Council Secretary

Council Secretary 
Up to £100,000 plus great benefits (Work Level 4) 
Manchester city centre (hybrid)

We’re looking for a Council Secretary to join us at Co-op and play a key role in supporting our National Members’ Council. This is a unique opportunity to help elected members play an active role in shaping decisions and keeping our Board focussed on what matters most to our members. In this role, you’ll lead a small team of committed professionals, provide advice and support to elected members, and collaborate with senior and exec-level colleagues across the business.

Why this role matters

At Co-op, we’re owned by millions of members – not a wealthy few. Our unique structure includes a 100-member elected Council that acts in the best interests of these members and our constitution. Your leadership will help this democratic body continue to shape our future for the benefit of our member-owners and communities.

This is a really important role that sits at the heart of our Co-op’s democratic governance. You’ll make sure our Members’ Council runs smoothly and providing professional advice and support to enable elected members to effectively deliver its role in our Co-op Group’s, represent member owners, support and challenge our Board while championing our co-operative values.

What you’ll do

• Partner with the Council President to ensure Council’s priorities are delivered and to drive continuous improvement and best practice in Council effectiveness Lead a team to support effective Council, Senate, and committees 
• Advise members on governance and constitutional matters and governance best practice is followed 
• Collaborate with the Co-op Group Secretary as the interface between  the Council, Board, and Business Leaders 
• Promote the Council within the wider co-operative movement 
• Develop and implement Council strategy 
• Discharge all aspects of the Council Secretary responsibilities within the Co-op Group rules 
• Act as Returning Officer for Council Elections  

What you’ll bring

• In-depth knowledge of our Co-op’s democratic structures and heritage 
• Experience working in local politics or member-led organisations 
• Strong strategic and commercial awareness 
• Great attention to detail and organisational skills 
• Confidence and credibility when working with senior and exec-level partners 
• The ability to influence and build trusted relationships

Why Co-op?  

At Co-op, we’re owned by our members. And because we’re owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you’re not just taking a job, you’re joining a movement. We’re an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we’re powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you’ll also receive:

• A company car or £6,000 car allowance
• Private healthcare 
• An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance) 
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays  
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions  
• Access to a subsidised onsite gym (at our Manchester HQ)  
• 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands  
• Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it  
• Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice  
• 24/7 colleague support service  
• Training and support for your development and career progression 
• Cycle-to-work scheme  

A place you’ll belong

We’re building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone, and our support centre is an inclusive environment where all our colleagues can thrive.  

If you have a disability, we’ll make reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process. We’re also proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme - if you’re disabled and you meet the minimum criteria for this job, we’ll guarantee you an interview.  

Learn more about our recruitment process at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/apply-process  

Explore our commitments to diversity, inclusion and wellbeing at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/diversity-inclusion-wellbeing

As part of your application, you'll need to complete an online assessment. This assessment typically takes up to 50 minutes. If you're a current Co-op colleague, this does not need to be completed