Head of Greater Shared Services

Working Pattern: 36.25 hours / Full time

Working Arrangement: Hybrid

Interview Date/Type: In person week commencing
19 October 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.