Department Business Manager

Wake County; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 89,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake County’s Planning and Development Services Department (PDS) is seeking a Business Manager to provide strategic financial leadership that drives innovation, efficiency and excellence. You will lead budgeting, forecasting and performance improvements in collaboration with the PDS Director and County Board of Commissioners.

The role manages a $15 million general fund, guiding procurement, contracting and revenue collection while delivering transparent insights to decision-makers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Accounting or related field.
• Five years of experience in finance, budgeting, policy or management analysis, including one year of supervisory experience.
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted.
• ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Responsibilities

• Champion fiscal strategy aligned with the PDS Director and County Board of Commissioners.
• Lead high-level financial planning and analysis, forecasting and process improvements that elevate service delivery.
• Manage a $15 million general fund, overseeing budget development, procurement, contracting and revenue collection.
• Provide transparent, actionable insights to decision-makers that shape the future of our community.
• Inspire and guide a talented team of financial professionals while serving as a key member of the department’s leadership team.

Skills

Five years of experience in finance,预算

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Accounting or related field

Advanced education in Business Administration, Finance or Economics and Public Administration

Job description

What You'll Be Doing

Bring your business expertise to a role that helps move our department forward!

Are you ready to lead with vision and impact? As the Business Manager for the Planning and Development Services Department (PDS), you’ll be at the heart of strategic financial leadership driving innovation, efficiency and excellence.

In this pivotal role, you will

• Champion fiscal strategy aligned with the PDS Director and County Board of Commissioners
• Lead high-level financial planning and analysis, forecasting and process improvements that elevate service delivery
• Manage a $15 million general fund, overseeing budget development, procurement, contracting and revenue collection
• Provide transparent, actionable insights to decision-makers that shape the future of our community
• Inspire and guide a talented team of financial professionals while serving as a key member of the department’s leadership team

If you’re passionate about making a measurable difference and thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment, this is your opportunity to lead with purpose and drive results that matter.

About Our Team

Wake County’s Planning and Development Services Department (PDS) is at the forefront of shaping one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation. With a dedicated team of 100 professionals and a $15 million annual budget, we ensure compliance with local and state development regulations while delivering exceptional service to residents and businesses. Our culture is built on transparency, integrity and collaboration, supported by an open-door policy that encourages high performance and teamwork. PDS operates through four dynamic divisions: Administration, Planning, Building Permitting & Inspections, Watershed Management.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Accounting or related field
• Five years of experience in finance, budgeting, policy or management analysis, including one year of supervisory experience
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Advanced education in Business Administration, Finance or Economics and Public Administration
• Five or more years successfully managing Budget and Finance toward achieving business goals for medium to large companies or government institutions

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Organizational skills and proactive approach to problem solving
• Advanced knowledge of enterprise systems and Microsoft Office suite programs
• Ability to manipulate large sets of data as well as excellent insight into the key drivers
• Excellent communications skills with all levels of management and staff
• Knowledge and experience in identifying, creating and implementing innovative solutions that have improved operations to offer a better service to customers

About This Position

Location: WCOBRaleigh, NC 27602

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm

Hiring Range: 88,538.00 - 123,949.00

Market Range: 88,538.00 - 159,359.00

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 10/9/2026

What Makes Wake Great

Consistently ranked high among the best places to live and work in America, Wake County is the proud home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and the two‑time Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, winners in 2006 and 2026. In addition to being Wake County’s seat of government, Raleigh is also the center of state government, with the Capitol Building, legislature and many state government offices located in Raleigh. With an estimated population of just over 1.2 million residents, Wake County is North Carolina’s most populous county. Entertainment, recreation, and art and culture abound with the North Carolina Museum of Art, JC Raulston Arboretum, and the Neuse River Trail all in the heart of Wake County. Wake County uses the Council/Manager form of government. Currently, the seven members of the Board of Commissioners are elected by district on a partisan basis and serve four‑year terms. Starting in fall 2026, the Wake County Board will have seven commissioners elected by voters in their districts and two at‑large commissioners elected by the whole County. The County is regarded as a fiscally responsible and well‑managed government, enjoying a AAA bond rating. The County’s FY2027 General Fund budget is approximately $2.28 billion, and the County has more than 5,000 full time employees. Wake County Government came in at #2 on the Healthiest Employers list for 2024. This year, US News & World Report ranked Raleigh #5 on its list of Best Places to Live, and the Milken Institute ranked Raleigh #1 on its 2025 list of Best‑Performing Cities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants foremployment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that mayinclude: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on jobrequirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you fromconsideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected.Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, duringand after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.