At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery and improvement of Digital Workplace services using Microsoft 365.
- Company: Join Arts Council England, a forward-thinking organisation committed to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible hybrid working options.
- Other info: 12-month contract with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape how colleagues collaborate and communicate in a national organisation.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital platforms, service management, and team leadership required.
Contract: Fixed term contract for 12 months from start date. Arts Council also recognises the benefit of flexible working as a valued part of the way we work, and welcome applications from individuals who require flexibility.
Salary: £50,468 per annum, Grade B plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: Manchester. The role will be based in Manchester; however, we are operating a hybrid way of working and support our staff to make use of remote working options when combined with regular on-site contact days with other members of the team, normally 1-2 days a week.
Arts Council England is investing in the future of its Digital, Data and Technology services and is seeking an experienced Senior Manager, Workplace to lead the delivery and improvement of our Digital Workplace services. This is an exciting opportunity to shape how colleagues collaborate, communicate and work across a national organisation.
You will lead the Workplace function, with a focus on Microsoft 365 and workplace technology projects that support business transformation and deliver measurable outcomes. Working with stakeholders across Digital, Infrastructure, HR and Information teams, you will identify opportunities for improvement, manage product roadmaps, drive user adoption and support organisational change. You will help ensure our Digital Workplace solutions are secure, integrated, cost-effective and aligned with organisational needs.
As Senior Manager, Workplace, you will lead the planning, design, configuration, implementation and continual improvement of Arts Council England's Digital Workplace services. You will ensure Microsoft 365 platforms operate effectively day to day, with changes tested, approved and deployed successfully. Acting as the triage and change authority, you will work with Digital Product and Service Leaders, business stakeholders and Digital, Data and Technology colleagues to strengthen knowledge, capability and use of enterprise digital tools.
A significant focus will be the adoption of Microsoft 365 collaboration tools, stronger use of existing tools, migration of remaining on-site information repositories to Microsoft 365 SharePoint, and modernisation of intranet and specialist SaaS tools. You will provide technical leadership, expert guidance and third-line support for escalated incidents, while overseeing suppliers, budgets of up to £500,000, service standards and key team artefacts including metrics, backlogs, roadmaps and resource plans.
We're looking for a visible, approachable and communicative leader with deep experience of developing and operating digital platforms and products in a complex organisation. You will be able to inspire and develop DDaT-oriented teams, make difficult prioritisation decisions, influence technical and non-technical audiences, and work across the full product lifecycle. You will bring experience of service management and significant incident management, with exposure to approaches such as Agile, Waterfall, DevOps and ITIL.
You will work within Digital, Data and Technology governance groups so that product roadmaps align with Arts Council England and DDaT strategy. As part of the Digital Director’s team, wider IT senior leadership and the Digital Design Authority, you will help maintain the integrity of change and business-as-usual activity, while championing inclusive practice, continuous improvement and innovation.
Important Information: Arts Council England is currently undertaking a management of change programme as part of the implementation of a new Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) operating model. Therefore, this role can only be offered for a duration of 12 months. This role reports to the Digital Director, initially the Chief Digital and Information Officer, and has line management responsibility for the Senior Officer, Digital Workplace Applications.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Arts Council are committed to being an inclusive employer, building an inclusive workplace, and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. However, you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Arts Council. If there are any adjustments that would support you in your application, please do let us know when you apply. If you are disabled, Evenbreak are able to provide support with your application.
We participate in the ‘Offer an Interview’ scheme which means that we offer an interview to any disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role they’re applying to, subject to the volume of applications received. Disabled candidates, those living with a long-term condition and/or neurodivergent candidates may be eligible for this scheme. The scheme uses the definition of disability from the Equality Act 2010 to determine eligibility. More information is included in the application guidance.
About us: Arts Council offers a range of benefits to our employees including hybrid and flexible working, a generous annual leave allowance and the Arts Council Retirement Plan - a final salary scheme.
Our Code of Ethics requires that employees of the Arts Council are not able to receive an Arts Council grant, investment or loan funding - either in person, as a member of a partnership, or for any organisation they own. There are also limitations on board or CEO positions employees can hold in organisations we fund.
We believe our recruitment process should be inclusive and transparent. Find out what to expect with our application Guidance: How to apply and recruitment selection process | Arts Council England and more about our commitment to diversity on our website.
Job ref: FCSF201
Closing date: 09:00, Tuesday 08 September
1st Interview: TBC
2nd Interview: TBC
Please note: We do NOT accept CVs or cover letters as part of our recruitment process. If you require any documentation in an alternative format, please contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk
Senior Manager, Workplace (FCSF201) in Manchester employer: Arts Council England
Arts Council England is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values flexibility and employee well-being. With a focus on professional growth, employees benefit from generous annual leave, a final salary pension scheme, and opportunities to lead innovative digital projects in a collaborative environment. Located in Manchester, the role allows for hybrid working, ensuring a balanced approach to work and life while contributing to meaningful organisational change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, Workplace (FCSF201) in Manchester
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, Workplace (FCSF201) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Arts Council England and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Arts Council England will want to see.
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You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Arts Council England.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Arts Council England.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Arts Council England. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
