Cluster Lead - Professional Business Services

Job Overview

Employer: Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

Contract: Temporary (three‑year fixed‑term)

Working Pattern: Flexible Hours/Full Time

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: 1 Mann Island

Salary: £59,311 – £70,405

Closing Date: 09/07/2026 at 23:59

Reference: I&D/26/

About The Role

To support the delivery of Professional and Business Services (PBS) cluster activity for the Liverpool City Region to accelerate and realise the significant economic growth and job creation potential of the sector. To act as a convening/co‑ordinating role to explore linkages across supply chains locally (as well as nationally and internationally), connect businesses to academic and research assets as well as further education and schools’ activity in the city region. Act as the “voice” of the cluster in terms of policy and awareness raising. Work to deliver cluster‑based programmes (PBS Hub) in the sector as well as informing inward investment activities and refining competitive value propositions.

About The Person

We are seeking a strategic thinker, a natural connector, and a passionate advocate for the professional and business services (PBS) industries. This strategic role is responsible for accelerating growth, innovation and competitiveness across the region. The ideal candidate understands both the business realities of a PBS growth company and the strategic goals of public sector funders. Thriving in fast‑paced environments, you will translate complex PBS trends into actionable local growth across strategic growth sectors. You will build instant credibility with diverse stakeholders, from PBS start‑up & scale‑ups to senior public sector officials.

Key Essential Criteria

• Sector knowledge: Deep understanding of the Professional and Business Services economy.
• Project Management: Demonstrable experience of leading sector‑focused projects, managing delivery across partners, budgets and timelines to achieve defined economic growth outcomes.
• Partnership Building: Strong negotiation and relationship‑building skills to engage cross‑sector stakeholders.

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 of service, plus 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 the 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, and clearly demonstrate in your personal statement how you meet all the key essential criteria listed above, and highlight how you meet the remaining essential criteria outlined in the person specification within your CV. Applications that do not include this evidence will not be considered under the guaranteed interview schemes.

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. We actively promote diversity and inclusion. This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. We recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position.

How to Apply

Please apply online via the link provided. CV applications will only be accepted alongside a completed personal and monitoring information online application form.