Council & Governance Policy & Research Manager

Our Council and Democracy 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. 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
  
  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
  
  At Co-op we do things differently. We're owned by our 5.8m 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.
  
  £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, Here you'll do work that matters. We're a commercial organisation with a purpose beyond profit, you'll have an opportunity to help us build a stronger Co-op and stronger communities. You'll also get a package that includes:
• competitive salary
• private healthcare
• coaching, training, and support to help you develop
• pension with up to 10% employer contributions
• annual incentive scheme
• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays (rising to 32 in line with service)
• discounts on Co-op products and services
Building an inclusive work environment We're actively building diverse teams and we welcome applications from everyone. We want to build inclusive work environments, where our colleagues have equal opportunities to reach their full potential. We celebrate our differences, and recognise the importance of our teams reflecting the communities they serve. If you have a disability, we can make reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process according to your needs. We're also part of the Disability Confident scheme, meaning we'll always offer an interview to disabled candidates who apply through the scheme if they meet the minimum criteria for a job. We'll ask whether you'd like to be considered under the Disability Confident scheme when you apply. If we invite you to take part in the recruitment process for any of our jobs, we'll ask you if you need any reasonable adjustments to enable you to participate.