At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the COO in driving high-performance culture and managing strategic business initiatives.
- Company: DWF, a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a positive, inclusive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on business performance and growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting executive teams and managing complex projects.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Why join us?
DWF is seeking an experienced Business Manager to join our Central Services leadership team, acting as a strategic partner to the Chief Operating Officer.
This is a high-profile role operating at the heart of a complex, fast-paced and evolving business.
Working closely with the COO and senior leadership team, you will identify and drive the interdependencies across individual projects being run in individual functions to ensure alignment of the overall programme of work.
As part of this role, you will provide the insight, challenge and governance required to support business financial performance and long-term growth.
We are open to candidates based across our UK office network, although Manchester, Bristol and London are preferred locations due to the distribution of key stakeholders.
This role offers a flexible hybrid working arrangement, balancing office collaboration with remote working.
Responsibilities
- Support the Chief Operating Officer in fostering a high-performance culture across Central Services, driving accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Represent the Central Services function in internal and external meetings and, where appropriate, deputise for the Chief Operating Officer.
- Identify, monitor and manage programme interdependencies, risks and potential barriers to delivery, proactively escalating issues and recommending mitigation strategies.
- Provide independent assurance and constructive challenge on project delivery, ensuring initiatives remain on track and deliver anticipated outcomes.
- Establish and embed governance frameworks, management reporting processes, service level agreements (SLAs), key performance indicators (KPIs) and performance measures to support operational excellence.
- Develop executive-level reporting, dashboards and management information, providing clear, data-driven insight into business performance, programme delivery and strategic priorities.
- Analyse operational and project performance data, identifying trends, risks and opportunities for improvement, while driving a culture of accountability and informed decision-making.
- Partner with senior leaders across Technology, Data, AI, Risk, Legal and Operations functions to ensure effective collaboration and execution of business priorities.
- Monitor the delivery of cost‑saving initiatives, validating that projected benefits, savings and business outcomes are realised.
- Support organisational readiness for strategic transactions and business change activities, including coordinating due diligence requirements, documentation and stakeholder engagement.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, controls and operating practices, implementing structures that enhance efficiency, governance and business performance.
- Act as a central point of coordination across the leadership team, ensuring priorities are tracked, actions are delivered and progress is communicated effectively to senior stakeholders.
What will help you succeed in this role?
- Significant experience supporting executive leadership teams, COO functions or strategically important business units.
Proven ability to operate effectively within complex, matrixed organisations, working across multiple functions and stakeholder groups.
- Experience leading or supporting strategic business change and operational improvement initiatives from planning through to delivery.
- Strong operational management capability, including experience establishing governance frameworks, performance reporting, management information and KPI monitoring processes.
- Demonstrated project and programme delivery experience, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a complex environment.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility, provide constructive challenge and drive accountability at senior leadership level.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business priorities and objectives into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including experience monitoring budgets, business performance and operational outcomes.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to assess risks, identify trends and provide data‑driven recommendations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Experience supporting due diligence, strategic transactions or large‑scale organisational change programmes.
What we offer
We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF.
We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.
We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed.
About Us
DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services.
Our approach delivers efficiency, price certainty and transparency for our clients across the world without compromising on quality or service.
Our purpose is to deliver positive outcomes with our colleagues, clients and communities, and we foster a culture that places our colleagues at the centre of all that we do.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Strategic Business Manager employer: DWF
DWF is an exceptional employer that values inclusivity and offers a dynamic work culture in the heart of Manchester. With hybrid working options, employees enjoy a flexible balance between professional and personal life, while also benefiting from robust opportunities for career growth and development within the Major Injury & Casualty team. Join us to be part of a supportive environment where your contributions are recognised and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Business Manager
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like DWF.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like DWF.
✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Business Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to DWF.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of DWF. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at DWF
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with DWF, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at DWF, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for DWF could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at DWF as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
