Job reference: 001171
Salary: £34,434 - £48,226
Closing date: 03/08/2026
Department: CA Strategy & Research
Location: GMCA
Division: Research (Public Service)
Hours Per Week: 36.25

Job Details

Lead Analyst

Contract: We are recruiting 1 x permanent post, and 1 x fixed term post (12 months) maternity leave cover.


Your role:

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is a statutory body consisting of the ten local authorities of Greater Manchester and a directly elected Mayor. It has wide-ranging policy development, regeneration and transport functions and an ambitious agenda to build a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life.

We are seeking two Lead Analysts to join the GMCA Research Team, supporting the work of the Safer and Stronger Communities Directorate.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority's Safer and Stronger Communities Directorate works with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to make Greater Manchester a safer, fairer and more resilient place to live, work and visit. The Directorate supports the delivery of the Mayor's police, crime and fire responsibilities, working closely with Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, local authorities, health partners, probation services, the voluntary and community sector, and local communities.

The Directorate leads the development and delivery of key strategies and programmes that improve community safety, reduce crime and offending, support victims, tackle serious violence and gender-based violence, strengthen community cohesion, and build public confidence in policing and community safety services. It also plays a key role in overseeing performance, commissioning services, and driving partnership approaches to some of Greater Manchester's most complex social challenges

As a Lead Analyst, your work will be varied. Key responsibilities will be supporting and leading on research and evaluation projects, working with a range of quantitative and qualitative data, presenting and communicating research findings to senior leaders across Greater Manchester and supporting both internal and external stakeholders with data and intelligence needs. The postholder will therefore need strong interpersonal skills, be able to communicate research findings to a range of audiences and support colleagues to embed evidence-based insights into strategy development and delivery. We would particularly welcome applicants with experience of working on evaluation projects.

The role will sit within the GMCA Research Team. The Research Team produce high quality research and intelligence to inform the evidence base that underpins policy and strategy for the city region. As part of the GMCA Research Team, you will join a supportive and vibrant team of other Analysts, Lead Analysts and Principal Researchers, with opportunities to collaborate on cross-team initiatives.

Please note, the Lead Analyst Role Profile is structured against a progression framework that allows Lead Analysts to progress from Grades 6 to 8.

About you:

Below are the skills and experience we are looking for. Don’t be put off if you feel less strong on some of the areas – different people bring different skills, knowledge, and experience, and we’re keen that you apply and have the opportunity to show us the strengths that you will bring to the role.

  • Experience of undertaking research and analysis, including delivering research projects. We would particularly welcome applicants with evaluation experience.
  • An understanding of how data and evidence can be used to inform strategy, policy, and delivery, and how to maximise insight and intelligence from the research you undertake.
  • Strong analytical capabilities with evidence of working with complex quantitative data sets and/or experience of working with qualitative data (e.g. interviews, focus groups, community engagement)
  • A good understanding of the current public policy and political landscape, and the opportunities and challenges that organisations like GMCA are presented with.
  • Ability to develop relationships with colleagues and understand different perspectives, particularly in terms of how people might make use of data and evidence.
  • Confidence in sourcing, analysing, and presenting complex information to both specialist and non-technical audiences.
  • Commitment to personal development and an eagerness to learn new techniques and approaches, including being self-motivated and able to use your initiative.
  • Commitment to the development of yourself and others, and to identifying learning opportunities and encouraging the sharing of best practice.
  • Commitment to equality and diversity, both within research outputs and the wider workplace.

Above all, we want you to have a passion for Greater Manchester and the work we do, and to really care about making a difference to the lives of our diverse Greater Manchester communities. We expect a lot, but in return, offer a lot – a competitive salary and benefits, including the Local Government Pension Scheme; family friendly policies and flexible working practices; a generous holiday entitlement, starting at 25 days plus bank holidays; a Cycle scheme; a progression framework for Lead Analysts; and lots of health and wellbeing support. We are committed to supporting colleagues to learn through their work and invest in both formal and informal training and development opportunities.

Please note this role will require NPPV2 Police Vetting.

For more information about the role or recruitment process, please contact Jessica Phoenix (Principal Researcher – Safer and Stronger Communities): jessica.phoenix@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk

To find out more about working in the GMCA Research Team, please click here: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/research/

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.


GMP VETTING

This post requires Non-Police Personnel Vetting.

Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years UK residency for Non-Police Personnel Vetting. If an applicant does not have the minimum residency required eligibility would be considered on a case by case basis using all information that can be obtained following a successful application.

The College of Policing’s Code of Practice for Vetting must be followed. This information is available from the College of Policing website. For further details please see below:

Vetting | College of Policing

Take a look around the company https://www.greater.jobs/locations/gmca/