Strategic design lead jobs in Manchester
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We are seeking an experienced individual to help us deliver a productive, empowering, needs-orientated programme of training and development activities for community rail groups. Under the guidance of the Training & Development Co-ordinator you will aim to strengthen the community rail movement and enhance the value it delivers to communities.
About us
Community Rail Network is a not-for-profit organisation, working across Britain to support a growing ‘community rail’ movement. Community rail promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making projects, and brings people together.
Community rail is made up of 77 community-based partnership organisations, 1,300 station friends volunteer groups, and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects with young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence with families and marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener travel and tourism by rail.
Our enthusiastic team of 23 works mainly from home in different locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to advise our members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights via decision-makers and the media. We believe in developing our team and supporting everyone to reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.
Responsibilities:
You are principally responsible for supporting the delivery of a year-round programme of high quality, empowering training and development opportunities for our members. The programme will be delivered in line with inclusion and accessibility best practice, will be largely online with some face-to-face sessions and events.
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Work with the Training and Development Co-ordinator to agree a rolling programme of training that supports member organisation capabilities and their impact on communities.
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Topics will largely include areas required to achieve accreditation (for CRP’s) as well as good community-based practice for other member types. This includes but is not limited to training to support members with skills in creating and prioritising activity plans, project management, how to apply for grants and funding (including our own grants funds), how to prepare for an accreditation meeting, designing good outcomes and demonstrating organisational impact (including impact reports and use of social media), community engagement, volunteer recruitment, and co-production techniques.
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Work with the Training & Development Co-ordinator to ensure your own understanding of these topics is current and identifying areas for personal development to support our training offer to be more robust.
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Work with colleagues in other teams to set up, administer and deliver (largely online) webinars, networking and showcase events, setting them up, researching and engaging speakers and collating case studies to use, sending invites, facilitating the presenters and discussion during the event, and collating and reporting on feedback to inform future sessions.
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Support the T&D Co-ordinator, colleagues in the regional support team, and communications team, to promote training and networking sessions effectively.
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Where directed ensure we maintain high-quality training partnerships and opportunities that members can be signposted to and be responsible for administering our bursary scheme.
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Regularly report on bursary expenditure, member feedback, attendance figures and any specific funder requirements.
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Be responsible for supporting member organisations and colleagues to use our impact reporting platform and to keep up to date on any changes in how we record and demonstrate the social, economic and environmental impact of community rail.
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Attend team and all staff meetings, online and in person, contributing to strategic shared areas of work, information sharing and workforce development activities.
Skills and competencies:
- Understanding, and experience of running, online and in person training and networking sessions, ideally within a community or not-for-profit context;
- Knowledge of, and ability to share effectively, key skill areas for example, volunteering recruitment and support, project management, applying for funding, co-production techniques, community engagement best practice, demonstrating outcomes and impact.
- A proven ability to work collaboratively, develop and maintain productive partnerships and joint activities, and form professional networks internally and externally;
- Demonstrable ability to manage time and resources effectively under pressure, and meet deadlines;
- Excellent writing, communication and presentational skills, including the ability to develop and deliver audience-appropriate training materials, presentations and other content to professional and community audiences;
- IT literate with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, the internet and social media; excellent administration skills and the ability to identify efficient and secure ways of working using AI;
- Awareness of social and sustainability issues and the relationship between transport and social and economic development.
Online interviews are scheduled for 16 February 2026.
Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.
Other information
This post is home-based, but with some travel (including overnight stays) for our programme of events and meetings. Applicants will need local access to a train station to enable rail-based travel for work as needed.
This is a permanent position and includes a probationary period of three months from the date of appointment. Successful applicants will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide two references.
We are committed to being a flexible, supportive, inclusive and understanding employer.
Applications will only be accepted through the CharityJob website.
Please provide your CV and a covering letter of up to two sides of A4, by 23:59, Sunday 8th February 2026, summarising, with evidence, how you match the role specification and why you are interested in this position. We encourage you to apply early if you are interested, although we will accept applications up to the deadline. Please include a daytime phone number and an email address and identify your notice period in your cover letter. Due to limited resources, we cannot provide feedback to candidates not invited to interview.
