Business Manager

Leeds - Quarry HouseJob SummaryThe People and Capability Group (P&C) brings together around 2100 individuals including; People Partnering Services, Learning and Development and Talent Teams across DWP. Our main purpose is to support and drive the transformation across DWP, building capability and driving engagement so that our colleagues are better enabled to deliver our core purpose of delivering excellent, high-performing services that improve people’s lives.The HEO Business Manager role will support the Business Support Manager (SEO) and Director for Strategic People Partnering Services (SCS2). They will work autonomously and with intelligence to actively manage and progress the work commitments of the Director. They are integral to internal and external meetings, acting as a key point of contact for the senior leader they support.Through building effective relationships with a variety of stakeholders and through an understanding of the work of the directorate, DWP and wider contexts, the post holder plays a critical role in prioritising activity at pace.The post-holder needs to be highly organised, efficient and able to juggle competing priorities effectively, autonomously taking or effectively delegating decisions on the Director’s behalf to ensure the effective commissioning and flow of work to meet challenging deadlines. It is therefore a demanding yet rewarding role.The post holder will also be expected to produce high quality work on behalf of the Director and take the initiative to lead on ad hoc project work- to support the effective management of the directorate.The role will involve line management of business support colleagues.Like all business support roles, the role requires high levels of flexibility in order to provide a high quality service across very flexible operating hours.Job DescriptionRoles and Responsibilities:Work alongside the SEO Business Support Manager to provide an efficient and effective support service to the Director to enable them to deliver their priorities, managing and prioritising the flow of work including effective inbox and file management;Act as initial point of contact alongside the Business Support Manager for all general enquiries relating to the Director and ensure the detailed requests are communicated in a timely mannerEstablish and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels within the directorate and across the wider DWP and Civil Service community, ensuring that communications are clear and effective;Commission and initiate drafting of briefing papers and key documents to completion on behalf of the Director and their functionPlan and prioritise the Director’s work programme to deliver business outcomes, making connections between activities and using this to anticipate issues, risks and ways to mitigate them.Lead on ad-hoc projects to support the effective management and leadership of the directorateUndertake MI/Data gather and analysisCo-ordinate forums, steering groups and meetings on behalf of the Director and provide the secretariat function to ensure actions are implemented and recommendations are progressed.Take personal responsibility to influence work beyond immediate area of control to ensure alignment with the wider agenda and business priorities.Be an active member of the wider Executive Support team, harnessing opportunities to share knowledge and develop a strong community presence.The role will include line management of Business Support colleagues.The HEO Business Manager role deals with constant changing priorities and the candidate will need to be flexible in their responsibilities.Roles And ResponsibilitiesWork alongside the SEO Business Support Manager to provide an efficient and effective support service to the Director to enable them to deliver their priorities, managing and prioritising the flow of work including effective inbox and file management;Act as initial point of contact alongside the Business Support Manager for all general enquiries relating to the Director and ensure the detailed requests are communicated in a timely mannerEstablish and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels within the directorate and across the wider DWP and Civil Service community, ensuring that communications are clear and effective;Commission and initiate drafting of briefing papers and key documents to completion on behalf of the Director and their functionPlan and prioritise the Director’s work programme to deliver business outcomes, making connections between activities and using this to anticipate issues, risks and ways to mitigate them.Lead on ad-hoc projects to support the effective management and leadership of the directorateUndertake MI/Data gather and analysisCo-ordinate forums, steering groups and meetings on behalf of the Director and provide the secretariat function to ensure actions are implemented and recommendations are progressed.Take personal responsibility to influence work beyond immediate area of control to ensure alignment with the wider agenda and business priorities.Be an active member of the wider Executive Support team, harnessing opportunities to share knowledge and develop a strong community presence.The role will include line management of Business Support colleagues.The HEO Business Manager role deals with constant changing priorities and the candidate will need to be flexible in their responsibilities.Person specificationEssential CriteriaExcellent communication skills, and highly competent at building relationships at pace and engaging professionally and confidently with stakeholders at all levels, with a strong ability to influence others, often in challenging situations. (LEAD CRITERIA)Excellent planning, organisational and prioritisation skills, able to assimilate large volumes of varied information quickly and, with an understanding of the wider context, make well-informed, evidence-based decisions about appropriate action requiredA self-starter with the flexibility and resilience to adapt quickly to new demands and lead and work effectively with others to deliver a high-quality service under pressure;Be able to make connections across activities and translate strategy and priorities into effective commissions to support the Director;Excellent leadership skills to lead Business Support colleagues and be a role model across the Business Support network for flexibility, inclusivity and continuous learningBehavioursWe'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:Communicating and InfluencingWorking TogetherMaking Effective DecisionsLeadershipAlongside your salary of £38,772, Department for Work and Pensions contributes £11,232 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.DWP have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:Working patterns to support work/life balance such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.Generous annual leave – at least 23 days on entry, increasing up to 30 days over time (pro–rata for part time employees), plus 9 days public and privilege leave.Support for financial wellbeing, including interest-free season ticket loans for travel, a cycle to work scheme and an employee discount scheme.Health and wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme for specialist advice and counselling and the opportunity to join HASSRA a first-class programme of competitions, activities and benefits for its members (subscription payable monthly).Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave pay after 1 year’s continuous service.Funded learning and development to support progress in your role and career. This includes industry recognised qualifications and accreditations, coaching, mentoring and talent development programmes.An inclusive and diverse environment with opportunities to join professional and interpersonal networks including Women’s Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network (THRIVE) and many more.Selection process detailsThis vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.To apply for this post, you will need to complete the following actions:After submission of the first stage of your application you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Judgement Test. