Deputy Director Core Cities

At a time when political interest in devolution and regional growth has never been higher, this is a unique opportunity to shape the policy agenda of the UK. Core Cities UK is the collective voice of the UK's major cities:
Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield. Together we work to unlock the full potential of our cities through driving economic growth, tackling inequality, improving public services and leading the transition to a more sustainable future.

Hosted by Manchester City Council, our small, highly influential team works directly with the Leaders and Chief Executives of all twelve cities and senior officers across our network. On behalf of Core Cities, we engage nationally with the UK Government, other partners in Local Government and key stakeholder groups in business, finance, academia and policy making.

We are now looking for an exceptional Deputy Director to help take the organisation through its next stage of development.

This is an unusual and exciting leadership opportunity operating at the heart of UK urban policy. Working closely with the Director, you will help shape the strategic direction of Core Cities UK, developing ambitious policy positions and leading programmes that influence national debate and deliver tangible change for our member cities.

You will work across the breadth of local government policy, helping cities build consensus around shared priorities while developing innovative policy solutions to some of the country's biggest challenges—from economic growth and housing to public service reform, health, climate and tackling deprivation.

You’ll combine strategic thinking with practical delivery: leading major policy commissions, building partnerships, managing programmes, supporting organisational leadership and representing Core Cities UK at national conferences, political meetings and public events.

This is a role for someone who enjoys operating with autonomy and self-drive, thrives in complex political environments and is motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting difference across the UK's cities.

You will bring extensive experience of policy development, strategy or organisational leadership within local government, central government or a similarly complex public policy environment.

More importantly, you'll be someone who combines intellectual curiosity with political judgement and the proactive ability to turn ideas into influence.

You will have:

• A strong track record of developing evidence-based public policy and translating complex analysis into persuasive advice.
• Experience of working with senior political and executive leaders, building trusted relationships and influencing decision-making.
• Experience of leading programmes and partnerships across organisational boundaries, bringing together diverse stakeholders around shared objectives.
• The ability to both work autonomously and lead and motivate teams, especially through influence rather than formal authority.
• A genuine passion for the role cities play in creating a stronger, fairer and more sustainable United Kingdom.

Please evidence your experience in each of the above criteria as we will be using them to shortlist.

This is one of the most influential policy roles in local government. You’ll enjoy unparalleled access to the Leaders and Chief Executives of the UK's major cities and play a direct role in shaping debates that matter nationally.

Recent Core Cities programmes have helped influence Government policy on issues ranging from investment and growth to public service reform and net zero. With an ambitious programme of work ahead, including new commissions, major policy development and strengthened engagement with Government and partners, this is an opportunity to help shape the future of urban Britain.

You’ll join a collaborative, high‑performing team where initiative is valued, ideas are encouraged and the opportunity to make an impact is genuine. If you believe Britain's cities are central to solving the country's biggest challenges—and you want to help shape that future,we'd love to hear from…