**Please be aware we use AI monitoring filters to detect any AI generated content**
Non Charity Employer
21 - 50
Championing the community rail movement | Connecting people and their railways | Creating inclusive, empowered, sustainable and healthy communities
Thank you!
A rare chance to join an incredibly supportive and inclusive employer that values hard work, flexiblity and employee well-being, and recognised by the GM Good Employment Charter! We are a small but vastly experienced team of family support/volunteer Coordinators, delivering highly respected volunteer-led home visiting support to families in the early years.
We are looking for someone to provide direct support to families and also recruit, train and support a team of local parent/carer volunteers who will provide weekly home visiting and community support to families.
You will work with other professionals from universal and specialist services to provide a coordinated response to families’ needs. You will assess need and risk prior to carefully matching volunteers with families or offering direct support, working as part of multi agency support, ensuring information sharing and safeguarding is at the forefront of your work. This will include instigating Early Help assessments, preparing for and attending Child in Need and Child Protection meetings.
You will have an understanding of recruiting, carefully selecting and managing volunteers to ensure they feel supported and fully trained to offer effective support to families in order to get the best outcomes for the family and in particular the children.
You will be experienced in working with families in their own home - skilled in recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns, be apt in completing strengths-based assessments and conversations and have a deep understanding of the issues families can face and the link with childhood development and difficulties they may experience later in life.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
Supporting families to give their children the best possible start in life, because we believe childhood can't wait
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Do you love telling compelling stories? Interested in a role supporting a diverse & interesting organisation? We want to hear from you!
We are looking for a skilled and motivated Trust Fundraiser to join our Communication and Fundraising Team. In this new role, you’ll help secure funding that enables us to support our Diocesan Fundraising Operations for current and future endeavours! You’ll be responsible for researching, writing and submitting high-quality grant applications, as well as nurturing relationships with existing and new grant funders. Your work will directly support the sustainability and growth of our diocese for the next generation.
From creating persuasive funding proposals to managing reporting and impact updates, you’ll play a key role in ensuring our funders see the difference their support makes across the Diocese of Salford. Working closely with colleagues within the team and across the diocese, you’ll coordinate information, track deadlines, and ensure funding is managed in line with funder requirements and best practice.
With your attention to detail and strong organisational skills, you’ll help us grow income and strengthen partnerships.
About the Role
Appointment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Working Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday - Friday. Applicants seeking compressed or reduced hours or flexibile working arrangements will be considered.
Location: Diocese of Salford Cathedral Centre - 3 Ford Street, Salford M3 6DP
We’re happy to discuss flexible and hybrid working arrangements and are keen to support a healthy work–life balance.
Salary & Benefits: £ 32,117 - £36,885, 25 holidays, plus statutory bank holidays and 5 Diocesan closure days.
Main Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively with the Senior Fundraiser to secure major gifts for capital and revenue projects, (predominantly trusts, grants and foundations but this could also include major donor and corporate gifts.)
- Create a trust and foundation funding plan for each fundraising target.
- Prepare and submit compelling and persuasive grant applications for each plan.
- Manage and fulfil grant reports and feedback for each live grant.
- Build a pipeline of potential funding opportunities from trusts and foundations.
- Ensure a database of funders and grant applications is created and maintained.
- Research and analysis to identify funding opportunities with trusts and foundation to develop future plans.
- Work collaboratively with the Senior Fundraiser and the Individual Gifts Officer to set up a new CMS and explore and develop other fundraising income streams.
- Create support documents for parishes to enable them to proactively apply for small grants including National Lottery’s ‘Awards for All’ scheme.
- Research and keep abreast of industry activity and trends.
- Undertake any other reasonable tasks as required.
Safeguarding: The Diocese of Salford is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The post-holder will be expected to contribute to a positive culture of safeguarding within the organisation. All employees of the Diocese are expected to work to promote the safeguarding of vulnerable groups.
They must familiarise themselves with and adhere to the procedures on how to deal with allegations or concerns of abuse and the Church’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures which can be found at our Diocesan website for future details.
Salford Roman Catholic Diocesan Trustees Registered Charity - Registered Charity No. 250037
Closing date for applications: 5pm on Monday the 16th February 2026
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Overview
We’re looking for an Assistant Business Development Officer (Bid Writer) to join our national Business Development Team. This is a great opportunity for an excellent writer to start or grow your bid writing career in a successful team with progression opportunities.
