Network Planning Manager

• Job_Description_-_Network_Planning_Manager

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, CV applications will only be accepted alongside a completed personal and monitoring information online application form.

About the Role

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is investing in the future of transport—and the Network Planning Manager will be central to shaping that future.

Reporting to the Head of Network Development, this strategic role leads the development of a long-term vision for the region’s transport network, going beyond current enhancements to imagine a truly integrated, sustainable, and inclusive system. The postholder will define how different modes—rail, rapid transit, bus, active travel, and freight—interact to deliver seamless connectivity and support economic growth, environmental goals, and social inclusion.

Key responsibilities include coordinating network expansion planning, setting design principles for future mobility, and driving modal shift away from private car dependency. The role also leads strategic freight initiatives, supports national programmes such as the Liverpool–Manchester Railway, and ensures alignment with spatial planning and housing development across the region.

The Network Planning Manager will work across internal teams and external partners to deliver joined-up solutions, pilot innovative transport concepts, and represent the region in national forums. The role includes oversight of feasibility assessments, stakeholder engagement, and governance reporting, and acts as a key escalation point for strategic rail programmes.

About the person

You bring a strategic, multi-modal perspective to transport planning—grounded in technical insight and shaped by a clear understanding of regional, national, and international connectivity.

You’re confident leading initiatives that span freight, passenger transport, and infrastructure optimisation. You understand the critical role of rail freight in supporting economic growth and environmental goals, and you’re ready to champion new schemes that improve access to the Port of Liverpool and unlock wider logistics potential.

You’re energised by the future evolution of the Liverpool City Region’s transport offer—from rapid transit and bus network transformation to the potential prioritisation of further MEL extensions beyond those currently in development. You’re comfortable navigating feasibility, capacity, and utilisation studies, and you bring credibility when representing the region in national forums such as the Liverpool Taskforce and Transport for the North.

You understand the importance of cross-boundary connectivity—with Lancashire, Cheshire, and North Wales—and you’re able to build strong partnerships that support seamless movement across administrative borders. You also recognise the strategic value of international air connectivity and its role in supporting inclusive growth.

Analytically strong and politically astute, you can assess complex options, manage competing priorities, and present clear recommendations to senior stakeholders. You’re motivated by the opportunity to shape a transport network that is integrated, future-ready, and genuinely transformative.

If you think you match the job description, and our values, then click on the link to apply.

Please ensure that you provide clear examples and evidence in your personal statement of how you meet the below key essential criteria. The information you provide in your personal statement will be used for shortlisting.

• •Proven experience in leading strategic transport planning initiatives across multiple modes (e.g. rail, bus, rapid transit, freight), including the development of integrated network proposals and long-term connectivity strategies.
  
  
• •Demonstrable ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships across local, regional, and national bodies—such as Transport for the North, local authorities, and infrastructure operators—to deliver collaborative transport solutions.
  
  
• •Strong analytical and programme leadership skills, with a track record of contributing to feasibility studies, capacity/utilisation assessments, and prioritisation of major transport investments, including cross-boundary and international connectivity.

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 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 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 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.

Currently we are unable to provide sponsorship for this role , we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. Please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa