Job Description

Post:

EDI & Skills Programme & Event Manager

Reporting to

Chief Operating Officer

Hours

35 hours per week excluding 1 hour lunch break per day, Monday-Friday, with the working day taken between 8:30am and 6:00pm In addition to these hours you will be required to attend events both before and after work as required

Location:

Centurion House, 129 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3WR

Other

Flexible Working, WFH Mon & Fri, Death in Service Cover, Private Healthcare, Auto Enrolment Pension Scheme, Holidays 25 days plus statutory

We're especially keen to hear from candidates who are genuinely passionate about EDI and can show how they translate that passion into practical action.

Background to the company

pro-manchester is the largest business development organisation in the North West. With around 350 member firms we represent the financial and professional sector and the wider business community in the North West region. We offer a range of business development activities including a programme of 150 business events annually, market facing business development initiatives and outreach into other sectors.

The opportunity

You will lead and grow our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Programme our Skills Academy and our Cororate hospitality Initiative. Taking these flagship initiatives from strategy to delivery. You'll convene and support member and partner committees, design impactful content and events, drive participation, and evidence outcome, so that our region's businesses can be more inclusive, and our talent pipelines more skilled and diverse.

What you'll do

1)

Lead the EDI Programme

Manage the EDI Steering Committee & Sub Committees (members, partners, and sector representatives); schedule and facilitate regular meetings and ensure agreed actions land.

Shape an annual EDI content and events plan (e.g., forums, briefings, roundtables, and practical workshops) aligned to members' needs.

Build and maintain a database of EDI champions and relevant contacts across member firms and partner organisations to support programme delivery.

Work with the Sales Manager to identify sponsors and supporters for the EDI Programme and to steward those relationships.

Embed inclusive event practice where possible (accessible venues/formats, inclusive language and imagery, dietary/access needs, speaker diversity tracking, and feedback loops).

2) Run the Skills Academy

Design the Skills Academy's curriculum and annual schedule, mapping to priority skills for our membership.

Recruit and brief speakers, trainers, and mentors; coordinate delivery and ensure high?quality participant experience.

Grow engagement through targeted marketing and outreach

3) Deliver events end?to?end (EDI & Skills Academy)

Budgeting: Agree and manage event/programme budgets with the COO/Finance Director.

Speakers & venues: Source and secure speakers/special guests and suitable venues; plan room layouts and formats.

Logistics: Coordinate venue, catering, AV, suppliers, and onsite staffing; produce detailed event briefs and running orders.

On?the?day: Lead setup, troubleshoot, and ensure a welcoming, inclusive experience.

Evaluation: Capture feedback and data; produce reports for stakeholders and continuous improvement.

4) Marketing & communications

Create marketing strategies for the EDI Programme and Skills Academy; deliver multichannel campaigns to drive attendance, entries, and sponsorship.

Manage/update web pages for EDI and Skills Academy; coordinate graphics and collateral for key events.

Manage the Corporate Hospitality

Contribute to the Newsroom & Blog with engaging stories; schedule and monitor social content; create visuals.

Email marketing: Build and send campaigns via Cvent/Mailchimp (including newsletters and event promos); ensure new sign?ups are added correctly; upload event attendees to Mailchimp regularly.

5) Data, CRM, and insight

Keep the CRM and mailing lists up to date; segment data for targeted campaigns and participant follow?up.

Track and report KPIs (e.g., attendance, satisfaction, representation metrics, revenue/sponsorship) and present insights to stakeholders. (Evaluation/reporting emphasis from the events evaluation requirement.)

6) Collaboration and wider contribution

Participate in internal and external training; support colleagues and contribute to weekly newsroom planning.

Pitch in across the team as needed to ensure the smooth running of the office and member value.

About you

We're looking for someone who will thrive in a collaborative, fast?paced environment and who is passionate about inclusion and skills development. If you don't meet every single requirement but you're excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.

Essential

Strong organisational skills and the ability to plan and manage your own workload to deadlines

Clear, confident written and verbal communication; great interpersonal skills with stakeholders at all levels

Experience coordinating events or programmes (end?to?end or in substantial parts such as logistics, speaker liaison, or evaluation)

Commitment to professionalism and confidentiality

Comfortable with Microsoft Office and willing to learn new digital tools (training provided).

Good written accuracy and attention to detail.

Desirable

Familiarity with Mailchimp, CRM systems, website updates, and creating simple visuals (e.g., Canva) & Cvent

Experience in marketing/communications for events (social, email, newsroom/blog).

Understanding of inclusive event practice and an interest in EDI

Why Join Us?

Work on exciting events that bring together business leaders and innovators.

Develop your skills with ongoing training and career growth opportunities.

Join a team that celebrates creativity, innovation, and teamwork.

Be part of an inclusive and supportive organisation

pro-manchester is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, disability, age, or any other protected status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 30,000.00-35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Gym membership Private medical insurance
Ability to commute/relocate:

Manchester M3 3WR: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

Why Does EDI Matter to you?
Experience:

Events management: 3 years (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Manchester M3 3WR

Application deadline: 06/11/2025