Location: London, Brighton, Manchester or Leeds.
Salary: £27,861.26 − £32,002.35 per year. If you’re based in London, you’ll receive an additional £4,133.14 per year as Inner London Weighing.
Contract: 12 months fixed term.
Responsibilities
About the role
Change Grow Live is a health and social care charity. Across the country, we support people to make positive changes in their lives, including around drug and alcohol use, smoking, homelessness and criminal justice.
As an Assistant Business Development Officer, you’ll play a key part in helping us secure new contracts and deliver high quality services for adults, children and young people. You’ll support the development of bids and proposals by writing, researching and collaborating with colleagues across the organisation.
Your day-to-day will include:
- Writing and editing bid responses
- Working with colleagues across the organisation and our partner agencies
- Completing online research, analysing data and collating evidence
- Creating presentations, diagrams and reports
- Helping improve how we do things.
This is a developmental role, and you’ll receive ongoing support, guidance and training to help you progress.
About you
We’re looking for excellent writers who share our passion for supporting people to make positive changes in their lives. You don’t need previous experience in business development, but experience in health and social care, writing, sales, research, or data is beneficial.
You are:
- A clear, concise and engaging writer
- Motivated to learn and develop, welcoming feedback
- Collaborative and contribute to a positive culture team
- Curious and analytical
- Solution-focused, creative and proactive
- Ready to work hard to deliver on CGL’s values and mission.
What we offer
You’ll be able to access structured training, development and mentoring as part of a supportive team. There’s a clear progression pathway within the team. We have a great record of people quickly progressing to Business Development Officer and Senior Business Development Officer roles as they take on increased volume, complexity, and leadership across proposals.
We also offer:
- The option to work from home for some of the week
- Wellbeing support, including an employee assistance programme and an hour each week for wellbeing activities of your choice (find out more here).
We want our workforce to represent the diversity of the people and communities we work with. We pride ourselves on an inclusive and supportive workplace, evidenced through our Investors in People silver status.
We’re happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that you need to be successful. Please let us know in your application or at any stage of the process if you would like to discuss this.
Before you apply
In the application portal, there’s a section called ‘how you meet the criteria for the role’. This is your chance to tell us about why you’re a good fit for this job – we won’t be able to consider your application unless it’s filled in. Please explain how you meet each of the person specification criteria (listed at the end of the job description). Use clear examples of your experience (this link contains some useful guidance). As guidance, written statements should not exceed 1,000 words. You can address multiple criteria together where you think it makes sense.
Interviews will be held 16th – 23rd February 2026 via MS Teams. We’ll also ask shortlisted candidates to complete a written task online during this timeframe, at a time of your choice. We may hold a pre-qualification stage task (e.g. presentation) depending on the number of applicants.
We encourage applications from individuals who may not meet every requirement but are excited about the role. We value lived experience of substance use, homelessness, and/or multiple disadvantages.
We’re a Disability Confident Committed employer. Under our Disability Confident interview scheme, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates where they meet our selection criteria in their application. Some of our roles attract a high volume of applications and in some circumstances where it is not practicable or appropriate, we may limit the number of interviews offered to disabled and non-disabled candidates. Please confirm in the ‘how you meet the criteria for the role’ part of the application if you are applying under this scheme. We will provide reasonable adjustments as needed.
Check the job description and team explainer for more information. You can contact Yasmin Gilders to discuss this role further.
What our people say
George, who progressed from Assistant Business Development Officer to Business Development Officer last year:
“What was your route into the team? I came into Business Development after starting out in frontline roles in local authorities and then a housing charity, where I realised I wanted to continue having an impact on people’s lives, but on a bigger scale. The Assistant Business Development Officer role was a perfect progression, and after about a year I successfully applied for a Business Development Officer role. This felt really manageable given the space for development as an Assistant Business Development Officer.
What are your favourite parts of the job? Winning contracts is a really great feeling, especially when I know they’ve been shaped with service users and colleague to make sure we’re designing services that offer the best support to the most people. I also value the constant opportunities to learn, feeling supported in my development, and seeing the decisions I’m involved in having a real impact on people’s lives.
