Introduction
Business managers support the delivery of flexible and responsive
support services, ensuring systems are in place to support the
delivery of a wide range of services, including social services,
housing services, planning, finance, etc. This can include
budget management, managing complex staff rota systems, managing
client services, maintaining records, collating data, producing
statistics, analysing data and reporting activity.
Work Environment
Usually office based, but can be co-located within teams of other
professionals, such as social workers for instance. The
working week is usually a standard 37 week for a full time
employee.
Daily Activities
The duties will vary depending on the service that the postholder
is working within. Duties can include:
- Organising and supervising administrative systems within
services.
- Contributing to the planning, development and monitoring of
services.
- Management of support staff, including co-ordination and
delegation of activities.
- Planning, development, design, organisation and monitoring of
support systems, procedures and policies to bring about continuous
service improvement.
- Line management responsibilities where appropriate.
- Consultation with services users to understand their needs and
preferences taking these into account when planning service
delivery.
- Ensuring records management.
- Developing and maintaining record and information systems.
- Providing detailed analysis and evaluation of data and
producing detailed reports and information as required.
- Determining the priorities and objectives for clerical and
administrative staff.
- Producing and responding to complex correspondence.
- Providing support to meetings including attending, facilitating
and recording the meeting.
- Managing complex administrative procedures.
- Completing and submitting complex forms and returns to outside
agencies, e.g. Welsh Government.
- Managing the administration of IT Systems.
- Selecting and managing resources, including management of a
budget and regular audit of resources.
- Managing service contracts and service level agreements.
- Managing facilities including premises.
- Planning, monitoring and evaluating budget.
Skills & Interests
- Project management skills.
- Good ICT skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Plan, schedule and organise activities to achieve
objectives.
- Establish good working relationships in and outside immediate
team.
- Analyse data and identify key issues.
- Resolve routine and complex problems and situations.
- Ability to manage large and complex budgets.
- Ability to lead and manage staff to achieve quality
services.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications such as the NVQ 3 in Business and Administration or
equivalent, HNC/HND Business, Professional Certificates e.g. CIMA
Foundation, AAT, CPP, NVQ 3 in Procurement and the ECDL
qualification can be required.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
There is a wide range of opportunities in any of the service
departments within local authorities. With suitable further
qualifications and experience in administration, leading and
managing teams, and managing complex systems, the promotion path is
good leading towards senior management jobs such as Head of
Business Services.
Further Information & Services
Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development www.cipd.co.uk
Chartered Management Institute www.managers.org.uk
Institute of Administrative Management www.instam.org
Skills CFA www.cfa.uk.com
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.