Business Support Manager
| Posting date: | 14 July 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £46,670 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 28 July 2025 |
| Location: | Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2BX |
| Company: | Suffolk County Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 19062 |
Summary
- Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service – Endeavour House, Ipswich, IP1 2BX - Hybrid
- £46,670 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Permanent
Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Suffolk County Council. We're looking for a creative and driven Business Support Manager to help us reimagine public services for the 21st century. If you're passionate about finding new solutions to complex challenges and making a real difference in people's lives, we want to hear from you. Join us and be part of reimagining the future of Suffolk.
Your role and responsibilities
As our Business Support Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of Business Support Services for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and serve as our Strategic Information Agent (SIA). Your key responsibilities will include:
- Leading and managing the Business Support Team, including recruitment and staff development.
- Acting as the internal contact for business support-related enquiries and serving as a source of general information for the public regarding all SFRS services.
- Leading projects related to Business Support activities, liaising with other SFRS functional areas, Suffolk County Council directorates, and other fire and rescue services as appropriate.
- Managing business support function budgets, including forecasting and reporting.
- Identifying improvements to working practices and efficiencies.
- Overseeing complaints/compliments processing and records management.
- Coordinating Freedom of Information responses as the Directorate Information Manager.
- Carrying out audits and reviews as required.
Our ideal candidate has:
- An Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) 5 qualification or equivalent knowledge and experience.
- A Diploma in Management Studies (DMS) or equivalent knowledge and experience.
- Personal values that align with our corporate WEASPIRE values and the NFCC Core Code of Ethics.
- High literacy and numeracy skills.
- Strong communication abilities at all levels.
- Proven excellent management skills and team leadership experience, demonstrating the ability to lead and inspire a team.
- An understanding of confidentiality and data protection requirements, particularly relating to Freedom of Information.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
You will report directly to the Area Manager for Protection, Prevention, and Service Business Support. Our team consists of a Business Support Project Officer and five dedicated Business Support Officers. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment of support and encouragement, where learning from each other and helping one another is the norm. We are committed to continuous improvement, both as individuals and as a team.
Due to the nature of our service needs, you will be required to work from the office most of the time. However, we understand the importance of flexibility and may offer opportunities to work from home when necessary.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report (suffolk.gov.uk).
For more information
Please contact Andy Smith - Area Manager, People and Performance. You can reach them by calling 07979 477263 or emailing Andy.Smith@suffolk.gov.uk.
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
1. Describe a time when you successfully led a team through a significant change or challenge. What was your approach, how did you support your team members, and what was the outcome?
2. Give an example of how you've effectively managed a budget in a previous role. What processes did you implement to ensure financial accountability and what outcomes did you achieve?
3. Describe a situation where you identified and implemented a significant improvement to work practices or processes. What was the original challenge, what changes did you make, and what benefits were realised?
4. Please explain how you've ensured compliance with data protection regulations in a previous role, particularly when responding to Freedom of Information requests and data breaches.
5. How have you identified and supported learning and development needs within your team? Please provide specific examples of how your approach has improved individual and team performance.
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 28 July 2025
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
- £46,670 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Permanent
Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Suffolk County Council. We're looking for a creative and driven Business Support Manager to help us reimagine public services for the 21st century. If you're passionate about finding new solutions to complex challenges and making a real difference in people's lives, we want to hear from you. Join us and be part of reimagining the future of Suffolk.
Your role and responsibilities
As our Business Support Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of Business Support Services for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and serve as our Strategic Information Agent (SIA). Your key responsibilities will include:
- Leading and managing the Business Support Team, including recruitment and staff development.
- Acting as the internal contact for business support-related enquiries and serving as a source of general information for the public regarding all SFRS services.
- Leading projects related to Business Support activities, liaising with other SFRS functional areas, Suffolk County Council directorates, and other fire and rescue services as appropriate.
- Managing business support function budgets, including forecasting and reporting.
- Identifying improvements to working practices and efficiencies.
- Overseeing complaints/compliments processing and records management.
- Coordinating Freedom of Information responses as the Directorate Information Manager.
- Carrying out audits and reviews as required.
Our ideal candidate has:
- An Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) 5 qualification or equivalent knowledge and experience.
- A Diploma in Management Studies (DMS) or equivalent knowledge and experience.
- Personal values that align with our corporate WEASPIRE values and the NFCC Core Code of Ethics.
- High literacy and numeracy skills.
- Strong communication abilities at all levels.
- Proven excellent management skills and team leadership experience, demonstrating the ability to lead and inspire a team.
- An understanding of confidentiality and data protection requirements, particularly relating to Freedom of Information.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
You will report directly to the Area Manager for Protection, Prevention, and Service Business Support. Our team consists of a Business Support Project Officer and five dedicated Business Support Officers. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment of support and encouragement, where learning from each other and helping one another is the norm. We are committed to continuous improvement, both as individuals and as a team.
Due to the nature of our service needs, you will be required to work from the office most of the time. However, we understand the importance of flexibility and may offer opportunities to work from home when necessary.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report (suffolk.gov.uk).
For more information
Please contact Andy Smith - Area Manager, People and Performance. You can reach them by calling 07979 477263 or emailing Andy.Smith@suffolk.gov.uk.
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
1. Describe a time when you successfully led a team through a significant change or challenge. What was your approach, how did you support your team members, and what was the outcome?
2. Give an example of how you've effectively managed a budget in a previous role. What processes did you implement to ensure financial accountability and what outcomes did you achieve?
3. Describe a situation where you identified and implemented a significant improvement to work practices or processes. What was the original challenge, what changes did you make, and what benefits were realised?
4. Please explain how you've ensured compliance with data protection regulations in a previous role, particularly when responding to Freedom of Information requests and data breaches.
5. How have you identified and supported learning and development needs within your team? Please provide specific examples of how your approach has improved individual and team performance.
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 28 July 2025
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.