Assistant Director Governance, Operations & Standards - Grade SM6 - £73,896 - £82840 - Pending job evaluation
Interviews will be held on Wednesday 22nd July 2026
As Greater Manchester takes on greater responsibility through devolution, the way we run, govern and support delivery across the Education, Work and Skills directorate matters more than ever. We need clear decisions, strong standards, confident teams and the discipline to keep moving at pace.
This is a role for someone who can help a complex organisation work better. You will bring clarity, discipline and practical leadership to how we plan, make decisions, manage risk and support teams reducing unnecessary complexity and helping people focus on the work that matters most.
The opportunity
You will shape how the directorate gets things done: how we govern, plan, manage risk, maintain standards and support teams during a period of significant reform. You will also lead and develop a high-performing team, creating the clarity, confidence and culture needed to deliver well. This is not about process for its own sake. It is about making sure decisions are clear, governance helps delivery, and teams have the tools, expectations and support they need to do their best work.
What you’ll lead
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Shape how the directorate plans, makes decisions and gets things done.
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Create clear, proportionate governance that supports delivery rather than slowing it down.
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Strengthen operational grip, consistency and standards across teams and programmes.
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Give senior leaders confidence that risks are understood, decisions are sound and delivery is on track.
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Lead improvements to ways of working so teams can operate with more clarity, confidence and pace.
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Lead, support and develop a high-performing team with clear priorities, strong standards and a focus on continuous improvement.
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Work closely with corporate services and delivery leads to align governance, people, finance and performance.
What you’ll bring
Significant experience of leading governance, operations or organisational improvement in a complex setting.
A strong track record of leading change and improving how teams or organisations work.
The ability to balance rigour with pragmatism -knowing where control is needed and where flexibility matters.
Strong influencing skills, sound judgement and credibility with senior leaders and partners.
Experience of working in politically-led, high-accountability environments where pace, clarity and confidence matter.
About us:
As an employer, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is made up of a number of key Greater Manchester strategic functions and service providers including; Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS); Waste and Resources; Environment; Work and Skills; Research; Public Sector Reform; Police, Crime and Criminal Justice; Homelessness; the Greater Manchester Ageing Hub and the Commissioning Hub.
We value the diversity of our employees, and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities across Greater Manchester. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of people's age, disability, Trans status and Non-binary identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.
To find out more about working for us please click here: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/
Our offer:
In return for your hard work, we offer our employees a competitive package as part of our offer that you can find out more about here:
Greater Manchester Combined Authority - Home | greater.jobs
Mandatory Information:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. However, we value human talent and are looking for passionate individuals to join our organisation. Please ensure you personally complete your application and read all the instructions carefully to maximise your chances of success.
Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting, however we understand that AI may be used as a reasonable adjustment, if using AI to support your application, please give a brief explanation why to help ensure fair selection process.
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Employees on the redeployment register will be given priority for any vacancies in the first instance. If employees are identified as a match from the register then the vacancy may be withdrawn or put on hold pending an outcome.
For this opportunity, you must be able to prove you have the right to work in the UK - if in doubt please visit the following link Employers' right to work checklist - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Please note we are not a licenced sponsor.
Hybrid working
This role is part of GMCA’s hybrid working scheme. As part of our commitment to ‘Build Back Fairer’ in Greater Manchester following the Covid-19 pandemic, we have evolved our management methods by trusting and empowering staff to deliver their work in the best way that suits the business and their individual needs, and supports health and wellbeing. Our hybrid working policy sets out a flexible approach, combining attendance at our [Manchester city centre office / Fire and Rescue service HQ in Swinton / other location] with remote working, typically from home; the location of work is primarily dictated by the needs of the business: ‘Do what is right for you and the business on that day’. If appointed to the role you will work with your manager to agree and regularly review the best working pattern for you, your team and your work.
