Head of Environment, Planning and Infrastructure (up to £89k)

Manchester City Council Salary: £80,880 – £89,615

Manchester is one of the UK’s leading cities, at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse and with a global footprint.  We bring balance to the UK’s economy, political narrative and wider social policy.  In challenging times our ambitions remain undimmed – a Manchester fit for future generations; economic growth, zero carbon, clean and safe transport with infrastructure and spatial developments that support sustainable communities and economy.  Developing cutting edge policies that work is central to achieving our Vision.

In Manchester we confidently look outwards.  We work with partners, share ideas, engage national leaders and always look to the future.  We are the powerhouse of growth in Greater Manchester. Our city centre is the biggest contributor to GVA in GM while the Oxford Road Corridor is bringing new innovation to the city, Airport City is a growing £1bn development aimed at optimising close connections to Manchester Airport and the Northern Gateway will deliver 15,000 houses over the next decade.  We are always determined to go further, do better and deliver more.  Our people look to us to shape the future for all of Manchester. The Our Manchester strategy describes our priorities. To maintain our leading role in the city and in local government, we need cutting edge ideas and policy that push the boundaries, whilst achieving real change.  That’s where this role comes in.

Sitting at the heart of our growth ambitions, clean air and a zero-carbon future, this role connects and oversees policy and priorities across our environment, transport, planning, infrastructure and the built environment. The Head of Environment, Planning and Infrastructure (EPI) will understand the synergies across these agendas, bringing what many see as disparate and distinct issues together to build momentum towards a better future. Early priorities will involve implementation of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework, the refresh of the Local Plan and contributing to the delivery of the post-Covid Manchester Economic Recovery and Investment Plan. This role will live and breathe the big ‘Manchester’ picture, creating coalitions of shared interest with like-minded partners, strengthening our relationship with GMCA and across Greater Manchester, to create a real-world paradigm shift in the future of the city.  The postholder will be a leading voice for the city.

This role is high profile, offering the chance to operate at scale and with the platform to make policy happen.  As our new Head of EPI, you’ll bring deep relevant policy development experience, knowledge and the insights to credibly lead these agendas.  Whilst you may be a specialist in one of the key policy areas, you’ll also bring excellent experience of working across diverse professional disciplines and a good working knowledge across the brief, including a sufficient understanding of the planning process to move all relevant agendas forward.  Importantly, you’ll have a track record of ensuring policies have an impact and deliver real change.

You’ll understand the idiosyncrasies, rhythms and strengths of local government and its leaders; will be passionate about change and will bring people with you. An excellent communicator, who can engage government and communities in equal measure, demystifying complexity whilst using thought-provoking research and ideas to shape solutions. You will have worked with or close to senior local politicians, have experience of collaborating with diverse partners, stakeholders and policy makers at a regional and national level, will be hands-on, resilient and driven.  When combined with positive relationships, excellent judgement, the capacity to influence and highly developed political antennae, you will be respected for your capacity to connect ideas, people and places around a shared path to a common future. 

Whilst you might come from local government, consultancy, relevant areas of central government or NDPBs, research or HE, you will epitomise a new future for Manchester that puts people, the economy, the environment and the built environment at the heart of all we do.  You’ll know when to be robust, when to share and when to lead. You’ll be trusted for how you use your skills to focus on the future.

As a global city, we set the bar high.  If you’re excited at the chance to join one of the most forward thinking cities in the UK, bringing new ideas and a fresh approach, with a relentless focus on a better future, go to please view the links page and to find out more or speak to our advising consultants Mark Tobin on 07717 725 844 or Stephen Cooley on 07747 698 829 to get more insights.

Manchester City Council is committed to giving fair support to members of the Armed Forces and veterans, whilst recognising and remembering the sacrifices they have made

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and we positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.