Meet the Team

Mary McManus - Regional Manager of Living Wage NI

Mary McManus is Regional Manager of Living Wage NI, a role she has held since April 2024, leading efforts to raise awareness of the real Living Wage and support employers across Northern Ireland to achieve Living Wage accreditation. She is also a co-founder of Living Wage NI, playing a key role in establishing and growing the movement locally.

Mary builds on the success of the Living Wage for East Belfast campaign, which she coordinated from 2022 to 2024, working closely with local employers and community partners to drive change.

She previously served as Director of East Belfast Independent Advice Centre for 16 years and has over 20 years’ experience in the Welfare Rights sector.

Outside of work, Mary is a keen runner and enjoys spending time in the great outdoors.

Ruth Baxter - Living Wage NI Programme Officer

Ruth Baxter is a Programme Officer with Living Wage NI, having joined the team in September 2024. She is proud to be part of the campaign and its impact.

Ruth has a varied background, largely in the non-profit sector. Her experience includes employer engagement, supporting European student placements in Northern Ireland, working in supported employment for people with disabilities, and roles in charity development and apprenticeship coordination at Belfast’s largest college.

Outside of work, she enjoys live music of all kinds, outdoor concerts, time with friends and family, and discovering unique travel experiences.