Liverpool-Manchester Railway Advisor

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is seeking a strategic and politically astute Railway Advisor to help shape the future of rail connectivity between Liverpool and Manchester — one of the most vital transport corridors in the North. This high‑profile role will provide expert advice, insight, and coordination across a complex stakeholder landscape, supporting the Combined Authority’s ambitions for improved journey times, capacity, and integration.

You’ll work closely with senior leaders, government bodies, transport operators, and neighbouring authorities to ensure that Liverpool City Region’s priorities are reflected in regional and national rail planning. As Railway Advisor, you’ll play a key role in influencing investment decisions, shaping policy proposals, and aligning technical and strategic inputs across multiple programmes—including Northern Powerhouse Rail and wider infrastructure upgrades.

You’ll bring clarity to complexity, helping to position the Liverpool–Manchester corridor as a catalyst for inclusive growth, modal shift, and long‑term economic impact.

About the role: You’ll be a credible and collaborative transport professional with a deep understanding of rail strategy, infrastructure planning, or public policy. Whether your background is in government, consultancy, or the rail industry, you bring a sharp grasp of the political, technical, and commercial dynamics that shape major transport programmes. You’re confident engaging with senior stakeholders, translating complex information into clear, actionable advice, and navigating competing priorities with diplomacy and focus.

You understand the importance of place‑based outcomes and can advocate for Liverpool City Region’s interests while building consensus across regional and national partners. You’ll be comfortable working at pace, managing ambiguity, and contributing to high‑stakes decisions. Above all, you’re motivated by the opportunity to drive meaningful change — connecting communities, improving passenger experience, and helping to shape the future of rail in the North.

Key essential criteria: Please provide clear examples and evidence in your personal statement of how you meet the below key essential criteria, as the information will be used for shortlisting.

• Strong political awareness and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to represent organisational priorities confidently and diplomatically at regional and national levels.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical and strategic information into clear, compelling advice for senior leaders and partners.
• Proven experience in transport strategy, infrastructure planning, or rail policy development, with a track record of influencing decision‑making across complex stakeholder environments.

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. Our economy is being transformed through 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 opportunity to use devolved powers and funding to create wealth and prosperity for all our 1.6 million residents and the wider UK — investing in 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, 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
• 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 an interest‑free learning loan

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who declare they have a disability, are from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background, 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 these schemes, indicate eligibility in the application form and clearly demonstrate in your personal statement how you meet all key essential criteria listed above, and highlight how you meet the remaining essential criteria in your CV. Applications that do not provide 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. Please visit the gov.uk site to assess eligibility.

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.