Head of Development

LIVERPOOL CITY REGION COMBINED AUTHORITY; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous holiday entitlement

Flexible and hybrid working

Employee Assistance Programme

Westfield Health Programme

Learning and professional development

Job summary

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is seeking a seasoned leader for a 12-month internal secondment as Head of Development. You will steer transport, housing and infrastructure investment, oversee business case development and drive evidence-based decisions to deliver long-term regional value.

Reporting to the Executive Director for Investment and Delivery, you will build strategic relationships, mentor teams, and ensure the organisation responds effectively to changing priorities.]

Qualifications

• Experience delivering complex infrastructure, transport, housing or place-based development programmes.
• Experience developing and managing business cases in line with HM Treasury Green Book and TAG guidance.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear recommendations for senior decision-makers.
• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and foster cross-organisational collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for development functions and lead a robust pipeline of projects.
• Oversee development of business cases in line with Green Book and TAG guidance.
• Ensure evidence-based investment decisions that deliver value for money.
• Inspire and develop teams, collaborate with senior leaders and external stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Infrastructure development

Investment appraisal

Business cases

Stakeholder engagement

People leadership

Job description

This is an internal secondment only. External applicants will not be considered.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and strategic leader to take on a 12-month secondment as Head of Development, helping to shape the future of transport, housing and infrastructure investment across the Liverpool City Region.

Reporting to the Executive Director for Investment and Delivery, you will lead the Combined Authority's development functions, overseeing the creation and delivery of a robust pipeline of transport and housing projects that support the region's long‑term ambitions.

You will play a key role in ensuring that investment decisions are evidence‑based, deliver value for money and contribute to the sustainable growth of the city region.

Working closely with senior leaders, local authorities, government partners and stakeholders across the organisation, you will lead the development of business cases in line with HM Treasury Green Book and TAG guidance, providing strategic advice and direction on major investment opportunities.

As a member of the leadership team, you will provide visible and effective leadership, inspiring and developing high‑performing teams, fostering collaboration across the organisation and ensuring that the Combined Authority continues to respond successfully to changing regional and national priorities.

About the person

We are looking for a confident and experienced leader with a strong track record of delivering complex infrastructure, transport, housing or place‑based development programmes.

You will bring significant experience of developing and managing successful business cases in line with HM Treasury Green Book and TAG guidance, alongside a strong understanding of project development, investment appraisal and strategic pipeline management. You will be able to translate complex information into clear recommendations and influence decision‑making at the highest levels.

An excellent communicator and relationship builder, you will have experience of working collaboratively across organisations and sectors, building strong partnerships and providing advice to senior leaders, elected members and external stakeholders.

You will be an inspiring people leader who can motivate teams, manage performance effectively and create an environment that encourages innovation, continuous improvement and service excellence. The ability to balance competing priorities, work at pace and deliver high‑quality outcomes in a complex and changing environment is essential.

Most importantly, you will share our commitment to delivering positive outcomes for communities across the Liverpool City Region and be passionate about helping shape the region's future through transformational investment and development.

Internal Secondment Opportunity

This role is offered as a 12‑month internal secondment only. Fixed term until 31 August 2027 and provides an excellent opportunity for an ambitious leader looking to broaden their experience, develop strategic leadership skills and make a significant contribution to the delivery of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's priorities.

About the organisation

The Liverpool City Region is world‑famous for its history, culture and creativity. A place of firsts, it is the birthplace of modern railways, public health and international trade. Now, our economy is being transformed once again, changing the world through world‑leading innovation in health and life sciences, digital and creative, and advanced manufacturing - growing an economy already worth £35 billion a year.

The Combined Authority plays a central role in catalysing this innovation‑led economy. We are seizing the unique opportunity to use our devolved powers and funding to create wealth and prosperity for all our 1.6 million residents and the whole UK - investing in our economy, people, place, transport and digital infrastructure. Our vision is for the Liverpool City Region to be: The best place to grow up, grow a family, and grow a business - where no‑one is left behind.

Staff benefits

• Local Government Pension Scheme contributions between 5.5% and 12.5%
• Generous holiday entitlement of 29 days rising to 34 days after 5 years service, as well as bank holidays and the option to buy 10 additional days
• Free travel around Liverpool City Region with an All‑Zone Metro card worth £1,450 per year plus All Zones Off Peak Trio ticket for your spouse or partner
• Flexible and hybrid working
• 24/7 access to Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family and Free counselling service
• Automatic enrolment to our Westfield Health Programme
• Corporate discounts at council‑owned gyms
• Bike to Work Scheme
• Coaching, mentoring, apprenticeships, and professional qualifications including paid membership fees and even a £1k interest free learning loan for any non‑job‑related learning

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have declared that they: have a disability, are from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background, are care experienced (whether through foster care, residential care, supported living, kinship care, live‑in care, home care or adoption), are a member of a reservist or have close family links to a member of the Armed Forces as we are under‑represented by people from these communities.

To be considered under one of these schemes, you must indicate your eligibility in the relevant section of the application form. In addition, you must clearly demonstrate in your application how you meet the key essential criteria listed above.

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.