Job introduction

Job title: Business Development Manager

A bit about us:

Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities, people who take real ownership of their local area and are passionate about making our city a better place. We've got ambitious targets to meet by 2025 and we need people who are driven, dynamic and ready to deliver the very best for our communities. Public service is more important than ever, and this role represents a real opportunity to make a difference to our communities by transforming the way we work and placing our residents at the heart of everything we do.

Working at Liverpool City Council provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.

Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership (LCRDP) is the official Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) for the region, jointly owned by Liverpool City Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. We promote all six local authority areas as a leading global destination for visitors, conferences and investment.

We work with partners across business, culture, education and communities to communicate the Liverpool City Region brand to local, national and international audiences—showcasing LCR as a world-class place to live, work, visit, invest and study.

With ambitious 2030 targets and a refreshed vision, we are entering an exciting period of transformation. This is a brilliant time to join us and help shape the region’s future growth.

We are proud of our world-famous thriving city with its rich culture, affordable housing, stunning waterfront and our beautiful green spaces – there’s really something for everyone!

The role:

We are looking for a dynamic, commercially minded Business Development Manager to maximise the Liverpool City Region’s tourism and investment potential.

This role will:

• Develop and manage strategic partnerships that support the delivery of the Destination Management Plan.
• Identify, build and convert commercial opportunities across the visitor economy—including sponsorship, membership, events participation, and partnership programmes.
• Lead on income generation, forecasting and the development of commercial packages tailored to a diverse range of sectors.
• Cultivate strong, long-term relationships across local, national and international organisations.
• Manage LCRDP’s partnership model, supporting members and ensuring high-quality account management.
• Oversee the work of the Commercial Assistant and deputise for the Head of Commercial & Business when required.

You’ll play a pivotal role in raising the profile of the Liverpool City Region and driving economic growth through innovative, commercially focused activity.

We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• A strong track record in commercial income generation, sponsorship development or business development (ideally within tourism, events or investment sectors).
• Experience managing senior relationships across public and private sectors.
• Excellent negotiation, networking and presentation skills.
• The ability to identify new business opportunities and convert them into impactful partnerships.
• Strong financial forecasting and commercial planning capabilities.
• Experience managing a small team and delivering against targets.
• Knowledge of the visitor economy and the Liverpool City Region’s key sectors.

Our offer to you:

• At least 31 days holiday, plus bank holidays rising to 35 after 5 years’ service (pro rata if part time) - option to purchase further days
• Agile working (role dependent) - a “Flexibility First” approach to agile working, where flexibility is the norm rather than the exception
• Part of the Local Government Pension Scheme – option to join the AVC Scheme
• Progression - opportunities and training through a wide range of high quality learning
• Health and Wellbeing - offer including Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work and Travel Pass Schemes 
• Drive Time – a salary sacrifice car lease scheme
• Family friendly policies with enhanced leave  
• Discounted Gym Memberships 
• Employee Volunteering Scheme 
• Medicash 

Next steps:
Closing date: midnight on Sunday 12th April 2026
Shortlisting date: W/C Monday 20th April 2026
Interview date: Monday 11th and Tuesday 12th May 2026
Interview type: face to face

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early. Once the role has closed, you will not be able to submit an application, and we are unable to reopen the vacancy for you to complete it. We strongly recommend submitting your application well in advance of the closing date to avoid disappointment.

If you would like any further information or an informal discussion, please contact Natalie Wyatt nwyatt@liverpoolcityregiondp.com.

Watch our recruitment video and see what life is like working at Liverpool City Council.

Liverpool City Council is committed to fostering a workforce representative of the communities we serve. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we believe in appointing candidates based on their skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities. To support this commitment, we guarantee an interview to candidates from under-represented groups who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. 

If you require any reasonable adjustments in line with the Equality Act 2010, such as an application form in a different format or additional time to complete your application, please contact us at recruitment@liverpool.gov.uk.

Although we advertise on Jobs Go Public, and other websites, your application process will be directed to our Tribepad system. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered on Tribepad, including your invite to interview if you are shortlisted. Please check your emails regularly, including Spam/Junk, after the closing dates for notifications.  Please ensure you complete your full profile, work and education history in Tribepad.

Eligibility to work in the UK will be verified in the final stages of the selection process. All candidates must either already have a right to work in the UK before commencing employment or meet the Home Office criteria for Visa sponsorship. Candidates who require sponsorship should evaluate the Home Office eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa before applying.

This is not legal advice, and we advise you to seek your own independent legal advice tailored to your own personal circumstances.