Director of Education, Work and Skills

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Employer:
Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Location:
Manchester
Salary:
£93,000 to £106,000
Closing date:
11th April 2025
Job Ref:
GSe120355

Recruitment timetable

Closing Date
11th April 2025

Description

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is made up of the ten Greater Manchester councils and the Mayor, working together with local services, business, communities and other partners. Recognised as the undisputed pioneers of English devolution, we are working together to make Greater Manchester a better place for all, through collaborating, empowering and delivering for almost 2.9 million residents.

We are at an exciting point of the city region’s journey. As one of two national devolution trailblazers, we are receiving more freedom, flexibility and influence over crucial policy areas. The forthcoming refresh of our Greater Manchester Strategy and an accompanying long-term delivery plan will set out how we plan to turbocharge growth and create tens of thousands of new homes and jobs over the next decade.

As Director of Education, Works and Skills, you will set strategic direction and lead partnership working to empower residents of all ages to access skills and learning opportunities to succeed, while ensuring our city region has a workforce that meets the needs of employers and can deliver on our growth and productivity ambitions.

This is a key role within our organisation, overseeing the implementation of key policy, spending and Mayoral manifesto commitments. Working in close partnership with education providers, government departments and agencies, health, the community and voluntary sector, our constituent local authorities, and of course the business community, you will design and deliver programmes of work that deliver maximum impact for our investment.

This includes introducing the game-changing Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (the MBacc), our technical education pathway giving young people a genuine and equal alternative to the university route and connecting them with high-quality opportunities across our fast-changing economy. 

We are seeking someone with a deep understanding of the evolving education, skills and employment policy landscape, who can influence at a local, regional and national level. You will have a track record of successfully improving outcomes, and ensure we align our commitments to improve community well-being and reduce inequalities, particularly for those who struggle to access work and for the young people of our region. Through your leadership, you will ensure that we are at the forefront of recognising developing trends and labour market intelligence to drive strategic planning and decision-making.

To view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.

How to Apply

  • Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.
  • Detail any employment or education gaps.
  • Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.
  • Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.
  • Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com

Contact

The following consultants are managing this role and will be happy to answer any questions that are not covered in the person specification on the next webpage.

Contact:
Philip Emms
Telephone:
07590 225 472
Contact:
Louise Bickley
Telephone:
07586 715 788
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