Interim Business Manager

Temporary (6 months),Full Time

£350 to £400 per day PAYE/Umbrella

Location:

Chelmsford

Closing Date: 21st October 2026

The Business Manager will play a pivotal role in supporting the effective leadership, management and delivery of the People & Organisation Development (POD) Service. Working closely with the POD Leadership Team and senior stakeholders, you will lead and coordinate business planning, performance management, governance, financial oversight and service improvement activities, ensuring priorities remain aligned to organisational objectives and strategic outcomes.

This role requires a strong HR background and experience operating within a People, HR or Organisational Development environment. You will act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing challenge, insight and coordination to support informed decision-making, service performance and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will be highly organised, proactive and confident in working with senior leaders, translating complex information into meaningful insights, managing competing priorities, and ensuring the effective operation of the People & Organisation Development Service.

• Lead and maintain the People & Organisation Development Service Plan, ensuring priorities, actions and performance measures are effectively managed and delivered.
• Work closely with the POD Leadership Team to support strategic planning, business management and the delivery of organisational objectives.
• Develop, monitor and report on service performance, providing high-quality management information, dashboards and reports for senior leaders.
• Coordinate governance arrangements across the service, ensuring effective management of risks, issues, decisions and compliance requirements.
• Support the development, monitoring and management of budgets, financial forecasts and resource plans across the service.
• Provide strategic and operational support to the POD Leadership Team, identifying opportunities for improvement, efficiencies and service enhancements.
• Analyse and interpret workforce, financial and performance data, providing insights and recommendations to support decision-making.
• Lead the coordination of leadership meetings, ensuring actions, decisions and priorities are effectively captured, communicated and progressed.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across the organisation, influencing and supporting delivery of service priorities.
• Monitor progress against key objectives and performance indicators, challenging delays and supporting corrective action where required.
• Ensure effective business management systems, processes and records are maintained in line with organisational requirements.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of governance, performance management, business planning and service delivery across People & Organisation Development.

• Significant experience working within Human Resources, Organisational Development, People Services, or a related people-focused function, preferably within Local Government.
• Experience in a Business Manager, Service Manager, Programme Office, Corporate Planning or similar role supporting senior leadership teams.
• Demonstrable experience of business planning, performance management, governance, service improvement and operational management.
• Experience of supporting senior leaders through the provision of strategic advice, management information and business intelligence.
• Strong understanding of governance, risk management, performance reporting and organisational planning processes.
• Experience of budget monitoring, financial reporting and resource planning.
• Ability to analyse, interpret and communicate complex information, performance data and workforce metrics clearly and effectively.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work streams simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare concise reports and briefings for senior audiences.
• Proven ability to build effective working relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Evidence of adopting a structured, proactive and solution-focused approach to business management and service delivery.
• Educated to GCSE level or equivalent through relevant experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to HR, organisational development, business management or leadership.
• Relevant…