Modern Cloud Operations Portfolio Lead

Salford City Council is dedicated to delivering comprehensive services to improve the quality of life for its 220,000 residents. Located in Greater Manchester, Salford is a dynamic city with a thriving cultural, economic, and residential community. The city is recognized as one of Britain’s fastest-growing areas, hosting over 8,700 businesses and Media

CityUK, which has significantly boosted the local economy. With over £3.5 billion planned for future developments and thousands of new homes in progress, Salford is at the forefront of modern growth. The Council was recently acknowledged as the 'Best Place to Work' at the LGA Workforce Awards 2024.

This isn’t about keeping the lights on. It’s about building a cloud platform that actively enables better outcomes for an entire city

Salford City Council is looking for a senior technology leader to take ownership of the Modern Operations team across a complex, ambitious and people-focused organisation.

This role is for someone who can think strategically, lead confidently, and translate modern enterprise technology into real-world outcomes for residents and colleagues.

We are reshaping how Salford operates, digitally, sustainably and responsibly. Technology is central to that ambition, but success depends on clear architectural direction, modern operational thinking and strong leadership
.

The Modern Operations Portfolio Lead exists to set that direction.

You will lead our Modern Cloud Operations (Mod Ops) portfolio
, manage a high-performing team of Enterprise Architects and Technology Specialists
and setting the architectural foundations that underpin everything we deliver.

Your remit will include:

• Defining and owning the enterprise architecture strategy and roadmap
• Ensuring platforms, cloud services and operations are resilient, secure and fit for the future
• Providing architectural leadership that enables agility, innovation and service improvement
• Acting as a senior advisor to executive leaders, shaping decisions with clarity and confidence
• Embedding architecture standards, principles and patterns that support consistency without slowing delivery
• Leading Sustainable IT and Net Zero technology roadmaps
  , including the move from “always-on” to “always-available”
• Keeping focus firmly on outcomes, value and user experience
  , not just technical solutions
• Fin Ops oversight of cloud platforms working closely with Financial collegaues.

This is a role with genuine influence across the organisation.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has significant experience in enterprise architecture, modern operations, platforms or large-scale technology environments
• Is comfortable operating at senior and executive level
• Can balance strategic vision with pragmatic delivery
• Understands that great technology starts with people, services and outcomes
• Brings credibility, curiosity and a collaborative leadership style

You don’t need a background in local government — we value transferable experience and fresh perspectives
.

• The chance to shape technology at city scale
• A leadership role with real autonomy and impact
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Competitive salary,
  local government pension
  , and generous annual leave
• Investment in your development through leadership programmes, coaching and professional learning
• An inclusive, values-led organisation committed to fairness and sustainability

Apply via our website, completing the online application and demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria and leadership behaviors in the role profile.

For an informal conversation, contact:

Matt Wall – Head of Cyber and Technology