General secretary jobs in Manchester
Do you want to work for a dynamic, creative, fast-paced charity?
At Action Together we see the amazing things people achieve when they work together to make the lives of others better. If you share our values: believe it’s possible, strengthen others, and be true, we’d love you to consider joining our team.
Finance Director
The ideal candidate
We seek a finance leader driven by values, with extensive experience directing finance operations and delivering top-tier financial planning, reporting, and governance. This role requires strong technical accounting abilities, exceptional communication skills, and the talent to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.
You should be a collaborative, inclusive leader who excels at developing team members, managing risks, negotiating effectively, and guiding the organisation through periods of change. Most importantly, you must be committed to Action Together’s mission of social justice, equity, and community empowerment.
The role
The Finance Director will play a pivotal role in ensuring Action Together remains financially robust, sustainable, and compliant as a charity and employer. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will partner closely with the CEO and Board to shape a resilient business model, strengthen financial governance, and provide strategic direction that supports our mission and values.
You will lead and develop a high performing finance function, oversee annual budgeting and long‑term financial planning, and ensure high‑quality financial insight is available to the CEO, SLT and Board. The Finance Director has responsibility for the production of monthly accounts package, annual audit and statutory accounts, risk management, payroll assurance, investment strategy, and organisational compliance with Companies House, the Charity Commission, and all financial governance requirements.
You will play an integral role in supporting strong governance, working closely with the Treasurer and Board to provide clear, timely, and insightful financial performance updates, forecasts, and risk assessments.
You will also work with the Treasurer to shape investment strategy, strengthen financial controls, and uphold governance across all statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements
Equality , Diversity and Inclusion
At Action Together we value diversity, promote equity and challenge discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.
In order to ensure that our workforce reflects our communities across all levels of seniority, Action Together is offering a guaranteed interview to any candidate who meets the essential criteria listed in the person specification and who is also:
- A disabled person and/or
- A member of a community experiencing racial inequality
Action Together is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We expect all of our employees to demonstrate this commitment.
Right to work
We do not hold a Sponsor License and are unable to accept applications which require sponsorship to work in the UK
Please note, the successful candidates will be required to undertake a basic Disclosure and barring Service (DBS) check. A positive Disclosure of Offences will not automatically bar an applicant from being appointed and suitable applicants will not be refused employment because of offences that are not relevant.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
To strengthen the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise sector. To enable positive social change and promote social justice.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Do you want to work for a dynamic, creative, fast-paced charity?
At Action Together we see the amazing things people achieve when they work together to make the lives of others better. If you share our values: believe it’s possible, strengthen others, and be true, we’d love you to consider joining our team.
Operations Director
The ideal candidate
We are looking for a values‑driven operational leader with significant experience in senior operations, systems, or transformation roles. You will bring strong technical capability in designing and embedding systems and processes, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to produce high‑quality management information for senior leaders and Boards.
You will be an influential communicator who can lead through change, build strong relationships across the organisation, and support others to work in consistent, effective, and collaborative ways. With a strong grasp of governance, risk, compliance, and organisational assurance, you will balance strategic vision with hands‑on delivery. Above all, you will share Action Together’s commitment to social justice, equity, and strengthening people, places, and partnerships
The role
The Operations Director will lead the development, optimisation, and continuous improvement of Action Together’s systems, processes, and organisational infrastructure. Working as part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will co-design, develop, and maintain internal systems and processes that enhance operational delivery and organisational efficiency, ensuring they are fully embedded into day-to-day use with clear ownership, guidance, and effective performance monitoring.
You will oversee core central functions including HR, Communications and Impact, Data Protection and Information Management, and Health & Safety. You will play a key role in internal digital transformation, policy development, risk management, and organisational compliance. You will produce high‑quality management information that supports strategic decision‑making, work closely with Locality Directors to standardise and enhance delivery models. In addition, with reference to our constitution and Scheme of Delegation you will be responsible for supporting governance at Board meetings, and the AGM.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Action Together we value diversity, promote equity and challenge discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.
In order to ensure that our workforce reflects our communities across all levels of seniority, Action Together is offering a guaranteed interview to any candidate who meets the essential criteria listed in the person specification and who is also:
- A disabled person and/or
- A member of a community experiencing racial inequality
Action Together is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We expect all of our employees to demonstrate this commitment.
Right to work
We do not hold a Sponsor License and are unable to accept applications which require sponsorship to work in the UK
Please note, the successful candidates will be required to undertake a basic Disclosure and barring Service (DBS) check. A positive Disclosure of Offences will not automatically bar an applicant from being appointed and suitable applicants will not be refused employment because of offences that are not relevant.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
To strengthen the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise sector. To enable positive social change and promote social justice.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
About This Job
This is an exciting administration role with Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK (ACCT UK) responsible for the administrative support to the Northern Ireland branch of ACCT UK.
