Business Manager

The Business Manager reports to the Head of Department (HoD).  You will work closely with other departmental partner roles such as People, Finance and Risk Partners, as well as Business Services Professionals supporting the departments (eg Finance BPs, People Advisory, Business Development), PSLs, CSTs and central programme teams.

To ensure fair and consistent approach to reward, performance management and career progression, there a natural overlap and indirect reporting line to central management. To ensure successful collaboration and insight into the wider strategic objectives you will also have as key stakeholders Heads of Business Services and Chiefs as well as the Managing Partner.

Your role:

The Department Business Manager helps to drive alignment between the designated department(s)/sector(s) and the Firm's strategic goals and plays a critical role in crafting and driving the execution of Departmental plan. Working closely with the Head of Department (HoD) the role is responsible for the day-to-day operations aiming to optimize productivity and profitability.

You will act as a key link between the HoD, the wider departmental Partner group and business professional colleagues to ensure relevant teams stay abreast of activities, improve communication and transparency and the sharing of best practice.  Overall, you will act as an enabler who collaborates across the business to understand how to get things done efficiently.

You will be able to act as a nominated proxy for the HoD in operational matters, allowing them to focus on the strategic and leadership aspects of the department, business development and client matters.

We would encourage you to apply if the below sounds of interest:

COO for the department:

The Head of Department will look to you for support in a wide range of matters including:

• Overseeing and preparing for senior leadership meetings
• Analysing utilisation data and highlighting areas for improvement
• Collaborate with business professional teams and act as the lead in conversations and matters relating to risk, change and innovation.
• Engage in pitch and bid opportunities, working closely with the SMEs

High degree of financial literacy

One of your key relationships will be with the Finance Business Partner – a member of the FP&A team. You will work closely with them on converting financial metrics into meaningful commentary and objectives, this will include activities related to profit analysis

You will lead on budget and business planning activity, working closely with People and Finance colleagues to ensure forecasting is accurate and resourcing requirements are aligned.

Operationally, you will look to ensure financial discipline is maintained at all times and act as a key conduit between colleagues in the Operational finance function and the department. You lead billing pushes, oversee expense claims and follow up on agreed actions related to financial activity.

In all matters relating to financial hygiene, you will focus on risk reduction. This will include:

• Establishing systems whereby financial processes are a risk for non-compliance (e.g. payment request forms).
• Fostering a culture of accountability for financial commitments and establishing appropriate KPIs (e.g. billing pledges, timesheets)
• Enhance client experience from a financial engagement perspective – working with operational finance colleagues to enhance communication, smooth billing processes and improve debtor days

Systems support and enhancement of use

Getting the best out of our existing systems, particularly InTapp and ensuring correct and compliant usage at all times.

Reviewing the client file opening process with the ultimate goal to reduce fee earner and Partner administrative input.

Develop an expertise in MLD and client specific requirements related to the Real Estate department.

People focussed

The People Advisory Business Partner will be another key relationship. Together you will support the department in fostering effective working relationships and encouraging collaboration across the partnership.

You will support the HoD in the promotion and lateral hiring documentation preparation, playing an active role in reviewing the financial aspects of the opportunity.

As well as monitoring wellbeing and resourcing issues you will be a key part of interpreting and actioning survey data to ensure the Real Estate department is a great place to work, with an engaged and productive workforce.

Future focussed

You will be required to challenge the status quo – review long established ways of working, carefully and diplomatically look to innovate and bring fresh ideas to the partnership and wider department.

As an experienced change manager you will be comfortable implementing new ideas and be the lead on internal project delivery from inception through to conclusion and review.