Business Manager to Head of Corporate Services

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

Predominately remote working – but travel to West Office in York and other regional venues will be required

If you would like any further information regarding this post – please contact Kim Metcalfe on 07510 587 996

Overview of the job

The Business Manager post within the Function or Cluster provides support to the Head of Operational Function, including making recommendations to them about operational and administrative requirements.

The jobholder acts as an interface between the Head of Operational Function and Divisional Hub, cluster staff and other agencies on a wide range of issues.

This is a non-operational post although an understanding of the wide range of Probation procedures, and policies across the organisation both operationally and at HQ are required.

The jobholder will report directly to the Head of Operational Function and have line management responsibilities for the Diary Manager and Senior Administrative Officers

Summary

The purpose of the role is to provide support to the Head of Operational Function. The jobholder will ensure that performance across the Function or Cluster is monitored, that issues are highlighted and opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness are proactively pursued.

The job holder will ensure the Head of Operational Function and others as appropriate, are informed of priority matters and are given options and/or recommendations to help them to operate effectively.

The job holder will ensure that good working relationships with Head of Operational Function and are maintained by communicating priorities effectively.

The jobholder acts as a single point of contact for the Operational Function on a number of key areas including Litigation, Complaints, Information Assurance, Communication, Business Continuity, providing appropriate signposting as necessary.

The jobholder will ensure effective management of the estate portfolio within their remit, acting as Single Point of Contact / Estates Liaison Officer and has overall management of Health and Safety within Division/Function/Cluster including compliance with Health, Safety and Fire Regulations (H&S)

The post holder will ensure all risk assessments are undertaken and staff are made aware of their personal responsibility toward H&S compliance

The jobholder will also manage relationships and liaise with a range of internal and external stakeholders and support the partnership working in the Function or Cluster.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

Assist with Deputy Director/ Head of Operational Function's workload

Have oversight of the Head of Operational Function workload, ensuring that work is prioritised appropriately and that deadlines are metEnsure that all papers/correspondence submitted to the Head of Operational Function are reviewed, and actioned and that correspondence is responded to on the Head of Operational Function's behalf.Monitor the Functional or Cluster Delivery Plan and risk register, ensuring the Head of Operational Function is kept informed of progress,Effective management of health and safety within operational portfolioManage the clusters approach to Business Continuity, Information Security and Data ProtectionWork with colleagues to develop plans and strategies to deal with risks.Ensure operational and management information systems are in place to monitor and report on performance by division, locality, function and cluster identifying operational, resource or organisational issues that may impact on performanceAnalyse business information, determining relevance and benefits and compiling information reports for the Head of Operational Function and senior managersUpdate the Head of Operational Function on policies and procedures, the implications for colleagues and provision of recommendations for action.Identify national and divisional priorities and support the Head of Operational Function to respond to emergent issuesPromote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, undertaking reviews and making recommendations as necessaryAttend meetings on behalf of the Head of Operational Function when necessary, maintaining a professional image at all times.Ensure systems are in place for the management of investigations commissioned by the Head of Operational Function.Ensure mechanisms are in place to monitor the Functional or Cluster establishment and complete the National Workforce Planning Tool.

Manage relationships and stakeholders

Lead, facilitate and participate in working parties and undertake special projects as requiredWork with other Business Managers across the Division to share best practice and maximise business improvementsCollaborate with NPS and HMPPS colleagues to maintain effective controls in Service Level Agreements and other contracts.Establish effective working relationships with internal and external colleagues

Determine the effective use of resources

Work with Finance BP, HRBP, System Change Manager on budget matters, workforce planning and other operational issues, examples:

Agree budgets and unit costs for programmes of workMake proposals for expenditure on programmes of workManage budgets and provide unit costings for activitiesAdvise on financial and resourcing issues to inform objectives and forward planning.Have responsibility for banking within the operational function, including imprest

Effectively Manage and Develop staff

Manage and develop staff by providing effective supervision/coaching/appraisalDemonstrate leadership skills in dealing with staffAddress poor performanceEnsure sickness absence initiatives are applied to achieve performance objectives and enhance productivityAddress conduct issues and resolve conflict. Resolve capability/grievance/harassment/complaints in accordance with organisational policiesImplement human resource policies.

Use communication effectively

Providing information, feedback and adviceChair and participate in meetings using appropriate skills, styles and approachesIn Wales, to ensure the provisions of the Welsh Language Scheme are fully implemented in all aspects of cluster work.

Enhance your own performance

Manage own resources and professional development

Use information to take critical decisions

Liaise with staff to receive, collate and analyse information, developing systems and compiling reports as necessary using data to identify trends and take appropriate action to maintain and enhance performancePlan, implement and manage systems for the exchange of sensitive information, data and intelligence

Manage Diversity and Quality

Develop a culture and systems that promote equality and value diversity Implement the diversity policies of the service and collaborate effectively with the Equalities and Diversity Unit

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alternations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the Job Holder.

Behaviours

LeadershipWorking TogetherMaking Effective DecisionsDeveloping Self and OthersDelivering at Pace

Essential Experience

Demonstrate experience of managing workload of senior level executives, and managing the relationships with a range of stakeholdersDemonstrate experience in using a range of software packages to present, analyse & undertake reports, demonstrate experience reviewing and ensuring quality of reportsOperational experience of probation

Technical requirements

NVQ Level 4 or equivalent in a relevant subject (or appropriate practical experience)IT Skills; Microsoft: Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint (or equivalent i.e. Lotus Notes)