Head of Business Support Services

Job Description

Job Title: Head of Business Support Services

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £66,770.61 Per Annum Pro Rata (£78,279.69 Pro Rata is achieved after 12 months successful performance in the role)

Working Hours: 21 Hours per week

Working Pattern: Flexible Monday-Friday/Hybrid

Location: Scotland Reg Hub, Irvine

If you share our values and are excited about making a significant impact at Riverside, please ensure you attach a current CV and covering letter. At Riverside we recruit to potential not just on skills and experience, so we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the essential criteria on the job description.

The difference you will make as Head of Business Support Services

This is a key leadership position within Riverside Scotland as a member of the Senior Management team and wider Riverside Group, responsible for the overall delivery of the financial plans of Riverside Scotland and the effective and efficient running of the subsidiary’s business support functions, including business analysis and administration.

The role is also responsible for providing detailed and insightful business data and analysis to support the organisation’s Senior Management Team and Board in critical and strategic decision making.

About You

We are looking for someone with proven experience in a senior finance leadership role within a large, dispersed organisation. You will also have strong networking skills, with ability to build positive working relationships, cross functionally at all levels of an organisation

Why Riverside?

At Riverside, we’re a housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we’ve been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives.

We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us.

Working With Us, You’ll Enjoy

• Competitive pay & generous pension
• 28 days holidays plus bank holidays
• Flexible working options available
• Investment in your learning, personal development and technology
• A wide range of benefits
  
  

Diversity And Inclusion At Riverside

We are inclusive. At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms. We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues.

Riverside is a Disability Confident Employer and operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for any applicant who declares they have a disability. If the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the role (as set out in the role profile and/or person specification) they will be guaranteed an interview.

This role also falls under our Ethnic Diversity guaranteed interview scheme. If you are Ethnically Diverse and demonstrate you meet the minimum criteria for the role you will be guaranteed an interview.

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Role Profile

• Lead the production of accurate, timely, relevant management information, both financial and business focussed across Riverside Scotland and provide the Riverside Scotland Board and Regulators with Financial information and returns in conjunction with colleagues at Riverside Group.
• Provide insightful analysis and commentary on data provided to senior managers, executives and non-executives, facilitating their strategic and operational capability.
• Lead the financial review of budgets for the subsidiary, ensuring operational profitability, identifying opportunities to improve margin.
• Provide support to teams in developing costs metrics and providing other financial analysis required for the ongoing operation of the business.
• Lead the financial analysis and reporting for Riverside Scotland supported by the Group Finance Business Partner .
• Ensuring appropriate structures are in place to service the business, maintain tight control, drive continuous improvement, best practice and efficiencies.
• Prepare and analyse budgets and forecasts for Riverside Scotland.
• Work with the Managing Director to prepare the strategic business plan for Riverside Scotland, ensuring financial resources are robust, compliant and comprehensively reported.
• Ensure Riverside Scotland submits all regulatory returns accurately and on time.
• Lead the production, use and development of business intelligence and insight data across Riverside Scotland ensuring regular reporting across all business KPIs.
• Ensure Riverside Scotland has an up-to-date policy framework which is closely aligned to Riverside Group.
• Undertake the role of Deputy Director, acting as Managing Director when required, maintaining effective leadership across the region.
• Manage senior stakeholders effectively, including Directors, Senior Managers, Shared Services and regional colleagues, influencing, negotiating and building constructive working relationships to deliver business strategy and long term objectives.
• Represent Riverside Scotland at relevant benchmarking forums, conferences, meetings with professional bodies and other external stakeholder groups as required.
• Work collaboratively with the wider management team to ensure effective delivery of the wider service.
  
  

Corporate contribution

• Be an advocate and exemplar of the Riverside corporate values and a role model for the aspired corporate culture.
• Demonstrate a pragmatic and ‘can-do’ attitude to find solutions.
• Take ownership and responsibility for effective relationships with Executive Directors and Senior Leaders, Managers and Teams.
• Lead in such a way as to have a positive impact upon the culture of Riverside Scotland
  
  

Person specification

Essential

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role within a large, dispersed organisation.
• Proven substantial experience, successfully delivering a Finance Business Partnering and Analysis service.
• Strong networking skills, with ability to build positive working relationships, cross functionally at all levels of an organisation.
• Must have strong influencing skills, with the ability to manage conflicting stakeholder priorities, and sometime differing business / department requirements.
• Excellent communication with a strong customer focus.
• Results driven with the ability to be flexible and adapt approach to a given situation. Balances tact and diplomacy with a more direct assertive approach when required.
• Excellent planner – short, medium and long term in the stewarding of the finances of the group.
• Sound commercial awareness and business acumen with the ability to work strategically and at a pace.
• Proactive approach with the capability to work flexibly and adapt to particular situations.
• Strong problem solving and ability to make decisions based on accurate, evidence based and timely analysis.
• Risk aware with the ability to instil rigour, processes and best practice across the organisation.
• Strong technical capability with a recognised finance qualification or with substantial experience relevant to the role.
  
  

Desirable

• Understanding of the context of social housing and the challenges it faces.
• Evidence of continued professional development.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and government regulations.