Who are we?

We are Manchester Students’ Union, the biggest SU in the country, supporting over 48,000 students throughout their time at university. We help to make student life the best it can be by supporting students to campaign for change, creating opportunities to meet new people, providing employment opportunities, providing advice and support and being a safe place on campus.  

We are a values-centred organisation that employs around 100 permanent, full-time members of staff. We recruit a wide range of roles throughout the year within all our departments from our Commercial team operating Manchester Academy Venues, 13 Media, Bar 532 & Kitchen and Corridor Coffee to our Student Activities, Student Engagement, Marketing and Communications, Finance, HR and Facilities teams. Our team of around 400 part-time, studying staff are instrumental in providing to support to all departments as well as leading major projects like Student Angels. When you join UMSU, you’ll be immersed in an environment that empowers staff to make great things happen and we're always on the lookout for innovative, passionate, and proactive people to join us. 

Our values are really important to us and shape the work that we do every day. As part of our recruitment process, we want you to demonstrate how your experiences, behaviours and skills align with our values. You can find more detailed explanations of our values on our website. 

About the role 

Help shape a service that supports students to meet their basic needs and thrive at university. We’re recruiting for two exciting student staff roles within Essentials, and whether you’re interested in frontline support or proactive outreach, this is an opportunity to make a real difference while developing valuable skills.

Essentials, the University of Manchester Students’ Union’s Basic Needs Centre, supports students with food, finances and other essential needs. As students face increasing challenges around the cost of living, financial wellbeing and food security, demand for support continues to grow- with around 400 students accessing our support each week. Our work is rooted in dignity, inclusion and practical support, helping students feel welcomed and able to access the support they need.

We are recruiting for two roles: Basic Needs Assistant and Financial Wellbeing Assistant. While the focus of each role is different, both are central to helping us deliver accessible, student-led support.

As a Basic Needs Assistant, you’ll be part of the day-to-day running of the Basic Needs Centre, Pantry and Wardrobe. Basic Needs Assistants act as a first point of contact for students, welcome people into the service, answer questions, provide signposting, and help maintain a safe and supportive space. You’ll also support pantry operations, including weekly stock checks, restocking supplies and helping ensure students can access essential items with dignity and ease. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys practical support, student-facing work and contributing to a busy support service.

As a Financial Wellbeing Assistant, you’ll focus on proactive engagement and student outreach. Financial Wellbeing Assistants support the delivery of workshops, events and outreach stands that help students build confidence around money and financial wellbeing. Working closely with our Senior Financial Wellbeing Coordinator, you’ll help promote support services, contribute ideas for engaging students in creative ways, and support initiatives that respond to the financial challenges students face. This role is ideal for someone interested in peer support, facilitation and financial wellbeing work.

Both Basic Needs Assistants and Financial Wellbeing Assistants will receive training and support, and we’re looking for people who bring similar skills and values to either role. We want applicants who communicate well, work collaboratively, show empathy and initiative, and can manage competing demands in a busy environment. We’re especially interested in people who are curious, growth-minded and motivated to improve support for students.

Details 

Wage: £13.45 per hour + holiday pay 

Contract: Zero Hours, Fixed-Term until 31st July 2027 

Hours: Approximately 6-10 hours per week during term-time dependent on service need

Eligibility: Open to applicants with relevant skills and experience who are eligible to work in the UK, a current student at University of Manchester, and graduate in 2027 or later.

 Recruitment Timeline

Applications opened: 11th May 2026

Applications close: 24th May 2026 23:59 pm

Assessment Centre: 16th June 2026 (Please ensure you are available for this date. Should you be successful you will be required to attend an in-person interview with limited flexibility due to the nature of the assessment)

Role Commencing: 3rd Aug 2026 

We may close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Once the vacancy has closed, we’re unable to accept late applications to ensure a fair process for all candidates.

Once you have submitted your application, you will not be able to make any further changes. Please ensure you are happy with your responses before submitting.

Contact

People Team:

You can contact the People Team with any questions regarding this vacancy or our recruitment process. 

Email: jobs.su@manchester.ac.uk 

Phone: 0161 306 3279 

Hiring Managers: Jennifer Foster & Ellie Jacobson

You can contact the hiring manager with any questions regarding this vacancy or our recruitment process.

Email: jennifer.foster@manchester.ac.uk

ellie.jacobson@manchester.ac.uk