Business Manager - Corporate Services

Ministry of Justice; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent government department in the UK is seeking a Business Manager to support operational functions at their Stevenage office. The ideal candidate will provide high-level operational advice and manage workload efficiently. Responsibilities include data analysis, staff development, and compliance with financial reporting requirements, along with offering guidance on operational matters. This position allows for hybrid working arrangements, enhancing work-life balance while ensuring critical operational needs are met.

Benefits

25 days annual leave (30 after five years)

Local Government Pension Scheme

Extensive staff development opportunities

Family-friendly policies

Paid parental leave

Qualifications

• Experience developing workforce planning tools and business case development.
• Proficient in financial reporting using BI tools.
• Ability to manage and develop staff.

Responsibilities

• Assist with workload management of operational functions.
• Develop and maintain operational information systems.
• Lead and facilitate meetings and working parties.

Skills

Workforce planning tools

Financial reporting

Data analysis

Communication skills

Budget management

Staff development

Education

NVQ Level 4 or equivalent in a relevant subject

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Splash BI

Power BI

Job description

Job Overview

The Business Manager will be based three days per week at the Head Quarters office in Stevenage Argyle House. The role supports the Head of Operational Function by providing high‑level operational advice, managing day‑to‑day workload and acting as a single point of contact for key operational issues. A statutory requirement is to have a recent, up‑to‑date Risk Information Outline (RIO) and experience developing and maintaining a business plan.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Head of Operational Function with workload management, including prioritisation, deadlines and correspondence.
• Oversee the Functional/Cluster Delivery Plan and risk register and keep the Head of Operational Function fully updated on progress.
• Provide effective health & safety leadership within the operational portfolio, ensuring risk assessments are carried out and staff are aware of their responsibilities.
• Manage the clusters’ approach to Business Continuity, Information Security and Data Protection and support the management of investigations and special projects.
• Develop and maintain operational and management information systems to monitor and report performance against national and divisional priorities.
• Analyse business data, compile reports and present recommendations to senior management.
• Lead and facilitate working parties, meetings and special projects, ensuring professional representation on behalf of the Head of Operational Function.
• Coordinate with Finance, HR, System Change and other partners to agree budgets, unit costs, expenditure proposals and workforce planning.
• Provide budget and financial reporting, including banking and imprest responsibilities.
• Manage, coach and develop staff, conduct appraisals, address performance issues and implement human resources policies.
• Use effective communication skills to provide information, feedback, chair meetings and support Welsh Language Scheme compliance in Wales.
• Enhance personal performance through professional development, resource management and critical decision‑making using data.
• Promote equality and diversity, develop an inclusive culture and collaborate with the Equalities and Diversity Unit.

Qualifications

Experience

• Experience developing workforce planning tools and business case development.
• Financial reporting using Splash BI, Power BI, or similar tools.
• Maintenance and presentation of regional risk registers and business plan summaries.
• Supervision, mentoring and staff development.
• Use of operational systems such as Ndelius, OASys, Sphera, PPUD, Nexus People Safe, and SOP.
• Operational and HR guidance to staff and senior management.

Essential Experience

• Managed workloads for senior executives and led stakeholder relationships.
• Proficient in analysing, presenting and reviewing reports from multiple software packages.
• Operational probation experience.

Technical Requirements

• NVQ Level 4 or equivalent in a relevant subject.
• IT skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

Benefits

• Annual leave: 25 days (or 30 after five years). Leave for part‑time and job‑share posts calculated on a pro‑rata basis.
• Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
• Training: Extensive opportunities for staff development.
• Employee networks: minority ethnic, disability, caring responsibilities, women, LGBTQ+.
• Family‑friendly policies: reduced hours, job share, flexible benefits such as retail vouchers.
• Paid parental leave plus free annual eye tests for computer screen users.

Eligibility

• All candidates must pass security and identity checks before commencing the post.

Hybrid Working

The role allows hybrid working where business need permits, blending working from the base location, other MoJ sites and home (within the UK only). Arrangements are discussed and agreed with the successful candidate and reviewed regularly.

Additional Information

Applicants must submit a Statement of Suitability, providing examples that demonstrate experience in the areas listed above. A formal application will also include responses to behavioural themes (Leadership, Working Together, Making Effective Decisions, Delivering at Pace, Developing Self and Others) and a technical skills assessment.