Operations Manager

About The Role

Working Hours : 35 Hours Per Week (5 out of 7 days (including weekends and evenings).  Start time to be no later than 8am)

Contract Type:  Full-Time, Permanent

Additional Payments: 6.7% Flexibility Payment    

Closing Date: 18 June 2026

Closing time: 11.59pm 

Interview Method: Face to Face 

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

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the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. 

This Role is subject to - 

2 References - where possible we require 3 years of employment history

The post holder will report to the Head of Service and  is responsible for providing effective day-to-day management of front-line operational  teams. This role ensures that resources are deployed effectively and that the teams are focused on achievement of service objectives.   The role will work alongside 2 other Operations Managers, be based at New Smithfield Market in Openshaw, and have multiple site responsibilities. There is a requirement to attend Ward Meetings which may take place in the evening, to work weekends on a rota basis, and to  commence work no later than 8am. 

This post plays a key part in developing and motivating staff to achieve service specific priorities and to ensure that processes run effectively. The role holder is instrumental in ensuring a consistent approach to work activities, to ensure that the financial ambitions of the business remain a  focus, and to  maintain the fair treatment of tenants and traders .   The work includes consultation with stakeholders and building trust in the communities where our markets operate. 

For an informal discussion, please contact the hiring manager, Carol Nolan , at View phone number on manchestercitycouncilweb.eploy.net and to arrange a convenient time to discuss the role.

About the Candidate

[Describe candidate you are looking for]

We would love to hear from you if you have experience of: 

Essential requirements for the role: 

Previous management experience of a market environment or a  management role in local authority.

• Achieved ,  working towards or willing to complete an IOSH or NEBOSH Health and Safety qualification.

• - D etailed knowledge of health and safety legislation and be able to  demonstrate the following skills:

• - Strong financial acumen, including experience of budget management and presenting complex financial information to senior managers. 

• - Ability to lead, manage and motivate the team to high performance levels. 

• - Excellent planning and organisational skills. 

• - Ability to  identify industry trends and commercial opportunities. 

• - Exceptional interpersonal for effective communication and collaboration with all levels of staff and stakeholders. 

• - Creative problem-solving abilities where there is no existing procedural framework .  

• - Proficiency in generating reports and delivering data promptly, including monitoring and  analysing performance metrics.

• - Personal commitment to continuous self-development.

• - This role requires a driving  licence and the post holder will be expected to complete relevant Council training in relation to the use of the Markets Service electric vehicle for work purposes.

• - P roficient in Microsoft Office, Sap approver / cost centre manager, Civica for transactional data and the use of excel for financial accounting.

• The experience below would be beneficial but is not essential:  

• - Multiple site or dispersed workforce management.

• - Experience of conflict management would be  advantageous .

• - Willingness to work towards the National Association of British Market Authorities Diploma qualification.

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 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 [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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