At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Greater Manchester Shared Services, delivering HR, payroll, and pensions services.
- Company: Join Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Police in a unique public sector partnership.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days of annual leave, flexible perks, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community committed to making a real difference.
- Why this job: Shape the future of essential services that impact thousands of employees daily.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in high-performing services and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Working Pattern: 36.25 hours / Full time
Working Arrangement: Hybrid
Interview Date/Type: In person week commencing 19 October 2026
Lead One of Local Government’s Most Established Shared Service Partnerships
This is a rare opportunity to join one of Greater Manchester’s most distinctive public sector partnerships. Positioned at the heart of one of the UK’s most influential devolved city regions, Trafford offers leaders the chance to work across organisational boundaries, influence strategic direction and deliver services that have real reach and impact.
Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Police are now seeking an exceptional leader to take forward Greater Manchester Shared Services, a long-standing partnership delivering HR, payroll and pensions services across two major public sector organisations. At a time of renewed stability and opportunity, this is your chance to shape the future of a service that supports thousands of employees and plays a critical role in organisational success.
About the Role
This is more than a shared services leadership role. It is an opportunity to lead Greater Manchester Shared Services, a valued partnership between Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Police. You will deliver accurate, timely and customer-focused HR, payroll and pensions services while shaping the future direction of the partnership. This is a highly visible leadership role requiring judgement, resilience and credibility. Reporting to the Joint Management Board, you will provide strategic leadership for the service, ensuring strong performance, robust governance, effective risk management and continuous improvement. You will work closely with senior stakeholders across both organisations to strengthen confidence in the partnership, support digital innovation, improve the customer experience and help shape the long-term future of the shared service model.
About You
You’ll be an experienced leader who understands what it takes to run high-performing services in a complex environment. You may have led shared services, HR, payroll, pensions or other large-scale operational functions, but more importantly you’ll know how to bring people together, build confidence and create the conditions for teams to succeed. This is a role for someone who leads through influence, trust and strong relationships. You will be confident operating with senior leaders, partners and stakeholders across complex organisations, listening carefully, navigating different priorities and securing a way forward that strengthens confidence, delivers for the partnership and improves the experience of the people who rely on the service. You’ll be passionate about delivering great services, but you’ll also recognise that great services are built by great people. Most of all, you’ll be excited by the opportunity to build on strong foundations, lead with purpose and make a visible, lasting impact across a service that supports thousands of employees every day.
If you’re looking for a leadership role where people, partnerships and purpose matter, this is a rare opportunity. You’ll lead Greater Manchester Shared Services on behalf of Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Police, building on a strong track record of collaboration and shaping the next stage of a service that truly matters.
About us...
Trafford is a vibrant, inclusive borough at the heart of Greater Manchester. Home to 235,000 residents, four thriving town centres, over 11,000 businesses, and 60+ parks and green spaces. We’re a place where community and opportunity meet. With excellent transport links, a proud heritage as the birthplace of the NHS, world-class sporting venues and outstanding schools, Trafford is a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.
Why Trafford?
We’re more than just a local authority; we’re a team of passionate people committed to making a real difference. We deliver essential services that matter, from education and social care to business support, licensing, libraries and leisure and much more. No matter what your role is with us, you will help us to create a borough where all our residents, businesses and communities thrive.
Our Culture...
Our values are at the heart of everything we do. They’re not just words on a wall, they shape how we work together, make decisions, and support each other every day. They help us create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired to do their best. If you share these values and want your work to have real purpose and impact, Trafford is the perfect place to grow your career.
What you’ll love about working with us...
- Generous Leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.
- Flexible Perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family friendly policies and hybrid working.
- Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.
- Grow with us: We’ll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programmes like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership and senior leadership. Plus, you’ll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.
- Wellbeing First: Guided wellbeing walks and 'Tea and Talk' sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.
- Connect with us: Connect with colleagues through our staff forums or join our Let’s Talk events to network, share ideas, and hear about the exciting work happening across our council.
- Be Celebrated: For all your hard work, ideas and contributions through at our annual Time to Shine event, our cheers for peers’ scheme or through our EPIC Star Awards.
Key Information...
Pre-Employment Checks: If offered a role, as a minimum we’ll need to verify your right to work in the UK, receive two satisfactory references, and medical check. Some roles may also require a DBS check and/or police vetting, which will be noted on the role profile. Please note: We are not a licensed sponsor and will not be able to support with your work visa.
Privacy Notice: We respect your privacy. For details on how we collect, process, and protect your data, please click here: Recruitment and employment privacy notice | Trafford Council privacy notice | Trafford Council Supporting Documents Role Profile.
Head of Greater Manchester Shared 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 Greater Manchester Shared 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 Greater Manchester Shared 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.
