Business Manager - Dorset PDU - Permanent in Bournemouth

The Business Manager will operate across multiple functional areas of the business. The job holder provides support to the senior team within their functional business area to assist in the successful service delivery, including making recommendations regarding operational and administrative requirements. The jobholder will act as an interface between the senior leadership team and teams across the function and internal and external stakeholders on a range of issues. This is a non‑operational post although the job holder is required to develop an understanding of Probation Service policies and procedures at a regional and national level as well as an understanding of wider Civil Service policies and procedures as relevant. The jobholder will report directly to the Head or Deputy Head of the functional area and have line management responsibilities for the Diary Manager, Senior Administrative Officers and Case Administrators within their designated functional area.

Summary

The purpose of the role is to provide support to the senior leadership team in the business function. The jobholder will ensure that performance across the function is monitored, that issues are highlighted and opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness are proactively pursued. The job holder will communicate effectively to ensure that the senior leadership team, and others as appropriate, are informed of priority matters and are provided with advice to help them to operate effectively. The job holder acts as a single point of contact within the function for a number of areas, Information Assurance, Business Continuity, and Workforce Planning, with lead responsibility for a portfolio of key areas, such as implementation of new procedures. The role holder will provide advice, support and signposting to managers and staff across teams in the function and region. The jobholder will ensure effective management of the estate portfolio within their remit, ensuring that their business area complies with health, safety and fire regulations and escalating to their head of functional area where appropriate. The job holder is also responsible for maintaining a suite of risk assessments and ensuring staff understand their personal responsibilities for Health and Safety.

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties

• Directly line manage, and provide secondary line management, for staff to support good practice and personal development through effective supervision, coaching and facilitation of progression processes.
• Monitor and deliver procedures relating to human resources, equalities and inclusion, staff performance management, and learning and development.
• Oversee and maintain robust administrative processes to gather, monitor and synthesise business performance data to support staff development and service improvement, and support preparation for audits and inspections.
• Maintain knowledge of, and assist with the review and improvement, of a range of organisational policies and local procedures, providing advice, guidance, and support to staff.
• Adhere to financial compliance policies with financial responsibilities to include monitoring the function’s budgets, supporting financial planning activities, coordinating resource procurement, and authorisation of some expenditures.
• Complete the workforce planning tool and provide accurate information to support decision‑making by senior leaders with regards to resource and workforce management, and involvement with regional recruitment activities.
• Build effective relationships with teams across the business, external stakeholders and partner agencies as a Probation Service Representative, including planning and coordinating engagement events as required.
• Manage facilities portfolio for designated area, complete all required health and safety risk assessments, and maintain appropriate systems for reporting and escalating issues, ensuring compliance with health, safety and fire policies and regulations, and security requirements.
• Respond to changing business needs, queries and requests, completing ad‑hoc tasks as appropriate to meet deadlines and support service delivery.
• Lead the development of pilot initiatives, undertake specific tasks, and hold specific areas of responsibility as determined by the Head of Operational Function, supporting the senior leadership team with emerging business issues.

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 alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Business Manager to join the Dorset Probation Delivery Unit management team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting the operational delivery of probation services across Dorset, working closely with colleagues and stakeholders to drive effective performance and help deliver high quality services. The role has overall responsibility for administration functions across the PDU including the management of Senior Administrative Officers and will require regular travel across all Dorset office locations. If you are someone who enjoys leading people, improving the way things work, and being part of a supportive and ambitious leadership team, we would encourage you to apply.

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non‑contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and/or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

The MoJ offers a range of benefits: Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service, plus public holidays. Leave for part‑time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro‑rata basis. Pension The National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF). Please visit www.gmpf.org.uk for further information.

Training The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace.