HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT

HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT

Temporary 90733 - 101871 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead development of transport and housing projects for Liverpool City Region.
  • Company: Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, a key player in regional innovation.
  • Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, free travel, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Internal secondment opportunity with significant career growth potential.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of a vibrant city while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in infrastructure and project management required.

The predicted salary is between 90733 - 101871 £ per year.

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.

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.

  • To lead the CA’s Housing development functions;
  • To oversee the development of Full Business Cases, in line with HMT Green Book and TAG Guidance, and to set proportionality to which projects will be developed, testing deliverability, affordability and value for money of projects;
  • To lead the development of a single, consistent development pipeline base for the LCR as a whole that informs and influences strategic direction and all aspects of development and delivery of capital investment.

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.

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, 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. 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.

HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT employer: Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities while contributing to meaningful projects that impact the local community. Enjoy a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits in a flexible working environment, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a difference in the digital and technology sector.

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

Contact Details:

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT

Get Engaged in Local Politics

Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.

Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment

Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.

Leverage Online Job Portals

Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.

Tap Into Your University Resources

If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.

We think you need these skills to ace HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT

Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Data Engineering
SQL
Python
ETL/ELT Processes

Some tips for your application 🫡

Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!

Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.

Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.

Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!

How to prepare for a job interview at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service

In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions

Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.

Flexibility is Your Best Friend

Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Liverpool City Region Combined Authority that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.

Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills

In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.