Business Support Manager

The Management Recruitment Group (MRG); Southampton; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Management Recruitment Group (MRG) is seeking an experienced Business Support Manager to lead a key transformation initiative within a major UK higher education institution during a period of significant change. This interim role focuses on embedding new operating models, strengthening governance and delivering improved business support services.

You will work closely with the Office Manager and senior stakeholders to drive digital and process improvements, build capability, and ensure

Qualifications

• Proven experience supporting business transformation, organisational change or restructuring programmes.
• Strong operational management and business support expertise within a complex organisational environment.
• Experience developing governance frameworks, business processes and performance reporting mechanisms.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build credibility and influence across a diverse range of teams.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of the Business Services Review and Restructure, ensuring a smooth transition to new organisational structures, processes and ways of working.
• Develop and embed resource planning frameworks that enable effective allocation of business support services and improve operational efficiency.
• Establish networking and collaborative working arrangements that encourage consistency, knowledge sharing and cross-functional engagement.
• Undertake a review of current skills, capabilities and development requirements across the team, identifying gaps and future needs.
• Design and implement training and development plans to support capability building and successful adoption of new processes.
• Identify, recommend and implement opportunities for process improvement, with particular emphasis on digital solutions.

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Business Support Manager to join a leading UK higher education institution during a significant period of transformation and organisational change.

This interim appointment will play a pivotal role in delivering Phase Two of a major Business Services Review and Restructure within the Estates & Facilities function. Working closely with the Office Manager and senior stakeholders, the successful candidate will help embed new ways of working, strengthen operational frameworks, and support the successful transition to a newly designed operating model.

This role would suit a proactive and highly organised professional with experience supporting business transformation programmes, implementing process improvements, and driving cultural change within complex organisations.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of the Business Services Review and Restructure, ensuring a smooth transition to new organisational structures, processes and ways of working.
• Develop and embed resource planning frameworks that enable effective allocation of business support services and improve operational efficiency.
• Establish networking and collaborative working arrangements that encourage consistency, knowledge sharing and cross-functional engagement.
• Undertake a review of current skills, capabilities and development requirements across the team, identifying gaps and future needs.
• Design and implement training and development plans to support capability building and successful adoption of new processes.
• Identify, recommend and implement opportunities for process improvement, with particular emphasis on digital solutions.
• Coordinate reporting activities ensuring accurate, timely and meaningful management information is available to key stakeholders.
• Develop and strengthen governance processes, decision-making frameworks and performance monitoring arrangements.
• Lead the provision of effective secretariat support, including meeting management, action tracking, reporting and governance administration.
• Create and deliver communication and engagement plans that support change initiatives and ensure stakeholders remain informed throughout the transformation process.
• Build positive relationships across the organisation, influencing and engaging stakeholders at all levels.
• Champion a collaborative \"One Team\" culture, promoting continuous improvement, innovation and a customer-focused approach to service delivery.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Proven experience supporting business transformation, organisational change or restructuring programmes.
• Strong operational management and business support expertise within a complex organisational environment.
• Experience developing governance frameworks, business processes and performance reporting mechanisms.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build credibility and influence across a diverse range of teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on delivering practical and sustainable improvements.
• Experience reviewing team structures, workforce planning or capability development initiatives.
• A track record of driving continuous improvement and embedding new ways of working.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications, with experience leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and collaboration.
• Excellent communication, organisational and project coordination skills.
• The ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities and deliver results within a fast-paced transformation environment.

Why Apply?

This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact within a large and complex organisation undergoing significant change. The role offers the chance to influence strategic transformation initiatives, enhance business support services, and help shape a more efficient, collaborative and future-focused operating model.