The Manchester job market is diverse, with a variety of sectors looking for new talent. Whether you’re based in the city or considering relocating, there are plenty of exciting opportunities to explore. From creative industries to tech and healthcare, Manchester is home to a wide range of growing sectors actively hiring. If you’re currently searching for a job, here are the top five sectors in Manchester that are hiring right now.
1. Technology and Digital
Manchester has firmly established itself as a leading tech hub in the UK. The city has seen an impressive surge in tech-related jobs, particularly in areas like software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and UX/UI design. Companies in the tech industry are consistently looking for skilled professionals to help them build innovative products and services.
Notable employers like The Hut Group, Cognizant, and AutoTrader are driving this growth, with plenty of opportunities in areas like cloud computing, AI, and digital marketing. Additionally, Manchester boasts a vibrant start-up scene, with smaller companies constantly on the lookout for developers, designers, and IT professionals to help them scale.
If you have technical skills or are looking to develop them, Manchester offers a wealth of career opportunities in the tech and digital industries, making it an ideal location for anyone looking to work in this fast-paced sector.
2. Finance and Professional Services
Manchester has long been a key player in the UK's financial services sector, and the demand for finance professionals continues to rise. The city is home to major financial institutions such as Barclays, HSBC, and Lloyds Banking Group, which offer various opportunities in banking, investment, risk management, and financial analysis.
In addition to large corporations, Manchester’s thriving professional services sector includes firms like KPMG, PwC, and Deloitte, which provide roles in consulting, auditing, taxation, and advisory services. There is a growing need for skilled accountants, auditors, financial analysts, and tax professionals as businesses continue to focus on financial growth and stability.
With an increasing number of companies in the finance and professional services sector looking to expand their teams, now is a great time to consider a career in this field.
3. Healthcare and Life Sciences
The healthcare and life sciences sector in Manchester is expanding rapidly, offering an array of career opportunities for individuals with medical, scientific, and healthcare backgrounds. The city is home to some of the UK’s leading hospitals, including Manchester Royal Infirmary and Salford Royal Hospital, which consistently have job openings for doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and administrative staff.
Moreover, Manchester is a prominent centre for medical research and life sciences, with institutions like The University of Manchester and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology leading the way in scientific innovation. Pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca and MedImmune also have a significant presence in the city, creating demand for roles in research and development, laboratory sciences, and clinical trials.
With the ongoing development of medical technologies and the rising demand for healthcare professionals, Manchester’s healthcare and life sciences sectors are poised for continued growth, offering job seekers a wide range of opportunities.
4. Creative and Digital Media
Manchester has long been a cultural powerhouse, and its creative industries are thriving. From media and advertising to design and the arts, the creative sector in Manchester is booming. The city is home to numerous creative agencies, production companies, and cultural organisations that regularly hire professionals in areas such as graphic design, video production, digital content creation, and marketing.
Companies like BBC North, Endemol Shine, and The Guardian all have a presence in Manchester, offering opportunities in television production, journalism, photography, and digital marketing. The city’s thriving arts scene also means there are opportunities in creative fields such as theatre, music, and visual arts, particularly with organisations like Manchester International Festival and The Royal Exchange Theatre.
For those with a passion for creativity, whether in design, media, or performance, Manchester offers a vibrant landscape of job opportunities in the arts and creative sectors.
5. Manufacturing and Engineering
Although Manchester is often associated with its modern tech and creative sectors, the manufacturing and engineering industries still play a vital role in the city's economy. Manchester has a rich industrial heritage, and today it is home to a range of manufacturing and engineering companies, particularly in advanced manufacturing, automotive, and construction.
The demand for skilled engineers remains high, particularly in areas like mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. Major employers such as Siemens, Buro Happold, and Aston Martin have strong presences in the city, with ongoing recruitment efforts to meet the demands of new projects in fields such as infrastructure, automotive, and renewable energy.
Additionally, Manchester’s efforts to promote sustainability have created new job opportunities in green engineering and renewable energy sectors. This is a great time for engineers and those with a technical background to explore job opportunities in one of the UK’s most exciting manufacturing and engineering hubs.
Conclusion
Manchester offers a wide range of opportunities across various sectors, making it an exciting place to live and work. Whether you're interested in technology, finance, healthcare, creative industries, or manufacturing, the city has something to offer. By focusing on one of these thriving sectors, you’ll be positioning yourself to take advantage of the growth and development happening in Manchester right now. So, whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career journey, these industries are great places to start your job search in Manchester.