanding of safeguarding, due diligence and risk management in grant-making.
• Line management or mentoring experience.

Benefits We Offer

• Generous holiday allowance – up to 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increases to 31 days after five years.
• Purchase up to two additional weeks.
• UK’s largest local government pension scheme with life cover.
• Enhanced parental and carer leave.
• Discounts on utilities, travel, mobile, holidays (MCR+).
• Learning and development opportunities – workshops, training, apprenticeships, qualifications.
• A Good Employment Charter member – secure, flexible work, health and wellbeing support.
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave per year.

EEO & Legal Statements

We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from people of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, disability status and others. We guarantee assessment for applicants meeting minimum shortlisting requirements who identify with at least one of the following: Armed Forces members or veterans, current or former care leavers, disability or long-term condition. Pre-employment checks will be conducted in accordance with Home Office guidance and council policy. Successful candidates must evidence right to work in the UK and are not eligible for visa sponsorship.