What were your highlights from last year? Our team away day in Liverpool, which was great fun as well as chance to hear from the managers of our new Liverpool service. It was one of the first bids I worked on as an Assistant Business Development Officer, and it was amazing to see our bid come to life, being delivered by a passionate group of people.
What would you say to someone thinking of applying? I’d definitely say go for it, and once you start, embrace how much there is to learn! Make the most of a really knowledgeable and supportive team, of managers who genuinely want you to succeed, and of all the opportunities to try new things and develop new skills.”
Holly, who has progressed from Assistant Business Development Officer to Senior Business Development Officer:
“What was your route into the team? I was a psychology graduate and teacher training drop out! With my experience of working in schools and academic research into young people’s substance use, I started working as an Education Lead for one of CGL’s young person’s services. After a year I applied to join the Business Development Team, wanting to utilise my experience of working frontline and my love of research and writing. I’ve progressed from Assistant to Officer and then Senior Officer since joining the team in 2022.
How would you describe the team? Helpful, real and full of knowledge. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and is happy to share their skills, knowledge and learning. I’ve never felt like I’ve asked a silly question, and I don’t feel like I must put a on ‘work mask’.
What would you say to someone thinking of applying? Not to think they can’t do it just because they don’t have experience in bid writing or business development. It’s more important to be able to demonstrate that they’re a confident professional writer and are really passionate about working in the drug and alcohol support sector.”
Salary Range (pro rata if part time)
CGL points 23 to 28 (£27,861.26 - £32,002.35)
Interview Date
16/2/2026
Closing Date
8/2/2026
Registered Charity
501 - 1000
Our mission is to help people change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.
Thank you!
Our Time Charity is seeking an experienced Corporate Fundraiser to help grow vital income through meaningful, long-term partnerships with businesses and corporate supporters.
This role plays a key part in delivering our fundraising strategy by connecting purpose-driven organisations with our mission to support children and families affected by parental mental illness. You will build and steward corporate relationships, develop partnership and sponsorship proposals, and represent Our Time Charity to external audiences.
Working closely with the CEO and wider team, you’ll help secure funding that directly supports our KidsTime Workshops and wider programmes – enabling children to feel supported, understood and less alone.
This role is ideal for someone with experience in corporate fundraising, relationship management or partnerships, who enjoys building connections, telling compelling stories, and turning shared values into lasting impact.
To learn more about the role, responsibilities and how to apply, please download the full recruitment pack.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
Our mission is for every child in the UK, who has a parent with a mental illness, will find the support they need, as early as possible.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Overview
We’re looking for a strong bid writer to join our successful national Business Development Team as a Business Development Officer. This is an excellent opportunity to grow your career in business development within a successful team that prioritises social impact, development and progression. We’d particularly like to hear from people that have experience of writing high-scoring drug and alcohol service bids.
Location: London, Brighton, Manchester or Leeds.
Salary: £37,184.91 – £39,891.91 per year. If you’re based in London, you’ll receive an additional £4,133.14 per year - Inner London Weighting.
Contract: Permanent.
Responsibilities
About the role
Change Grow Live is a health and social care charity. Across the country, we support people to make positive changes in their lives, including around drug and alcohol use, smoking, homelessness and criminal justice.
As a Business Development Officer, you’ll play a key part in helping us secure new contracts and deliver high‑quality services for adults, children and young people. You’ll work with colleagues across the organisation to develop excellent written material for bids and proposals. This role offers a great opportunity to learn and develop while using your established skills, and you’ll be encouraged to take on more responsibility as you progress.
Your day-to-day will include:
- Writing and editing multiple complex bid responses within live tenders
- Working with colleagues across the organisation to gather information and evidence
- Project managing smaller bids and proposals with support from a Senior Business Development Officer or Business Development Manager
- Completing online research, analysing data and collating evidence
- Creating presentations, diagrams and reports
- Helping improve how we do things.
About you
We’re looking for candidates with proven experience of writing tenders, proposals or grant applications, or writing in other professional or academic environments, for instance journalism, research or marketing.
You are:
- A highly competent communicator with excellent writing skills
- Able to analyse data and interpret evidence, with good IT and research skills
- Solution-focused, creative and proactive
- Happy to give and receive challenging feedback
- Collaborative and contribute to a positive culture team
- Ready to work hard to deliver on CGL’s values and mission.
