At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate Trafford's commercial services, focusing on catering and cleaning for schools.
- Company: Join one of Greater Manchester's most ambitious councils with a commitment to public service.
- Benefits: Make a real impact while enjoying a supportive work environment and career growth.
- Other info: Unique opportunity to influence sustainable, high-quality services in a thriving education ecosystem.
- Why this job: Shape the future of essential services that support children and communities across Trafford.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in commercial strategy and a passion for public service values.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Shape the Future of Commercial Services in One of Greater Manchester's Most Ambitious Councils. Trafford is a borough with bold ambitions. Home to thriving communities, successful businesses, outstanding schools and a strong sense of place, Trafford combines opportunity, innovation and ambition with a deep commitment to public service.
We're now looking for an exceptional commercial leader to help shape the future of Trafford's traded services offer. This is a rare opportunity to build on strong foundations, lead meaningful change and help ensure services remain sustainable, customer-focused and responsive to the evolving needs of schools, education settings and communities across the borough.
About the RoleLeading a portfolio centred on catering and cleaning services for schools and education settings, you will develop and deliver a clear commercial strategy that strengthens existing services, identifies opportunities for growth and supports long-term sustainability.
You’ll work closely with schools, academy trusts, senior leaders, elected members and partners to shape future delivery models, improve performance and ensure services remain responsive to customer needs. This is a role where commercial thinking and public service values go hand in hand.
Trafford's education sector is one of its greatest strengths, with long-established relationships across schools and education settings. This role provides a unique opportunity to influence services that are integral to that ecosystem, helping to create sustainable, high-quality services that support children, young people and communities for years to come.
You will bring evidence, insight and clarity to decision-making, developing robust financial and performance frameworks, understanding market opportunities and helping Trafford make informed choices about where to grow, innovate and invest for the future.
About YouTrafford has strong foundations, loyal customers and committed teams. What it needs now is a leader who can bring commercial insight, strategic direction and the confidence to turn ambition into delivery.
You’ll be a commercially credible leader who thrives on bringing clarity to complex challenges. This is a role for someone who can look beyond day-to-day service delivery and help shape the future direction of a portfolio that sits at the heart of Trafford's education offer. We need someone with a strong track record of balancing commercial opportunity with public service values.
You’ll be comfortable assessing markets, understanding where services can grow, identifying where change is needed and helping organisations make informed decisions about long-term sustainability.
You’ll recognise that these services are about much more than income generation. Catering and cleaning services play an important role within Trafford's education ecosystem and are valued by schools across the borough. You’ll understand the importance of protecting those relationships whilst also providing the challenge, insight and commercial thinking needed to ensure services remain competitive, sustainable and fit for the future.
This is a rare opportunity to join a service at a defining point in its journey. If you enjoy combining commercial thinking, stakeholder engagement and purposeful leadership, you’ll find a role that offers both challenge and genuine impact.
Head of Commercial Services employer: Trafford Council
Trafford Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation in the field of social care systems. Employees benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements, opportunities for professional development, and a commitment to safeguarding the community, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Services
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Trafford Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Trafford Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Trafford Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trafford Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Trafford Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Trafford Council.
