Liverpool City Council is seeking an ambitious Commercial Lead to join our newly established Commercial Team in the City Development Directorate. This strategic role involves applying your commercial expertise to drive innovation and support financial sustainability in one of the UK’s most dynamic city councils. As Commercial Lead, you will play a crucial role in managing a diverse portfolio of commercial investments and supporting the strategic development and implementation of the Council’s new commercial approach.

About Us

Liverpool City Council is on an ambitious journey to create a fairer, cleaner, and stronger city for all. We are committed to providing high-quality, inclusive services and ensuring our city is well-run, financially sustainable, and resilient. As part of this commitment, we are looking for individuals who can bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to help us achieve our goals.

After a successful three-year turnaround process, Liverpool has a strong platform to drive further progress across the city. The Commercial Team’s focus is strategic, working across the organisation and external partners to deliver commercial outcomes. The team acts as an internal consultancy, partnering with different parts of the organisation to identify and facilitate the delivery of commercial projects.

Central to the commercial strategy, the team has direct accountability for a portfolio of commercial assets, including subsidiary companies, joint ventures and loans. The companies remit involves working closely with the management of Council companies overseeing business plans, performance against KPIs, governance and other investor matters. The team also has a strong emphasis on sustainability, developing commercial models and structuring investment to help the Council and the city achieve net zero targets.

The breadth of activity is extensive, covering areas such as trade waste, the Arena & Conference Centre, a school services consultancy, the Airport and Paddington Village Knowledge Quarter development. These assets are fundamental to the city’s growth and prosperity, providing a meaningful opportunity to shape Liverpool's future.

The Role

This may not be a conventional career route, but it is hugely rewarding. The role offers the opportunity to experience a vast variety of commercial and transactional work, working with numerous management teams across different sectors. You will have the chance to generate significant impact, working with people from diverse roles and backgrounds. There is no perfect candidate, and that’s exactly what the Council is looking to replicate – a team of individuals with unique skills and experiences who can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

This is an opportune time to bring your expertise and creativity to the table, contributing to wide ranging projects that will have a lasting impact on the way the organisation operates and can deliver for the city. The diverse range of responsibilities means candidates with varied experience and expertise can excel and make a significant impact. This role is pivotal in driving Liverpool towards a sustainable and prosperous future.

Key Responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will include supporting the Commercial Director in developing and implementing the Council’s commercial strategy, collaborating with various Council teams to provide commercial advice and identify opportunities, and managing the Council’s commercial investment portfolio to ensure performance and compliance.

You will lead complex projects and transactions, ensuring clear communication and stakeholder engagement, and promote social value through all activities to benefit the Council, residents, and communities.

About You

We are looking for candidates who are currently working in a commercial setting and are ready to bring their expertise to the public sector. The ideal candidate will have:

• A proven track record in a commercial environment, with experience in developing and growing business areas.
• Strong leadership and strategic influence skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience in managing commercial investments and financial analysis.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to think creatively to identify new opportunities and solutions.

If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge and make a lasting impact, we want to hear from you. Apply now to join Liverpool City Council as a Commercial Lead and help shape the future of our city.

For any queries, please contact:

Marek Dobrowolski marek.dobrowolski@berwickpartners.co.uk

+ 44 7793 529 576

Ruth Hernandez Turner

Ruth.hernandezturner@berwickpartners.co.uk

+44 121 654 5936

Closing date: Friday 6th December @ 9am