Modern Cloud Operations Portfolio Lead

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 Modern Operations 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.

Why this role exists

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.

What you’ll lead

You will lead our Modern Cloud Operations (ModOps) 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
• FinOps oversight of cloud platforms working closely with Financial collegaues.

This is a role with genuine influence across the organisation.

Who this role is for

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.

What you’ll get

• 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

How to apply

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

For an informal conversation, contact:
Matt Wall Technology & Infrastructure Lead
matt.wall@salford.gov.uk

Want to know more about Salford?

As an authority we are dedicated to improving the lives of our residents, and as an employer we are passionate about helping individuals to thrive in their work. We are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture and are proud of our professional accreditations which champion this.

Find out about our city as a place to live, work & grow, and learn more about the amazing work we are doing. You’ll also find out about the wealth of benefits we have to offer you here!

Continuous Service commitment

New employees can keep their service related benefits when moving between a whole host of public sector organisations within Greater Manchester, which include: Councils, NHS, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, Transport for Greater Manchester, as well as many others under this scheme. Find out if this applies to you here.

Guaranteed Assessment Schemes

We have made a commitment to improve the employment opportunities for people with disabilities, care leavers, carers, and ex-military personnel by way of a Guaranteed Assessment Scheme. Our application forms ask you to indicate if you meet any of the criteria within this scheme, and so to find out more and if you qualify please click here.

Privacy Statement and Data Protection

Our core data protection obligations and commitments are set out in the council’s primary Recruitment and Employment Privacy Notice which can be found at https://www.salford.gov.uk/gdpr .