Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of shared services for a multi-site operation.
- Company: Join a significant player in operational excellence based in Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent hybrid role with opportunities for team development and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic environment that values innovation and service excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading shared services within large, complex organisations is essential.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to influence strategic decisions at an executive level.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 100000 £ per year.
Job Description
Director of Shared Services
Can you transform core business functions to deliver smarter, faster, leaner support?
Do you thrive in high-volume, multi-site environments where operational excellence is everything?
Can you operate across complex, multi-stakeholder management environments ensuring optimal results for all?
MacGregor Black is partnering with a Significant Multi-Site Operation on the search for a Director of Shared Services. This is a permanent hybrid position, located in Manchester.
As Director of Shared Services, you will lead the transformation and delivery of a high-performing, centralised support function that underpins the company’s continued operational and commercial success. You’ll oversee the strategic integration and day-to-day performance of shared functions such as finance operations, payroll, HR services, procurement, IT support and administration.
This is a leadership role for a systems-savvy, service-focused, and commercially sharp professional who thrives in high-volume, operationally complex multi-site environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute the shared services strategy, aligning functional delivery with business needs, cost-efficiency targets and service excellence
- Lead, manage and evolve centralised teams covering finance operations, payroll, HR administration, procurement, IT support and other business-critical services
- Deliver continuous improvement across all service lines, ensuring robust processes, technology utilisation and measurable performance standards
- Act as a strategic business partner to the executive leadership team, contributing to operational planning, efficiency drives and cost transformation programmes
- Own service delivery KPIs and ensure each functional area operates at a consistently high standard across all sites and regions
- Oversee compliance and control frameworks within shared services, including audit readiness, risk management and policy alignment
- Lead the implementation and optimisation of systems, automation tools and digital workflows to improve service speed, accuracy and visibility
- Manage change programmes related to process redesign, system upgrades and service model transitions
- Build a strong, service-oriented culture across the function, investing in team development, capability building and cross-functional collaboration
What We're Looking For:
- Significant experience in leading shared services or central operations functions within a large-scale, complex, multi-site organisation
- Proven track record of delivering service transformation, process optimisation and cost efficiency across multiple functions
- Strong understanding of finance operations, HR service delivery, procurement, IT support and payroll governance
- Commercially astute, data-driven and results-oriented, with excellent operational awareness
- Strategic thinker with a practical mindset, able to balance long-term planning with day-to-day delivery
- Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across all levels of the organisation
- Comfortable leading systems and technology change, with a focus on automation, service integration and digital adoption
- High level of integrity, judgement and resilience in managing complex operational challenges and sensitive matters
For more information, please contact Jon McNeish today.
Director of Shared Services employer: MacGregor Black
Contact Detail:
MacGregor Black Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Shared Services
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in shared services and operational excellence. Understanding current best practices will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in similar roles or industries. Engaging with others who have experience in multi-site operations can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led transformation initiatives in previous roles. Being able to articulate your successes in process optimisation and service delivery will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s current shared services strategy and any recent changes they’ve made. Tailoring your conversation to align with their goals will show that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Shared Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in leading shared services or central operations. Focus on your achievements in service transformation, process optimisation, and cost efficiency, particularly in multi-site environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, demonstrate your understanding of the role's responsibilities. Discuss how your strategic thinking and leadership skills can contribute to the company's operational success and service excellence.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your skills in finance operations, HR service delivery, procurement, IT support, and payroll governance. Use specific examples to illustrate your commercial acumen and data-driven decision-making.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Provide examples of your leadership experience, particularly in managing teams across complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Highlight your ability to influence and collaborate with executive leadership and cross-functional teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at MacGregor Black
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Director of Shared Services, your leadership skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex, multi-site environments. Highlight your ability to manage change and drive service transformation.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
This role requires a strategic mindset. During the interview, articulate how you align shared services strategy with business needs. Discuss your experience in operational planning and how you've contributed to efficiency drives and cost transformation programmes.
✨Highlight Your Technical Savvy
Given the focus on systems and technology change, be ready to talk about your experience with automation tools and digital workflows. Share examples of how you've implemented technology solutions to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Exceptional stakeholder management is key for this position. Prepare to discuss how you've influenced decision-making across various levels of an organisation. Provide examples of how you've built strong relationships and fostered collaboration in previous roles.
