Missions Programme Manager
Are you passionate about helping businesses grow globally? Join our growing International Trade Services team at the Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub (GM BGH) as Missions Programme Manager and play a pivotal role in driving Greater Manchester’s international ambition, and support start-ups and well-established companies to achieve sustainable global success.
This exciting position sits at the heart of the region’s international strategy, leading the design and delivery of high-impact trade missions that connect Greater Manchester's ambitious businesses with international opportunities. You’ll collaborate with influential partners including government bodies, global trade organisations and industry leaders, shaping programmes that open new markets, forge meaningful partnerships, and create real economic impact. From developing mission themes aligned to key sectors, to managing overseas delegations and delivering exceptional business experiences, you’ll be at the forefront of Greater Manchester’s export growth success—working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where your ideas, leadership and passion for international trade can truly make a difference.
A key focus of the role is the planning and delivery of the Greater Manchester International Inward and Outward Missions Programme. This includes leading on the coordination and delivery of strategically targeted overseas and UK-based business missions, supporting mission design, operational delivery, stakeholder engagement, and tracking outcomes and impact.
Key responsibility:
1. Lead the end-to-end delivery of the Greater Manchester Missions Programme, from scoping through to evaluation.
2. Develop mission themes aligned to Greater Manchester’s International Strategy as well as the International Scale Up Programme, focusing on key markets and sector priorities, working closely with the Head of International Trade Services and Director of GM BGH.
3. Coordinate closely with local and overseas partners, including trade agencies, government agencies, embassies, industry associations, overseas chambers, and in market entry consultants, to deliver effective mission promotion and business recruitment, alongside a high value B2B meetings programme.
4. Build and maintain strong relationships with local and international partners, including Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Department for Business and Trade, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, trade bodies, consulates, and others as required.
5. Identify and recruit suitable businesses to participate in trade missions, aligned to sector priorities and market opportunities, working with internal teams and key partners.
6. Manage logistics and operations, including travel arrangements, venues, meeting schedules, missions' budgets and on the ground coordination (both inward and outward missions).
7. Work closely with the international trade team to support research and organise pre mission briefings covering market opportunities, cultural considerations, and the mission schedule.
8. Monitor and evaluate mission outcomes, including trade opportunities generated, partnerships formed, and participant satisfaction.
About you:
9. Experience operating as a credible ambassador on a regional and international platform, promoting business support services to a wide range of audiences.
10. Proven experience in designing and leading end-to-end trade missions programmes.
11. Proven ability to build and manage strong stakeholder relationships.
12. Experience of working on international projects or with international stakeholders across both public and private sector environments, including missions programmes.
13. Good knowledge of the opportunities and challenges associated with international trade, including the export capabilities required for success.
Skills Required:
14. Strong project and programme management skills, with the ability to plan, coordinate and deliver complex international programmes and related budgets.
15. Excellent stakeholder management and partnership-building abilities across government, industry and international partners.
16. Highly developed communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
17. Strong organisational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and tight timelines.
18. Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills in fast-paced operational environments.
19. Ability to influence others, negotiate effectively and secure buy-in.
We are currently unable to provide sponsorship for work permits or visas. Therefore, we can only consider candidates who already have the legal right to work in the UK.
Artificial intelligence can assist you during the application process, but every example and statement you include must be honest, accurate, and based on your own real experiences. If plagiarism is detected, meaning you present someone else’s ideas or experiences, or AI‑generated content, as your own, your application may be withdrawn, and internal applicants could face disciplinary action.
At GC, safeguarding the welfare of all individuals including vulnerable adults and young people is a top priority, and we expect all staff to uphold this standard. All appointments follow Safer Recruitment Procedures, including a DBS check carried out by Due Diligence Limited (DDC Ltd), at no cost to the successful candidate.
Please note: It is a legal offence to apply for a role involving regulated activity if you are on the Barred List.
We are committed to increasing workforce diversity and offer a guaranteed interview to applicants who meet the essential criteria and either have a disability or are from a diverse ethnic community.
If this applies to you, you can request consideration under this scheme during the application process. Your request will be shared only with the Hiring Manager and Internal Recruitment Team.