Job Details

Liverpool City Council

Job Description

Job Title: Transport for City Regions (TCR) Programme Director
Directorate: Neighbourhoods and Housing
Service Area: Sustainable Transport, Highways & Parking
Competency Level: 3
Job Type: Hybrid
Location: Cunard Building
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS): Not applicable
Job Evaluation Ref No: OR102381

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Job Purpose

To act as the Programme Director for Transport for City Regions (TCR) programmes and projects, ensuring the efficient delivery of key projects and programmes of work, being part of the TCR portfolio. The TCR portfolio from 2027/32 will be upwards of £168M, and this role will take ownership and key management duties on large scale, high value, complex and high priority programmes and projects with Programme values ranging from approximately £5 million to £40 million. The role is to ensure, on behalf of the council, best value, cost effectiveness, and managing and developing priority and high-profile schemes within this major capital programme, adhering to THP governance, the Council’s Corporate Governance and reporting, and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) governance and reporting.

The Programme Director will provide leadership to ensure that through delivery of this key capital programme of works, Liverpool City Council meets its aims, core values, and business objectives as set out in the City Plan. The Programme Director will engage and work with key stakeholders and other key partners at senior management/director level to develop and sustain the ability of LCC, directly or through strategic partners, to deliver to programme and budget, and to associated Grant Funding Agreements (GFAs).

The post holder will join the TCR team to help deliver a complex capital programme of investment in highways, active travel, and public transport improvements, helping the council and the Region meet its economic growth, connectivity, and climate change targets.

The Programme Director will be responsible for developing permanent capability and staff development to enable the council to plan and resource across capital programmes for successful delivery on behalf of the council through this Portfolio and wider across THP.

Working in partnership with senior internal and external stakeholders, the role will work in collaboration with LCRCA and other key stakeholders to foster a commercially focused, inclusive service provision, to deliver for the businesses and communities in the city.

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Directly Responsible For

• Delivery teams on assigned priority programmes and projects, including Programme and Project Leads.
• Multi-disciplinary teams of permanent staff and consultancy/contract support services procured by the council, each programme/project having teams of upwards of 20 persons across all disciplines.
• Management and delivery of multiple programmes and projects including project management, commercial management, scheduling, risk management, design delivery from concept to completion, tendering for construction, and site delivery.
• Project initiation documentation, procurements, and contracts required for successful delivery of assigned programmes and projects.

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Directly Responsible To

• TCR Board, comprising TCR Portfolio Director and other Board members including THP Heads of Service, Director, and representation from City Development and LCRCA.
• Ownership of regular reporting to TCR Board, presenting project status of various projects through project managers, ensuring compliance with LCC and LCRCA Gateways for governance, delivery, and budget.

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Main Areas of Responsibility

Key Responsibilities

• Accountable for high priority and key projects from TCR Portfolio (£168 million, 2027–2032).
• Responsible for programmes of works and associated projects delivered on time, cost, and quality, engaging key internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop, manage, and influence schedules and cost plans for projects and programmes.
• Develop, coach, and line manage junior staff, supporting HR and Improvement Delivery Team with learning and development.

Supervision and Management Responsibility

• Plan meaningful one-to-one conversations, quality appraisals, and workforce development for direct reports.
• Assess staff performance and set target levels relative to TCR portfolio.
• Create positive learning environment via delegation and mentoring.
• Participate in staff training, disciplinary standards, and development opportunities to improve service delivery.

Budget and Financial Responsibility

• Accountable for management and control of delegated capital and revenue budgets (TCR projects upwards of £15 million per annum).
• Ensure value for money and compliance with standing orders and financial regulations.
• Report financial issues to TCR Board, Portfolio Director, or Director of THP, and maintain financial records.
• Use performance and financial benchmarking data to identify improvement opportunities.

Social Value Responsibility

• Drive social value through all activities, ensuring social, economic, and environmental benefits for council, residents, and communities.

Physical Demands of the Job

• Undertake site visits, including during adverse weather conditions.

Corporate Responsibility

• Contribute to the Council Plan.
• Promote excellent customer service internally and externally.
• Commit to customer excellence through feedback and continuous improvement.
• Make the council a great place to work, engaging in team meetings, training, and managing performance.
• Support equal opportunities and non-discriminatory practices.

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Person Specification

Qualification and Training

Essential

• Degree in relevant academic subject or equivalent professional experience in construction/transport sectors.
• Good knowledge of Business Case development, e.g., public sector funding in the UK.
• Qualification/experience in project management (APM PMQ, PRINCE2, MSP, NEC4 ECC Accreditation or equivalent).

Desirable

• Continued professional development in management.
• Registered with Engineering Council and Chartered (e.g., ICE, CIHT, IStructE, RICS, APM).
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Experience

Essential

• Leading large complex programmes, especially in Transport/infrastructure sectors, within tight budgets and timelines.
• Commissioning and understanding quantitative assessments (QCRA, QSRA).
• Preparing and presenting complex information to senior managers and stakeholders.
• Commissioning, briefing, and monitoring external consultants/service providers.
• Presenting issues to senior managers, elected members, and associated bodies.

Desirable

• Preparing contract documentation, procurement, contract administration, and financial control of civil/highway engineering projects.

Skills / Abilities

Essential

• Excellent project/programme management and direction skills.
• Demonstrable commercial awareness, including contract management.
• Comprehensive understanding of professional standards, legislation, and codes relevant to physical regeneration and development.

Desirable

• IT literate: MS Project, Office, and other relevant software.
• Exercise effective judgment for planning, funding opportunities, and service improvement.
• Understanding professional/technical standards, legislation, and codes relevant to highways, infrastructure, and development.

Commitment

Essential

• Commitment to highest levels of professional conduct and continued professional development.
• Ensure effective implementation of Council policies and achievement of objectives, including financial and budget targets.