Head of Greater Manchester Shared Services
| Company: | inploi |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Competitive |
| Hours: | Full-time |
| Location: | Trafford, M32 0TH |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Posting date: | 7 Aug 2026 |
| Closing date: | 6 Sept 2026 |
Summary
Working Pattern: 36.25 hours / Full time
Working Arrangement: Hybrid
Interview Date/Type: In person week commencing19 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 da
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.
Find out more at www.ourtraffordourfuture.co.uk or contact our retained advisors at Tile Hill for a confidential discussion:
Chantelle Wooldridge - chantelle.wooldridge@tile-hill.co.uk - 07557 018320
Clare Connor - clare.connor@tile-hill.co.uk - 0161 408 0703
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...
Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and work-life balance:
- 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
Make an Impact. Apply Today....
If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team shaping a better Trafford for our residents, businesses and communities then we'd love to receive an application from you.
We want everyone to feel confident and supported throughout our recruitment process. If you need any help, adjustments or support at any stage, please get in touch with us at recruitment@trafford.gov.uk
After reviewing the role profile and submitting your application, successful candidates will be invited to a values-based interview to learn more about your skills and experience. This is your opportunity to show how you connect with our EPIC values and can contribute to our vision.