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests is 23:55 on 10/11/2025. If you fail to complete the online test before the deadline your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.Should you require further information on this particular online test, please visit: Preparing for the Civil Service Judgement Test - GOV.UKWritten SiftA CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. The CV is an on-line tool accessed through the Civil Service Jobsite and there is no requirement to upload your personal CV. Our CV element is short and allows an initial check of eligibility but is not scored so please put the main content of your evidence and skills in your Personal Statement.A personal statement (maximum 1,000 words), explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities, and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role against the remaining essential criteria in the person specification.If we receive a large number of applications, we will conduct an initial sift on the lead criteria:Excellent communication skills, and highly competent at building relationships at pace and engaging professionally and confidently with stakeholders at all levels, with a strong ability to influence others, often in challenging situations. (LEAD CRITERIA)If you pass the initial sift, you will be progressed to a full sift or directly to interview.If high application volumes are received, the benchmark for candidates to proceed to the next stage may be raised. In line with our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS), we aim to advance all candidates applying under the DCS who meet the minimum standard. However, we may only progress those candidates who best meet the required standards.Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.InterviewShortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview lasting up to 60 minutes. This will take place face to face in Leeds - Quarry House. The interview panel will be a minimum of two people and will assess Behaviours and Strengths.Sift And Interview DatesSift week commencing 10th NovemberInterviews week commencing TBCSift and interview dates to be confirmed.OfferThis role may be suitable for hybrid working, which is where an employee works part of the week in their DWP office and part of the week from home. This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and your office will be your contractual place of work. If a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for the role and for you, you will normally be required to spend a minimum of 60% of your contracted working hours from your DWP office. If you have a disability, caring responsibilities, or other circumstances that may affect your ability to meet the minimum office attendance requirement, please discuss this with us using the contact details in this advert.Selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles here. Successful candidates will be posted in merit order based on your location preferences, where appropriate, and the geographical requirements of the business. Dependent on your position on the merit list, if none of your location preferences remain at the point we make a job offer DWP may offer you a role at an alternative advertised location. If we are unable to offer you a role in any of your preferred locations, and you are unable to accept a role at an alternative advertised location, we will add you to the reserve list if one is being held.Important Information – Visa SponsorshipFor these vacancies, we strongly recommend that applicants consult with an immigration specialist or qualified advisor to assess their eligibility for Visa Sponsorship before deciding to apply. Please note that while we consider sponsorship requests in accordance with current DWP guidance and Home Office policy, sponsorship cannot be guaranteed.Further Information At the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) we value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including those that are underrepresented in our workforce.Find out more about working for DWP on the DWP Careers Hub.Reserve ListA reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made.If you are placed on a reserve list but we cannot immediately offer you a post, please note:If you are later offered the role you applied for, in a location you have expressed a preference for, and you decline the offer or are unable to take up the post within a reasonable timeframe you will be withdrawn from the campaign and removed from the reserve list, other than in exceptional circumstances (e.g. a contractual Part Time Working Pattern cannot be accommodated in the initial role offered or in cases of serious ill health). If DWP makes an offer of an alternative role or location to that which you originally applied for, and you decline that offer, you will be able to remain on the reserve list.Disability Confident SchemeIf high application volumes are received, the benchmark for candidates to proceed to the next stage may be raised. In line with our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS), we aim to advance all candidates applying under the DCS who meet the minimum standard. However, we may only progress those candidates who best meet the required standards.Reasonable AdjustmentsWe consider visible and non-visible disabilities, neurodiversity or learning differences, chronic medical conditions, or mental ill health. Examples include dyslexia, epilepsy, autism, chronic fatigue, or schizophrenia.If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should contact the Government Recruitment Service via DWPRecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.Complete the “Reasonable Adjustments” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.Integrity, plagiarism, Civil Service Principles and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles.Please ensure that all examples provided in your application are taken directly from your own experience and that you describe the examples in your own words.Examples Of Plagiarism Can IncludePresenting the work, ideas and experience of others as your ownCopying content or answers from an online or published source that is not your ownDisclosure and Barring Service and Internal Fraud Database ChecksIn order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check will be carried out.Important New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.Before applying for this vacancy, current employees of DWP should check whether a successful application would result in changes to their terms & conditions of employment, e.g. mobility, pay, allowances. If you are a current employee and are successful you must be able to be released from your current post within four weeks.Those on protected TUPE/ COSoP terms and conditions applying on promotion or voluntary permanent level move will adopt DWP’s Terms and Conditions and this may have a different impact on pay and allowances. Please review this prior to acceptance of a role.Civil Servants that would transfer into DWP from other government organisations, following successful application, will assume DWP's terms & conditions of employment current on the day they are posted, unless DWP has stated otherwise in writing. Accepting a post will be taken to mean acceptance of revised terms & conditions.Civil Servants applying on promotion will usually be appointed to the salary minimum or within 10% of existing salary.Any move to DWP from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may, however, be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at the Childcare Choices Website.Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.SecuritySuccessful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Nationality requirementsThis Job Is Broadly Open To The Following GroupsUK nationalsnationals of the Republic of Irelandnationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKnationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil ServiceFurther information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)Working for the Civil ServiceThe Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.Diversity and InclusionThe Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Contact point for applicantsJob ContactName : Tawni GuestEmail : tawni.guest@dwp.gov.ukRecruitment teamEmail : dwprecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.ukFurther informationAppointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact DWP by email: HR.BUSINESSASSURANCE@DWP.GOV.UK.If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission. Click here to visit the Civil Service Commission.