Business Support Lead

Kent County Council; Sleaford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Sleaford is seeking an experienced business support lead to provide leadership and operational oversight. You will manage a team, ensure compliance, and handle financial systems. The ideal candidate has strong organizational and communication skills, as well as knowledge of project management. This role offers flexible working arrangements and various benefits, including annual leave and pension scheme membership.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Access to discounts and benefits

Ongoing training and development

Regular supervision and support

Qualifications

• Proven experience in line management or transferable skills.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Understanding of data protection legislation is desirable.
• Knowledge of project management principles is preferred.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a team of Business Support Officers and Assistants.
• Manage compliance queries and project coordination.
• Ensure data integrity across activities.
• Oversee financial systems relating to expenditure and income.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Compliance understanding

Project management principles

Experience with MS Power Automate

Tools

Microsoft Power BI

Adobe software

Job description

This is a pivotal role providing leadership and operational oversight for a team delivering 3 key areas of work.

Subject Access Requests (SARs)

• You will manage processes that ensure timely and accurate responses to SARs in line with statutory requirements and ICO standards.
• Maintain robust tracking systems for SARs and elevate issues where necessary.
• Liaise with practitioners and managers to gather required information and resolve queries.

Centralised Administrative Support

• Manage distribution of vitamins under the NHS Healthy Start scheme across the county.
• Liaise with Public Health teams for ordering and budget alignment.
• Manage requirements such as licensing, asset registers, and service newsletters.
• Support Family Hubs by verifying volunteers and maintaining compliance records.

Process Improvement & Automation

• You will coordinate and deliver project‑based tasks that support service improvement, data analysis, and compliance initiatives. This may involve developing workflows, tracking progress, and reporting outcomes to senior leaders.
• Deliver digital transformation projects to streamline workflows.
• Support innovation and bespoke training for new initiatives.

Business Support Lead Responsibilities

• Directly supervise a team of Business Support Officers and Assistants.
• Act as a central point of contact for compliance queries and project coordination.
• Ensure accurate record‑keeping and data integrity across all activities.
• Liaise confidently with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Support the development of systems and processes that enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Oversee the administration of financial systems relating to expenditure and income, e.g. I‑procurement management for processing orders and invoices, monitoring expenditure, purchase card transactions, in accordance with financial regulations and directorate procedures.
• Continuously review team and system processes and identify opportunities for improvement, scoping options for change and implementing change in process.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in line management or demonstrable transferable skills.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A sound understanding of data protection legislation and compliance framework are desirable.
• Knowledge of project management principles is preferred but not mandatory.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel and Power BI.
• Experience using MS Power Automate, or a willingness to learn the application.
• Experience working with Adobe software.
• Strong attention to detail and confidence in handling sensitive information.
• Ability to work flexibly and travel when required.
• Experience of financial processes would be beneficial for a successful candidate.

Work that works for you and us - let's talk flexibility!

KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work. Please note - if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing after 5 years' service).
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work‑life balance.
• Access to Kent Rewards, offering discounts and benefits.
• Ongoing training and development, including technology updates.
• Regular supervision and support from your line manager.