Business Manager

County of Santa Barbar; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Santa Barbara seeks a Business Manager to lead the County Executive Office's administrative services, budgeting, procurement, and HR functions in Santa Barbara, CA. The role reports to the Deputy CEO and drives strategic initiatives with county partners.

The ideal candidate has government experience, strong leadership, and a track record in budget development, grants, and resource management to advance public objectives.

Qualifications

• Equivalent of a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, human resources, business or public administration.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in department operations, including at least two years as a supervisor or manager.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and manages departmental administrative services including personnel, accounting, budgeting, office automation, and facility management; provides internal consultation on financial, fiscal, human resource, and intergovernmental relation issues to the department’s management team and the Board of Supervisors.
• Develops the department’s budget submissions for the CEO and Board of Supervisors that require significant justification, financial planning for capital assets, cost benefit analysis and fiscal projections.
• Provides subject matter expertise and uses analytical skills to develop findings and recommendations for process and policy improvements.
• Identifies and addresses routine budgetary and personnel matters, ensuring timely resolution and keeping senior management informed of issues, actions taken, and outcomes.
• Develop recommendations on budget management and internal financial strategies.
• Ensures department compliance with human resources and payroll policies, handles personnel requisitions, onboarding of employees and processing of required documentation.
• Supervises administrative support and a technical employee that assists with accounting functions; establishes criteria for acceptable work behavior and performance; evaluates work of subordinates by comparing work quality and performance standards.
• Handles procurement and grant activity, including contracts, purchase orders, grant applications and compliance.
• Exercises sound discretion and demonstrates strong political acumen in navigating relationships with business partners, ensuring decisions uphold public trust and advance organizational goals
• Leads special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Grant management

Supervision

Budget development

HR management

Project management

Strategic thinking

Multitasking

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

COUNTYWIDE PROMOTIONAL:

This position is limited to the regular employees of the County of Santa Barbara.

The County of Santa Barbara's County Executive Office is accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time position for a Business Manager in Santa Barbara, California. The countywide classification is Business & Administrative Services Manager II. This position is "At-Will" and is exempt from Civil Service provisions.

Business Manager Job Description

This position will report to the Deputy CEO and is responsible for the County Executive Office and Board of Supervisor’s procurement, budgeting and accounting activity, office administration and human resources functions, including payroll administration and recruiting and onboarding activities.

The distinguishing responsibilities of this position include: budget management and analysis, position requisition and personnel administration, overseeing office support, coordinating requests for facilities maintenance and technology support, and oversight of various projects to improve the function and flow of the office. This position collaborates and engages with key business partners within the Board of Supervisors office, Auditor-Controller’s Office, Human Resources and other County departments.

The incumbent will lead others and model behaviors that exemplify exceptional service; provide effective and ethical leadership; plan, develop, and implement programs that use human and financial resources to achieve results; is accountable for goal formation consistent with the mission and key finance objectives; engage stakeholders; communicate and collaborate effectively at multiple levels; develop employees; analyze issues and data; and efficiently use public resources.

About the Department

The County Executive Office is the administrative heart of the County, primarily responsible for overseeing the preparation, adoption, and administration of the county budget; coordinating the activities and functions of 23 County departments; and implementing policy directives from the Board of Supervisors. The County Executive Office provides the Board of Supervisors, departments and the community with expert budgetary and fiscal guidance, policy analysis and development and organizational leadership. Employees in this department have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive view of County operations and facilitate the achievement of countywide goals and objectives.

The Ideal Candidate will have the following:

• Experience managing federal and/or state grants
• Successful track record in supervision, and oversight of, support staff work, including training and reviewing
• Budget development and human resources experience in a public sector environment
• Experience using project management techniques, methods, and best practices
• Ability to use strategic thinking, solid quantitative and problem-solving skills, and sound judgment to drive strategic initiatives forward
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to solve problems and work with and through others, utilizing effective collaboration to meet goals
• Familiarity or knowledge of data management, analysis, and/or visualization to inform and improve decision making
• Excellent communication, presentation and relationship skills.
• Ability to work well with Elected Officials, other County departments, community members, and community-based organizations
• Ability to develop and implement clear policies and procedures.

