At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate business support across Children’s Social Care and Education services.
- Company: Join a compassionate and inclusive organisation dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive wellbeing package, flexible leave, and development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's services while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in business support leadership and a strong understanding of public sector environments.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Overview
We are seeking a Strategic Business Support Manager (SBSM) to work alongside the existing SBSM to strengthen capacity and resilience across the Children, Education and Families (CEF) Directorate.
This part‑time strategic role focuses on enabling services to operate effectively by providing strong leadership, oversight and coordination of business support activity across social care and education.
Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate business support functions across all Children’s Social Care and Education services.
- Provide strategic oversight and leadership, balancing demand, priorities and capacity across the directorate.
- Act as a strategic partner to Service Directors and Heads of Service, offering constructive challenge and practical solutions.
- Contribute to directorate‑wide planning, transformation activity and service redesign.
- Support the alignment of business support across social care and education, promoting a consistent, joined‑up approach.
- Lead the development of clear remits, processes, guidance and standardised ways of working.
- Champion best practice and continuous improvement, and the effective use of systems and technology.
- Provide senior oversight and support to business support staff, including workforce planning, service reviews, restructures and consultations.
- Support complex or high‑risk work such as business continuity planning, risk management and operational problem‑solving.
- Represent business support at senior meetings, working groups and directorate forums.
- Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, respect and excellence aligned with the CARE values.
- Manage, develop and motivate a team of business support staff, ensuring they are equipped to deliver a responsive and professional service.
- Lead the development and management of systems and processes (e. g., education and social care asset management and helpdesk) to improve customer experience.
- Oversee financial administration, customer service and project work, supporting managers to meet service objectives and improve efficiency.
- Provide strategic oversight of financial processes and governance, including budget monitoring, forecasting and reporting.
- Lead and support service‑wide improvement projects, applying project management principles to deliver outcomes on time and within budget.
Qualifications
- Significant experience in business support leadership, ideally within a large, complex organisation.
- Strong understanding of Children’s Services, Education or public sector environments.
- Proven ability to work strategically while remaining grounded in operational realities.
- Experience of leading or supporting service improvement, change and transformation.
- Excellent communication skills, confidence to influence and challenge constructively.
- A collaborative, values‑driven approach and commitment to developing others.
Benefits
- Comprehensive wellbeing package covering all aspects of wellbeing, inclusive for family.
- Up to 4 weeks additional annual leave (pro‑rata) through salary sacrifice scheme.
- Flexible use of bank holidays.
- Additional voluntary contributions to pension with tax and National Insurance savings.
- Access to development opportunities, apprenticeships and qualified coaches.
- Paid volunteering hours each year.
- Peer support groups via IDEAL network.
- Employee recognition awards.
- Our Cambs Rewards account offering in‑store and online discounts, plus Car Lease and Cycle to Work schemes.
- Equal Opportunities
We are a disability‑confident leader and fully support reasonable adjustments.
We encourage candidates to contact the hiring manager to discuss support needs.
We are committed to building a workplace that is compassionate, inclusive and diverse.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, employee network IDEAL and peer support groups foster an inclusive environment.
We collect relevant diversity data for monitoring recruitment processes and take action to improve diversity.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Business Support Manager (Part Time 18.5hrs) in Alconbury
✨Tap into Leadership Networks
Join industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn or attend local management meetups. Networking with fellow leaders can open doors to part-time roles and help you get a feel for the corporate culture at companies like Cambridge County Council.
✨Leverage Your Existing Connections
Don’t hesitate to ask your professional contacts if they know of any part-time leadership positions. Sometimes it's all about who you know, and your connections might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't publicly advertised.
✨Spotlight Your Leadership Skills
When you show up to interviews or networking events, make sure to highlight your leadership experience and successes. Tailor your discussion points to how you can bring value to Cambridge County Council in a part-time capacity, focusing on your ability to drive team performance.
✨Consider Consulting for Flexibility
If you're keen on part-time leadership roles, think about contracting or consulting. It can provide you with a broader range of experiences and allows you to build a diverse portfolio of projects, showcasing your leadership across different challenges.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Business Support Manager (Part Time 18.5hrs) in Alconbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Leadership Style:Incorporate examples from your experiences that highlight your leadership style and effectiveness. We want to see how you've managed teams or contributed to strategic initiatives, even if it was in a part-time capacity. Make sure to reflect on your decision-making process and any measurable outcomes you've achieved.
Cater to the Corporate Environment:Tailor your CV to highlight skills that are crucial for corporate leadership, like strategic thinking, problem-solving, and people management. Don’t forget to mention relevant coursework or certifications that align with the part-time role. It's all about showing how you can bring value to Cambridge County Council through your academic and professional background.
Make Your Part-Time Availability Clear:Since this is a part-time role, be upfront about your availability in your cover letter. Let us know how many hours you can dedicate each week and how your schedule fits with the needs of Cambridge County Council. This helps us understand how you can seamlessly integrate into our team while balancing your commitments.
Engage with Our Vision:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for Cambridge County Council’s mission and how your values align with our corporate culture. We want to see your passion for leadership and management in action, so don't hold back on conveying what draws you to this specific part-time opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge County Council
✨Show Off Your Strategic Thinking
In corporate leadership, they’re looking for someone who can think strategically and make tough decisions. Be ready to discuss past leadership experiences where you had to analyse complex situations and come up with solutions. Think of using the STAR method to structure your answers—it's a game changer for giving clear examples!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect plenty of behavioural questions during your interview with Cambridge County Council. They might ask how you've handled team conflicts or how you’ve inspired others. Brush up on key leadership theories or practices you've applied before, so you can demonstrate your fit for a part-time role without sacrificing experience.
✨Know Your Numbers
Even in part-time corporate roles, you might be asked to discuss key performance indicators or metrics relevant to the position. Brush up on how you’ve used data to drive decisions or track project success. It's a good way to show you understand the business side of leadership and can contribute meaningfully from day one!
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Commitment
In a part-time role, the ability to adapt to changing priorities is key. Be prepared to talk about how you manage your time and remain committed to your responsibilities. Share a few anecdotes showcasing your dedication and how you maintain high performance even with part-time hours. It's all about showing you can make a difference without being full-time!
