Finance and Commercial Lead
| Posting date: | 05 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £46,062 to £53,695 per year |
| Additional salary information: | National pay locations: Dover, Folkestone, Ramsgate £46,062 - £49,287 London pay locations: Croydon, Westminster £50,182 - £53,695 |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 18 February 2026 |
| Location: | Folkestone |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 445684/3 |
Summary
The Asylum Group brings together Asylum & Human Rights, Asylum Policy, Asylum Accommodation, Asylum Support, and Hotel Exits Delivery Unit. The Asylum Group has been formed to put focus on the one of the Government’s and Department’s top priorities, which is reforming the asylum system.
Asylum & Human Rights Operations is one of the key business areas within the Home Office. Alongside the other areas of the Home Office, the department is going through a transformational programme. Operational Excellence is at the forefront of what we do.
The vision of Asylum & Human Rights Operations (AHRO) is to be a world-leading immigration service, working for a safe and prosperous UK. We will carry out our vision through the delivery of four strategic missions: to control migration, deliver world-class customer service, safeguard the vulnerable and their host communities, making AHRO a great place to work.
The Irregular Migration Intake Unit (IMIU), which sits within AHRO, is responsible for the timely processing of irregular migrants, consisting of the registration and screening of those arriving in the UK irregularly, locking the identity of asylum claimants from small boat arrivals, lorry drops and other clandestine arrivals.
IMIU consists of the Kent Intake Unit (KIU), Midlands Intake Unit (MIU) within Yarl’s Wood IRC, Intake Response Team (IRT), Manston Onsite Operations, Manston Remote Operations, the Co-ordination Hub, and the Operational Enablement functions.
The Finance Team plays a critical role in overseeing the IMIU budget, ensuring all expenditure aligns with spend controls and delivers value for money. We work closely with the Budget Holder to guide spending decisions and ensure resources are allocated appropriately and efficiently. The team also supports strategic decision making by providing accurate and timely financial data to the Senior Leadership Team.
The Finance and Commercial Lead will play a pivotal role in delivering this work, leading financial analysis, monitoring expenditure, and developing financial reports. They will ensure the team produces high‑quality documentation, maintains accurate records, and promotes a strong financial culture where value for money can be demonstrated.
Alongside this, the role involves managing day‑to‑day communication with customers, suppliers, external contractors, and colleagues. The post-holder will support the management of commercial contracts, identify process improvements, and help ensure accountability across the team.
This position requires a high level of independence, with the post‑holder expected to work proactively within their responsibilities while demonstrating a strong understanding of financial principles and procedures. It offers the opportunity to influence decision making, shape strong financial and commercial practices, and build effective relationships.
The post‑holder must hold, or be willing to gain within six months, Contract Management Foundation‑level accreditation.
Key Responsibilities
Key responsibilities for this role will include but are not limited to:
- Manage IMIU’s Financial Operations - Oversee all financial aspects including record‑keeping, transactions, reporting, budgeting procedures, financial analysis for business planning, month‑end reporting, and inspection of General Ledgers.
- Identify and Mitigate Risks - Proactively identify risks to delivery, escalating issues and recommending mitigating actions as required.
- Oversee Contracts and Procurement - Support and monitor contracts and purchases, either directly or through the team, throughout their lifecycle to ensure they deliver against objectives.
- Drive Portfolio Delivery and Compliance - Work with stakeholders and enablers to deliver portfolio priorities, ensuring adherence to internal requirements and Government Spend Controls.
- Collaborate with Commercial and Finance Partners - Partner with commercial and finance colleagues to support delivery and ensure compliance with processes and guidance.
- Manage Key Stakeholder Relationships - Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including commercial, finance, and operational teams.
- Lead and Develop the Team - Manage, motivate, and develop team members, including geographically dispersed staff, through coaching, mentoring, and fostering continuous improvement.
- Provide Governance for IMIU Fleet and Promote Financial Awareness - Lead governance and assurance of the IMIU fleet vehicles and identify opportunities to strengthen financial awareness across IMIU.
Working Pattern
This role is available on a full-time basis with the option of compressed hours working. This role is also suitable for part-time working hours, with a minimum requirement to work 4 days / 30 hours> per week due to business requirements.
Travel
Travel to IMIU sites may be required, including some overnight stays. T&S will be paid in line with policy. Applicants will be expected to attend the workplace for visits, meetings, or training for 60% of the week with the possibility of the remainder being home working.
If applying for the role at Manston (which is based near Ramsgate), please note local transport does not serve Manston and therefore post-holders need to ensure they can attend the location.
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