Preston City Council is a vibrant Council committed to maximizing resources and developing employees. 

The Council is a family friendly employer, operating an excellent flexi-time scheme to support a healthy work/life balance.

The Legal Section is looking to recruit an experienced and ambitious Litigation Lawyer to play a pivotal role in a collaborative team.     

You will need a recognised legal qualification (e.g. a fully Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or ILEX qualified Legal Executive) or equivalent suitable experience and be highly competent at dealing with a wide and varied range of litigation matters.   You will deal with a mixed caseload and must be proactive and solution focussed driven to achieve successful outcomes for the Council.

You will work on a diverse and stimulating caseload providing specialist advice and assistance. The work covers areas such as enforcement of regulatory matters and criminal and civil litigation.  You will conduct advocacy in Court and manage Counsel as required.  In addition you will provide expert support across a range of contentious matters providing clear, pragmatic legal advice which will help the Council deliver its priorities lawfully, proportionately and effectively.

Candidates with private sector experience must have a solid understanding of how local authorities operate and demonstrate their ability to transfer knowledge and skills to successfully deliver a service within a local government context.

You will be a strong team player and have excellent communication, drafting skills and the ability to provide legal advice to a variety of audiences including senior officers

If you feel that you have the necessary qualities and commitment then I would encourage you to apply for this position within our team.

As an employer we like to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment by giving them the opportunity to access a range of employee benefits including flexi time, hybrid working, a minimum of 30 days’ annual leave (plus Bank Holidays), family friendly policies, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, Local Government Pension Scheme, AVC’s, life assurance scheme, payment of professional fees, discounted parking, bus and rail fares, a cycle to work scheme and access to a healthcare insurance scheme.

If you would like to find out more about this post please contact Susie Hedges on 01772 906515

International Sponsorship – this role is not open to international sponsorship.

Closing Date: 29 Nov 2026

Section: Jobs

Salary: £46,579 to £49,817 per annum

Neighbourhood Services are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and customer focused Café Supervisor to join our team at the Pavilion Café, located within Preston’s Avenham Park.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the day-to-day operation of a busy and popular café in one of Preston’s most iconic locations. Working alongside the Café Manager, you will help deliver an excellent customer experience whilst supporting the continued development, promotion and success of the Café.

As Café Supervisor, you will be responsible for supervising the daily operation of the café, supporting and motivating a small team of staff, assisting with staff rotas, and ensuring high standards of food hygiene, customer service and health and safety are maintained at all times. You will also help develop and implement café procedures, monitor compliance with operational processes, and contribute to initiatives that promote the café and maximise income.

The role is varied and hands-on. Duties will include food and beverage preparation, serving customers, operating the till, cash handling and daily cashing up, stock monitoring and purchasing, setting up and closing the café, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout the premises. You will be confident communicating with customers, able to work calmly under pressure and committed to providing a welcoming and positive experience for all visitors.

We are looking for someone who has experience working in a café, hospitality or other customer-facing environment, together with previous supervisory experience. You will be self-motivated, energetic and adaptable, with excellent customer service and communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

This role requires flexibility, including working a shift pattern that covers weekends and occasional additional hours to support business needs, holiday cover and sickness absence. 

If you are passionate about customer service, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and would like to help shape the future success of the Pavilion Café, we would love to hear from you.

As an employer we like to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment by giving them the opportunity to access a range of employee benefits including flexi time, hybrid working, a minimum of 25 days’ annual leave (plus Bank Holidays) pro rata, family friendly policies, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, Local Government Pension Scheme, AVC’s, life assurance scheme, payment of professional fees, discounted parking, bus and rail fares, a cycle to work scheme and access to a healthcare insurance scheme.

International Sponsorship – this role is not open to international sponsorship.

Closing Date: 15 Nov 2026

Section: Jobs

Salary: £26,847 to £27,709 per annum

**As the Council is a Foundation Living Wage Employer, you will be paid at Foundation Living Wage as a minimum, currently £25,948.89 per annum pro rata ( £13.45 per hour)*

Neighbourhood Services are seeking an enthusiastic and committed person to carry out Café assistant duties within the Avenham Park Pavilion Café.

This is an exciting opportunity for a person to join our small team working at the Café in the Pavilion on Preston’s Grade 2* listed Avenham Park. The location is fabulous, and we strive to provide a Café service to match. 

We are looking for someone who is able to provide a welcoming atmosphere to Café customers and offer them the highest standards of customer service and care. You will need to serve customers efficiently with food and drink orders and take payments, preparing basic hot and cold foods and assist in preparation of Café and counters before, during and at the end of service.

