Council & Governance Policy & Research Manager

£56,000 - £60,000 plus excellent benefits (Work level 5)

Manchester city centre – hybrid working with 2 days a week in the office and some evening and weekend work (find out more about our hybrid working policy at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/hybrid-working-policy).

At Co-op we do things differently. We’re owned by our 7.5m members and exist to create value for them. Our members and their voice are at the heart of the decisions we make. Member-owners shape and influence Co-op directly and by voting for other member-owners to represent their interests on our Board and Council.

Our Council and Governance team work for member-owners by making sure their voice is heard, enabling them to choose and connect with their elected representatives locally and nationally and supporting Council to represent their interests in the decisions our Co-op makes.

Why this role matters

In this role we’ll look to you to provide evidence-based policy and research support across a broad range of topics. You’ll empower our Council and its Committees to deliver their policy priorities, develop key lines of enquiry, understand the needs of our member-owners and provide recommendations to the Board and the business. You’ll prepare and co-ordinate all aspects of Council’s plan and external engagement with the wider co-operative movement to make sure that Council members have timely information to perform their roles. This is a fantastic chance to build a rewarding career and make a positive impact on everything Co-op stands for.

What you’ll do

• Support and co-ordinate the development and delivery of Council’s policy and research priorities
• Produce written and oral briefings, reports, presentations and materials for Council, Committees, Sub Committees, Co-op Board, internal Co-op colleagues and external bodies
• Use a broad range of policy and research methodology including engagement and co-design to provide the National Members’ Council with relevant information to support them in their role
• Prepare reports, briefings and presentations on complex issues in a way that is tailored to the audience to empower Council and Committees to make compelling evidence-based recommendations
• Attend meetings and other events to support attendees in deepening their knowledge so that outputs represent the voice of our member-owners
• Promote Co-op and the work of National Members’ Council and its contribution externally to partners and Co-op Members

What you’ll bring

We’re committed to making our roles as accessible as possible, so we only ask for the minimum criteria. To thrive here, you’ll need to bring

• A background in policy and research within a large complex matrix organisation
• Experience of working with elected representatives within a governance setting
• Significant experience of creating clear and engaging reports, briefs and materials and designing creative ways to engage in and facilitate the co-creation of policy solutions
• The ability to prepare and present information and advice in a clear and accessible way for all audiences
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills up to senior level

Why Co-op?

At Co-op, we’re owned by our members. And because we’re owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you’re not just taking a job, you’re joining a movement. We’re an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we’re powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you’ll also receive:

• An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
• Private healthcare
• Access to a subsidised onsite gym (at our Manchester HQ)
• 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands
• Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
• Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice
• 24/7 colleague support service
• Training and support for your development and career progression
• Cycle-to-work scheme

A place you’ll belong

We’re building diverse and inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to creating a workplace where colleagues can feel like they belong, supported by our inclusive policies and the ways we work.

We’re proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme and offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for a job. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll support you.

Learn more about our recruitment process at jobs.coop.co.uk/apply-process and our inclusion commitments at jobs.coop.co.uk/diversity-inclusion

Please note that we may close applications for this role early.

As part of your application, you'll need to complete an online assessment. This assessment typically takes up to 50 minutes. If you're a current Co-op colleague, this does not need to be completed.