What we offer
You’ll be able to access structured training, development and mentoring as part of a supportive team. There’s a clear progression pathway within the team, from Officer to Senior Officer, Manager, Senior Manager, Deputy Director, and Director. Several of our current Seniors and Managers were previously in the Business Development Officer role.
We also offer:
- The option to work from home for some of the week
- Wellbeing support, including an employee assistance programme and an hour each week for wellbeing activities of your choice (find out more here).
We want our workforce to represent the diversity of the people and communities we work with. We pride ourselves on an inclusive and supportive workplace, evidenced through our Investors in People silver status.
We’re happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that you need to be successful. Please let us know in your application or at any stage of the process if you would like to discuss this.
Before you apply
In the application portal, there’s a section called ‘how you meet the criteria for the role’. This is your chance to tell us about why you’re a good fit for this job – we won’t be able to consider your application unless it’s filled in. Please explain how you meet each of the person specification criteria (listed at the end of the job description). Use clear examples of your experience (this link contains some useful guidance). As guidance, written statements should not exceed 1,000 words. You can address multiple criteria together where you think it makes sense.
Interviews will be held 16th – 23rd February 2026 via MS Teams. We’ll also ask shortlisted candidates to complete a written task online during this timeframe, at a time of your choice. We may hold a pre-qualification stage task (e.g. presentation) depending on the number of applicants.
We encourage applications from individuals who may not meet every requirement but are excited about the role. We value lived experience of substance use, homelessness, and/or multiple disadvantages.
We’re a Disability Confident Committed employer. Under our Disability Confident interview scheme, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates where they meet our selection criteria in their application. Some of our roles attract a high volume of applications and in some circumstances where it is not practicable or appropriate, we may limit the number of interviews offered to disabled and non-disabled candidates. Please confirm in the ‘how you meet the criteria for the role’ part of the application if you are applying under this scheme. We will provide reasonable adjustments as needed.
Check the job description and team explainer for more information. You can contact Yasmin Gilders to discuss this role further.
What our people say
Kitty, Business Development Officer:
“What was your route into your current job? I graduated with an English Literature degree in 2019 and started out as an Editorial Assistant in publishing. Furloughed during the pandemic, I took the opportunity to complete a master’s in English Literature before moving into medical communications, where I also worked as an Editorial Assistant. While I enjoyed the work, I wanted a role that allowed me to get more involved in the research and writing, which led me to join CGL as an Assistant Business Development Officer in 2023. After gaining bid writing experience, I started as Business Development Officer in 2024.
What are your favourite parts of the job? I love how varied the job is. One day I might be deep in research, whether that’s desk-based or visiting a service in person, while the next I’m writing and editing responses for a live bid or even creating visuals. No two days are the same, and variety keeps the job exciting.
How would you describe the team? The team is incredibly lovely and supportive. There’s always someone ready to offer help, share advice, or even just have a quick chat, which makes it a really positive and collaborative environment to work in.
What were your highlights from last year? Being part of the team that won the Blackpool contract. We all invested a lot of time and effort into it, and the whole organisation was excited by the outcome.
Is there anything you would say to someone considering applying? Go for it! It’s a fantastic role within a supportive, friendly team, and there’s so much variety and opportunity to learn. If you’re considering applying, you won’t regret it.”
Holly, who progressed from Business Development Officer to Senior Business Development Officer last year:
“What are your favourite parts of this work? The amount we learn from bid to bid. No two services are the same and I’m constantly coming across amazing individuals, teams and interventions. Being part of a team that helps share and celebrate great work, and support other services to implement new and exciting initiatives is really rewarding.
How would you describe the team? Helpful, real and full of knowledge. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and is happy to share their skills, knowledge and learning. I’ve never felt like I’ve asked a silly question, and I don’t feel like I must put a on ‘work mask’.
What were your highlights from last year? Becoming a Senior and working across 7 different bids or direct awards last year. It was busy but I learnt so much, made some great connections with people across the organisation and feel excited for 2026.”
Salary Range (pro rata if part time)
CGL points 33 to 36 (£37,184.90 - £39,891.91)
Interview Date
16/2/2026
Closing Date
8/2/2026
Registered Charity
501 - 1000
Our mission is to help people change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.