This is Trafford:
The Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to join Trafford’s corporate leadership team and help deliver our vision of making Trafford a place where all residents, businesses and communities thrive.

Proud of our heritage and ambitious for our future, Trafford has strong communities, a successful economy and major opportunities for growth and regeneration.

As Director of Finance, Section 151 Officer and Chief Finance Officer, you will report directly to the Chief Executive and help shape the decisions that support investment, financial sustainability and better outcomes for residents.

As a key member of the Corporate Leadership Team, you will provide strategic financial leadership, independent assurance and trusted advice across an organisation serving more than 241,000 residents and employing around 2,500 people.

Why Trafford, Why Now?

This is a finance leadership role with real strategic influence. Trafford is entering a defining phase of growth, regeneration and reform, while navigating the demand and funding pressures facing local government. As our statutory Section 151 Officer, you will help protect financial resilience, unlock investment and deliver lasting impact for our residents and communities.

You will help turn ambition into sustainable delivery, directing resources to the priorities that make the greatest difference for residents, communities and place.

We are looking for a finance leader with professional credibility, sound judgement and strong stewardship; someone who can influence with confidence, provide constructive challenge and work collaboratively across the Council, elected members and wider partnerships.

Why Trafford Matters

Trafford is one of Greater Manchester’s key economic and civic centres. It includes Trafford Park, one of Europe’s largest business parks, supporting over 35,000 jobs across more than 1,300 businesses.

Alongside significant economic success, Trafford has inequalities in outcomes and life chances that require targeted, evidence-based decisions. Trafford’s Data Lab helps us understand local needs and direct resources where they can make the greatest difference.

For our Director of Finance, this creates a unique opportunity to combine financial stewardship with place leadership, helping shape decisions that improve outcomes for residents and communities.

What Success Looks Like

Success will mean strong financial management, greater organisational confidence and improved strategic capacity.

You will:

Strengthen Trafford’s long-term financial resilience.
Align resources to priorities and improve outcomes for residents.
Maintain high standards of governance, assurance and accountability.
Support regeneration, investment and transformation through robust financial leadership.
Continue to build confidence across the organisation through clear financial advice, planning and assurance.

Growth, Investment and Enterprise

Trafford offers a unique combination of economic strength, regeneration and place-shaping opportunity.

Major investment is creating new homes, jobs and opportunities across Trafford, including in Stretford, Trafford Wharfside and Carrington. The £4.2bn Trafford Wharfside programme is expected to support 15,000 new homes and 48,000 new jobs. This sits alongside the nationally significant Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation.

As Director of Finance, you will ensure these ambitions are supported by robust financial planning, effective governance and affordability.