Business Support Officer Level 1

About The Role

Working Hours : 35 Hours per week

Contract Type : Full time / Permanent

Working Style: Onsite - Employees carry out their job primarily from a physical workplace, such as an office

Closing Date : 11.59pm, 24 August 2026

Interview Method : In Person

Applicants must have existing right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 

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.
• 2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history.
• Proof of Manchester Residency: Roles at Grade 1 to 3, traineeships, or apprenticeships will initially only be advertised to Manchester residents and internal candidates. An applicant is classed as a resident of Manchester if they live within the boundaries of the City of Manchester; i.e. Any Council Tax liability for their home would be with Manchester City Council. To check if you fall under the Manchester City Council boundary please visit -
• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here. We have a policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders, and it is available upon request.

We’re looking for a highly organised and proactive  Business Support Officer to join our dynamic Children and Families team.

In this role, you’ll be a key part of delivering  high-quality, customer-focused business support , ensuring services run smoothly and efficiently. You’ll work as part of the Leaving Care Business Support team, supporting frontline services that make a real difference to the lives of children, young people, and families across Manchester.

You’ll help keep operations on track by managing information, handling financial transactions, supporting meetings, maintaining systems, and responding to queries—playing a vital role in enabling excellent service delivery.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing professional, timely, and flexible business support in the Leaving Care service 
• Managing and responding to queries from internal and external stakeholders with tact and professionalism
• Producing and maintaining accurate data and records
• Updating and managing information systems to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Identifying and resolving issues independently or escalating where appropriate
• Contributing to the improvement of systems and processes to enhance service delivery
• Working collaboratively with colleagues and providing flexible cover

You will do this with training, support and guidance. You will be using internal and standard systems to do this work, and you will do this as part of a team.

About the Candidate

We’re looking for someone who is:

Organised and reliable

• Able to prioritise workload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

A good communicator

• Clear, professional, and confident communicating with a wide range of stakeholders

Detail-focused

• Produces accurate work and manages data with care and precision

A problem solver

• Uses initiative to resolve issues and knows when to escalate 

Tech

• Comfortable using multiple systems, databases, and Microsoft Office tools

Team-oriented

• Works collaboratively and supports colleagues in the service.

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 in 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 during our annual leave purchase period.
• A 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 - W e 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 s for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below :

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care.
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term condition
• Have you completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programmes?

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 [email protected] .

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, see the top of the advert for details.

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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