At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic performance and planning to enhance service delivery and community outcomes.
- Company: Join West Sussex County Council, committed to equity, inclusion, and community service.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, local government pension, and extensive discounts.
- Other info: Supportive environment with training opportunities and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community governance and operational performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in business planning, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in Power BI.
The predicted salary is between 49817 - 53051 £ per year.
Join us and serve as the driving force behind strategic performance and planning to enhance service delivery, fortify governance and improve outcomes for our communities.
The Opportunity
- Salary: £49,817 to £53,051 per annum
- Working Pattern: Full time 37 hour per week
- Location: County Hall, Chichester with hybrid and flexible working opportunities
- Interview date: Wednesday 30th September 2026 at County Hall, Chichester
As a Principal Business Planning and Performance Lead, you will work closely with senior leaders to shape business planning, develop meaningful KPIs, and deliver high-quality insights that enhance operational performance. You will also oversee performance frameworks, lead reporting for major programmes, ensure robust data governance, and provide evidence-based advice to support resource allocation, risk management, and strategic decision-making. You will also lead on the annual Business Plan for the directorate, as part of a wider council programme which shapes how we operate both now and in the future. You will also be an excellent manager and help develop two team members.
What are we looking for?
To be successful in this role you need to have:
- Experience of business planning and performance management within a multi-service organisation.
- Proficient in Power BI and have understanding of performance frameworks, KPIs, and reporting.
- Strong analytical skills, capable of interpreting complex data and providing insights to senior leaders and elected Members.
- Proven ability to manage large data volumes to deliver high-quality management information.
- Good knowledge and understanding of data governance, assurance, and audit requirements.
- Experienced in leading and developing staff, including workload management.
- Excellent numeracy, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Experienced in influencing senior stakeholders in politically or operationally sensitive contexts.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, adept at negotiating, influencing, and challenging constructively.
- Capable of adapting priorities, identifying innovative solutions, and diagnosing issues independently.
Working for us
As well as adding real value to our service users and our communities, as an employer we recognise our employees are central in being able to achieve this. To recognise this we want to help support your development and provide a great place to work ensuring you can fulfil your full potential, have access to a range of benefits including:
- An excellent local government pension scheme
- Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days (plus opportunity to buy additional leave)
- Range of flexible working options, depending on your job role
- Maternity, paternity, dependency and adoption leave
- Volunteering opportunities
- Training and development opportunities, including coaching and mentoring
- A range of discounts giving our staff access to hundreds of offers; groceries, travel, cinema tickets, days out, leisure activities, high street retailers and the opportunity to save over £1,000 a year through our West Sussex Choices benefits platform
- Health and wellbeing benefits including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and Voluntary Health Cash Plans
For a full list this can be found at our Rewards and Benefits page.
Further information
The reference number for this role is EIE01597. For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact Jane Glue at Jane.glue@westsussex.gov.uk. For issues or queries regarding your application please contact hrrecruitment@westsussex.gov.uk.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to 3 years referencing and a health check. Equity, inclusion, accessibility and diversity is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all cultures, ethnicities, identities, backgrounds and lived experiences, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce, that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our application help page.
Principal Business Planning and Performance Lead in Chichester employer: West Sussex County Council
West Sussex County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises community impact and employee wellbeing. With opportunities for professional development and a focus on strengths-based approaches, you will be empowered to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model in the beautiful surroundings of West Sussex.
Contact Details:
West Sussex County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Business Planning and Performance Lead in Chichester
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Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Principal Business Planning and Performance Lead at West Sussex County Council!
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Business Planning and Performance Lead in Chichester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at West Sussex County Council. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
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How to prepare for a job interview at West Sussex County Council
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
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Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
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As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at West Sussex County Council. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
