Business Support Manager - Long Marston in Chesham

Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre is on an exciting journey, and we're looking for outstanding people to be a part of our team at the 135-acre site. We're investing £75m into the future of rail at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre - a major commitment that includes the development of the UK's only continuous test loop. This investment will see the site play a pivotal role in the future of the UK's railway, as an exceptional facility to test and trial new traction technologies, securely store rolling stock and provide training in a live environment.

The UK's first hydrogen-powered passenger train was built and is being tested by Porterbrook here, and we're also the home of the country's largest outdoor rail exhibition, Rail Live. Our small, close-knit and passionate team based at the site ensures that everything runs smoothly across Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre each day, and we have some exciting opportunities to join them.

The Business Support Manager will provide high quality, proficient and comprehensive support to the management team enabling the Long Marston site to operate effectively. Responsibilities include coordinating the management team schedules and meetings, preparing documents and reports, and acting as a key point of contact for both internal and external visitors and site events. The role also involves overseeing financial processes, ensuring accurate invoicing & maintaining record-keeping systems, and coordinating the onboarding of new staff.

• Provide thorough administrative oversight to the Long Marston management team with regards to the team schedule, meeting arrangements, facilities booking & event management.
• Meeting facilitation including agendas, minutes, tracking of deadlines & reminders to achieve target dates.
• Co-ordination & timely preparation of documents, reports & presentations for the site management team.
• Provide administrative support to the General Managers including diary management & emails, drafting responses & organising important communications.
• Support & facilitate VIP & all other meetings by liaising with the site management team, ensuring requirements have been wholly understood.
• Act as first point of contact for both internal and external events on site, escalating any issues or decision points as necessary.
• Work with the management team to ensure the corporate presentational standards expected at Long Marston are being upheld.
• Manage site financial processes, with support from the Finance Department, ensuring all customers are accurately invoiced for services according to the terms of their contract and the effective rate card.
• Manage payments for all services onto site, maintaining an expenditure tracker to monitor spend vs budget.
• Raise and receipt requisitions in line with the Porterbrook processes, ensuring these are created in good time and are approved in line with the delegated authorities.
• Co-ordinate the inputs for payroll relating to all Long Marston based staff.
• Co-ordinate onboarding of new starters, including induction, site/building access, workspace set up & workwear.
• Manage PPE, stationery and all other consumables for the site, maintaining a good supply of all items at all times.

• Educated to A-Level or equivalent.
• Extensive experience in a Business Support Manager or similar role.
• Experienced in handling financial and other confidential information.
• Practised in communicating effectively at all levels with both internal and external stakeholders.

• Strong coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple activities individually and across a team.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal & communication skills.
• Ability to operate within a team and under their own initiative.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent people management skills.
• Highly proficient in using MS applications - including Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

People are the heart of Porterbrook. Our close knit team is diverse, supportive and flexible. We have a collaborative work ethic both within the company and with our customers and suppliers. In recognition of this we have been awarded Investors in People Gold accreditation, Investors in People 'We Invest in Wellbeing' Gold accreditation, National Rail Awards 2023 Fleet Achievement of the Year, and National Rail Awards 2023 Safety Achievement of the Year. These accolades reflect the company's dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees are empowered to thrive.

We are seeking the very best talent to join the team, and offer an excellent salary, along with bonus and benefits. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great organisation with outstanding people and a road map for the future to grow and develop the business. Some of our benefits are listed below:

• 1.5x employer contributory pension scheme.
• Financial wellbeing support.
• Flexible working.
• Enhanced family friendly policies.
• Adoption & Shared Parental Leave benefits.
• Enhanced Armed Forces policies.
• Ongoing support with professional and personal development.
• Long service awards.
• Porterbrook Star awards.
• Healthcare cash plan.
• 25 days' annual leave + Bank Holidays + option to buy and sell up to 5 days' additional leave.
• Additional days annual leave for long service.
• Season ticket loan.

Should you be suitable for the role, the full benefits package will be discussed in more detail during your screening call.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us on our journey.

We're committed to helping you perform at your best throughout the recruitment process. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please get in touch with us. We'll be happy to discuss how we can assist.

Please follow the link at the top of this page to send your CV and a covering email with full details of why you would be a great addition to the Porterbrook team, along with details of your current salary and notice period. This vacancy may close at any time once sufficient applications have been received. Early submission of your application is therefore encouraged.

Once your application has been reviewed, our recruitment team will be in contact. Our interview process is typically two stages to ensure a thorough evaluation while providing a chance for you to showcase your skills and fit for our team. This approach allows us to engage in meaningful discussions, assess your qualifications more comprehensively, and ensure a mutual alignment with our company values. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, we look forward to meeting you!