You will be required to work a shift pattern that will include working weekends.

Ultimately, your aim will be to make the Café a successful and pleasant place for customers to visit.

As an employer we like to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment by giving them the opportunity to access a range of employee benefits including a minimum of 25 days’ annual leave (plus Bank Holidays) pro rata, family friendly policies, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, Local Government Pension Scheme, AVC’s, life assurance scheme and a cycle to work scheme.

International Sponsorship - this role is not open to International Sponsorship. 

Closing Date: 22 Nov 2026

Section: Jobs

Salary: £25,614 to £26,016 per annum

Grade 6 - £29,542 - £31,015 pro rata

We are looking for a highly organised and motivated individual for the role of Administration Assistant at the Harris. 

Free to enter and open to everyone, The Harris is a culturally significant civic building - a place for people to meet, explore ideas and engage with culture in the centre of Preston. After a £19 million restoration bringing together a museum, art gallery and library with blended displays, The Harris hosts major changing exhibitions, cultural events and workshops with nationally significant collections. Since reopening in September 2025, the Harris has received over 320,000 visitors from Preston, Lancashire and across the UK and features in Time Out Magazine Top 20 Best Museums in the UK. 

What’s the role about?

You will provide a high standard of administrative support to the Harris and the Cultural Service’s Senior Leadership Team, assisting with general business services, records management, retail stock management, group/event bookings and finance management.

What are we looking for?

You will need to be/have:

• Good interpersonal skills and team working skills
• Good IT skills, highly skilled in the use of Microsoft Office applications 
• Effective communication skills
• Well organised and attentive to detail
• Able to multi-task, prioritise own workload and maintain confidentiality 
• Ability to produce accurate reports in a variety of formats
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
• Literacy and numeracy skills

Interviews are scheduled to take place on Wednesday 25th November 2026. 

As an employer we like to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment by giving them the opportunity to access a range of employee benefits including flexi time, hybrid working following probation, a minimum of 28 days’ annual leave (plus Bank Holidays) Pro Rata, family friendly policies, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, Local Government Pension Scheme, AVC’s, life assurance scheme, payment of professional fees, discounted parking, bus and rail fares and a cycle to work scheme.

International Sponsorship – this role is not open to international sponsorship.

Closing Date: 15 Nov 2026

Section: Jobs

Salary: £29,542 to £31,015 per annum pro rata

You will provide strategic and operational leadership across a diverse range of professional property services, ensuring that our operational estate remains safe, compliant, sustainable and fit for purpose both now and in the future.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary team delivering high-quality services across:

• Architectural Design
• Quantity Surveying
• Building Maintenance
• Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation
• Facilities Management

As a key member of the senior management team, you will play a critical role in supporting the Council's corporate priorities through the effective management, maintenance and development of its operational property assets.

About the Role

You will lead the delivery of a comprehensive operational property service, ensuring the Council's property assets support service delivery, community outcomes and organisational resilience.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic leadership and direction across all operational property functions.
• Managing and developing multidisciplinary professional teams.
• Ensuring the Council's operational estate remains safe, compliant and well maintained.
• Leading the delivery of planned and reactive maintenance programmes.
• Driving improvements in building performance, sustainability and energy efficiency.
• Overseeing the delivery of Operational Property services for capital projects.
• Leading the Council's Operational Property service to ensure efficient and customer-focused service delivery.
• Ensuring compliance with all statutory, regulatory and health and safety requirements.
• Supporting the development and delivery of the Council's asset management and property strategies.
• Managing significant budgets, contracts and external supplier relationships.
• Working collaboratively with elected members, senior officers, partners and stakeholders.

About You

We are looking for an inspiring leader with a strong track record in property management and the delivery of operational property services.

You will bring:

• A recognised professional qualification in a relevant discipline or the ability to demonstrate relevant qualifications and experience
• Membership of a relevant professional body (such as RICS, or equivalent) or the ability to demonstrate equivalent professional standing.
• Significant senior management experience within property, construction, estates or asset management environments.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary technical and professional teams.
• Strong knowledge of property compliance, building maintenance and health and safety legislation.
• Experience of delivering capital projects and planned maintenance programmes.
• A strong understanding of energy efficiency, sustainability and decarbonisation within the built environment.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A commitment to delivering high-quality public services and continuous improvement.

Why Join Us?

At Preston City Council, we are committed to creating a thriving city and delivering excellent services for our residents, businesses and communities.