We are looking for a professional to bring their skills, enthusiasm, and personal credibility to the team. This role is key to ensuring The Northern Ireland branch runs smoothly and efficiently, following required process and procedure.
Essential Skills
· Understanding of the Cadet Forces
· Understanding of the branch’s Devolved Nation Area (Northern Ireland)
· Competent with MS Office
· Excellent written English
· Able to work under pressure
Availability
· Able to attend appropriate in-person events and activities anywhere in the Branch Area (branch, civic, cadet etc)
· Attend the weekly on-line team briefing
· Attend at least one national charity briefing day per year
Please refer to the attached Job Description for further information.
Our charity
ACCT UK is a national youth charity dedicated to improving the life chances of young people. The Combined Cadet Force Association (CCFA) is a charity dedicated to the promotion of the ideals and activities of the Combined Cadet Force in schools. Together we want to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence and be inspired through their cadet experience.
We want to develop the youth leadership and training abilities of adult volunteers whilst also helping young people to access cadet activities through fundraising, grant-making, developing new resources and direct support.
We strongly believe that everyone benefits when you help young people to develop their character and values through activities that stretch and mature them. We also know that when young people engage with others at a range of levels in their communities it builds confidence and improves empathy for other’s lives.
Who we are
By joining ACCT UK you will help us to reach more young people and make a greater difference and we look forward to working with you. We actively promote and encourage you to explore ideas that improve all aspects of the charity’s work in pursuit of its charitable aims.
The charities are proud of our diverse teams, with people on different working patterns, from different backgrounds and at different life-stages. Our experience has taught us that having people with different perspectives and different lived experiences leads to better outcomes for our beneficiaries. If you are wondering if our organisation is for someone like you, the answer is yes! Please apply and explain how you, your experience, your talent and your potential are the right fit for this role.
What we can offer you
In addition to your salary, we offer all staff:
· Flexible working arrangements (you agree a working pattern with your line manager)
· The ability to work both from home and from our offices
· Personal Accident Insurance, including loss of earnings cover and death benefit
· 15 days of sick pay in any 12-month period (after 12 months employment - pro-rata for part time staff)
· A contributory pension scheme (you contribute at least 5% and we will contribute 10%)
· Good leave allowances (which are offered pro-rata for part time staff):
o 20 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
o Additional privilege leave, on set days each year, such as between Christmas and New Year
o An additional five days of volunteering leave
· Support for qualifications and personal development
· Employee Assistance Programme
· Season ticket loan
· Railcard (if you are eligible)
· A caring and supportive team environment
How to apply
Please send a CV and Cover letter that details how you meet the requirements of the job description by 2359hrs Wednesday 18th March 2026.
Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 30th March 2026.
While AI tools can be beneficial, we value the personal touch and authenticity in job applications. We encourage you to highlight your unique experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, ensuring all information is accurate. Please use AI tools responsibly and with integrity throughout the application and selection process.
Please note that as a charity dedicated to improving the lives of young people, we require staff to make a declaration about any relevant convictions, undergoing a DBS check. In addition, we will follow up with references.
Please be advised that this position may close earlier than the stated deadline if a sufficient number of high-quality applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, we strongly recommend submitting it as soon as possible. Candidates will be notified of the next stage in the recruitment process if they are shortlisted.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
Army Cadet Charitable Trust (ACCT) UK aims to give all young people the opportunity to develop and achieve through Army Cadets activities.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Ecological Land Cooperative is seeking a strategic and values-driven Finance Coordinator to help secure the long-term financial resilience of a pioneering land justice organisation.
We widen affordable access to land for ecological farming and currently steward seven farm sites supporting 18 small farm businesses.
This senior operational role combines hands-on financial management with strategic oversight.
You will:
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling
- Prepare management and annual accounts
- Oversee compliance and financial reporting
- Support Board decision-making and governance
- Contribute to funder and investor reporting
We’re looking for strong financial experience, strategic thinking, and alignment with cooperative and ecological values.
Permanent | 2.5 days per week (flexible) | Flat pay structure | 4% matched pension
If you meet most of the criteria, we encourage you to apply.
https://ecologicalland.coop/home/work-with-us/
Please apply by: 9am Monday 9th March
Interviews: Monday 16th March
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a covering letter (maximum 2 pages)
We use an anonymised shortlisting process and assess applications against a structured score sheet based on the criteria in the Job Description and Person Specification.
In your covering letter, please clearly demonstrate how your experience, skills, and knowledge meet the essential criteria, using the headings in the Person Specification as a guide. We recommend providing specific examples to show how you meet each area, rather than general statements. Applications are scored solely on the evidence provided, so please ensure you explicitly outline relevant experience, including transferable skills where appropriate.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.