These examples are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job and not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual.

1. Plans, organizes, and manages departmental administrative services including personnel, accounting, budgeting, office automation, and facility management; provides internal consultation on financial, fiscal, human resource, and intergovernmental relation issues to the department’s management team and the Board of Supervisors.
2. Develops the department’s budget submissions for the CEO and Board of Supervisors that require significant justification, financial planning for capital assets, cost benefit analysis and fiscal projections.
3. Provides subject matter expertise and uses analytical skills to develop findings and recommendations for process and policy improvements.
4. Identifies and addresses routine budgetary and personnel matters, ensuring timely resolution and keeping senior management informed of issues, actions taken, and outcomes.
5. Develop recommendations on budget management and internal financial strategies.
6. Ensures department compliance with human resources and payroll policies, handles personnel requisitions, onboarding of employees and processing of required documentation.
7. Supervises administrative support and a technical employee that assists with accounting functions; establishes criteria for acceptable work behavior and performance; evaluates work of subordinates by comparing work quality and performance standards.
8. Handles procurement and grant activity, including contracts, purchase orders, grant applications and compliance.
9. Exercises sound discretion and demonstrates strong political acumen in navigating relationships with business partners, ensuring decisions uphold public trust and advance organizational goals
10. Leads special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below may be acquired through various types of training, education, and experience. A typical way to acquire the required knowledge and abilities would be:

• Equivalent of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in accounting, finance, human resources, business or public administration, or a closely related field relevant to the assignment and;
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in department operations, human resources and/or fiscal and budget management, including at least two (2) years as a supervisor or manager.

Licenses

Possession and maintenance of a valid California driver’s license and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs as a condition of continued employment.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and techniques of business and administrative services in a public agency setting including accounting, budget, procurement, human resources, compliance monitoring, records management, or other enterprise or Countywide administrative regulatory services including the interpretation of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Principles and practices of public administration and program management, including strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Management principles, practices, and techniques.
• Principles and practices of fiscal management and budgeting.
• Principles and practices of program planning and administration.
• Personnel management principles and practices, including employee supervision, training, and evaluation.
• Principles and practices of group facilitation, conflict resolution, and consensus building.
• Principles of compliance, enforcement, and public accountability.
• Principles and practices of procurement and contract administration.
• Principles and techniques of effective oral presentations.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and standards.
• Business systems, equipment, and applications relevant to the area of assignment.

Ability to:

• Effectively administer accounting, budget, facilities, procurement, human resources, compliance monitoring, records management, or other enterprise or Countywide administrative regulatory.
• Perform complex project and process analyses, identify issues, and articulate recommendations.
• Manage assigned operations/programs; ensure ongoing compliance with strategic objectives, performance measures, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures.
• Manage and evaluate assigned staff, including training, coaching, participating in the development of goals and strategic objectives, coordinating deadlines, prioritizing work demands, and assigning/monitoring work.
• Analyze and evaluate operational programs, projects, and procedures.
• Plan, organize, coordinate, and supervise changes and improvements in public agency projects and studies.
• Manage budgets, contracts, grants, and resource allocation.
• Interpret, monitor, and report financial information and statistics.
• Oversee the implementation of, and adherence to, quality assurance activities and standards.
• Research, recommend, and implement industry trends, solutions, and best practices.
• Resolve complex problems within area of assignment.
• Prepare and oversee the preparation of reports, grant proposals, documents, and presentations.
• Make presentations to stakeholders, elected officials, County leadership, and the public.
• Create and deliver informative presentations to stakeholders, elected officials, County leadership, and the public.
• Collaborate with program stakeholders, elected and appointed boards, the public, and internal leadership.
• Interpret and apply applicable laws, codes, regulations, and standards.
• Communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of individuals, including but not limited to coworkers, subordinate staff, supervisors, other managers, professional agencies, and the general public.

SELECTION PROCESS

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards. Candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list.
• Candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list to be considered for interviews.

Conditional Job Offer:

Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of accommodation needed from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Disaster Service Worker

Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: September 23, 2026 by 4:59 PM.