In return, we offer:

• A rewarding and influential leadership role.
• Opportunities to shape the future of the Council's property portfolio.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Ongoing professional development and support.
• A collaborative and forward-thinking working environment.

As an employer, we value the contribution of our employees and offer an excellent range of benefits including flexi-time, hybrid working following probation, a minimum of 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, family-friendly policies, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, Local Government Pension Scheme, AVCs, life assurance scheme, payment of professional fees, discounted parking, discounted bus and rail fares, and a Cycle to Work Scheme.

International Sponsorship – this role is not open to international sponsorship.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Sarah Robinson on 01772 906211 or email s.robinson@preston.gov.uk.

Closing Date: 29 Nov 2026

Section: Jobs

Salary: £57,675 per annum

Salary: Grade 9 

£37,563 – £39,481 per annum (plus £7,000 market supplement per annum)

Preston is a vibrant city with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a thriving cultural scene, with opportunities for a domestic surveyor to inspect building work in an urban or rural setting and within the North Preston urban extension.  

We have an opportunity for a Domestic Level Building Inspector to manage a varied portfolio of domestic projects, providing expert advice and guidance to ensure that any work is carried out complies with the Building Regulations and associated legislation. 

You will need to provide a customer focussed service for plan checking and site inspections and also provide support to the public protection function of the service, as and where required. You will be required to identify on-site contraventions of the regulations, ensuring such contraventions are swiftly addressed. You will also be expected to supply the enforcement team with technical knowledge and support in their pursuit of taking enforcement action.  

To be successful you will be required to hold Registered Building Inspector status at Class 2 level (Category A for Domestic level). Class 2 Inspectors will have a professional Building Control Qualification (Level 4 or equivalent), Building Control experience with working knowledge of building regulations and legislation, excellent communication and negotiation skills, strong organisation and prioritising skills and a strong focus for service excellence. 

We offer hybrid working for these positions and although these posts are being advertised as full-time roles, we are a flexible employer and will consider applications from candidates who would prefer to work part-time or more flexibly.

As an employer we like to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment by giving them the opportunity to access a range of employee benefits including flexi time, hybrid working following probation, a minimum of 30 days’ annual leave (plus Bank Holidays) Pro Rata, family friendly policies, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, Local Government Pension Scheme, AVC’s, life assurance scheme, payment of professional fees, discounted parking, bus and rail fares and a cycle to work scheme.  

International Sponsorship – this role is not open to international sponsorship.

If we receive sufficient applications, we reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the closing date.

For an informal chat about the role please contact Michael Mallett, Principal Building Inspector on 01772 906913 or m.mallett@preston.gov.uk. To obtain further details and apply online please visit our website www.preston.gov.uk.

Closing Date: 04 Nov 2026

Section: Jobs

Salary: £37,563 to £39,481 per annum

You will need a recognised legal qualification (e.g. a fully Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or ILEX qualified Legal Executive or someone who can demonstrate a level of experience and skill fitting them for the post) and be highly competent at dealing with a wide and varied range of planning matters.  You will deal with a mixed caseload and must be proactive, and solution focussed driven to achieve successful outcomes for the Council.

       Your duties will involve:

• Working closely with the Assistant Director and other colleagues in Planning and Planning Enforcement to provide advice, assistance and advocacy where appropriate
• Preparation and drafting of section 106 Agreements
• Attending Planning Committee as the Council’s Legal Advisor
• Considering the Council’s position and advising on Planning Appeals
• Research on planning issues and providing clear and understandable advice on ad hoc planning and regulatory matters
• Assisting with policy and procedures and training in relation to planning matters

 Candidates with private sector experience must have a solid understanding of how local authorities operate and demonstrate their ability to transfer knowledge and skills to successfully deliver a service within a local government context.

You will be a strong team player, able to play an effective influencing role in project teams, with enthusiasm for delivering projects. The successful candidate will have excellent communication, drafting skills and the ability to provide legal advice to a variety of audiences including senior officers

As an employer we like to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment by giving them the opportunity to access a range of employee benefits including flexi time, hybrid working, a minimum of 30 days’ annual leave (plus Bank Holidays), family friendly policies, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, Local Government Pension Scheme, AVC’s, life assurance scheme, payment of professional fees, discounted parking, bus and rail fares, a cycle to work scheme and access to a healthcare insurance scheme.

International Sponsorship – this role is not open to international sponsorship.

Closing Date: 15 Nov 2026

Section: Jobs

Salary: £46,579 to £49,817 per annum