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General Information

Salary
£37,238 - £44,520
Working Pattern
Full Time
Vacancy Approach
External
Location
Birkenhead, Carlisle, Chester, Liverpool, Preston, Warrington
Region
North West
Closing Date
17-Jun-2026
Business Unit
NPS North West Headquarters (2021)
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
Other
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
16794

Descriptions & requirements

Job description
Overview of the job      

The Business Manager will operate across multiple functional areas of the business. The job holder provides support to the senior team within their functional business area to assist in the successful service delivery, including making recommendations regarding operational and administrative requirements.  
 
The jobholder will act as an interface between the senior leadership team and teams across the function and internal and external stakeholders on a range of issues.  
 
This is a non-operational post although the job holder is required to develop an understanding of Probation Service policies and procedures at a regional and national level as well as an understanding of wider Civil Service policies and procedures as relevant. 
 
The jobholder will report directly to the Head or Deputy Head of the functional area and have line management responsibilities for the Diary Manager,  Senior Administrative Officers and Case Administrators within their designated functional area. 

Summary      

The purpose of the role is to provide support to the senior leadership team in the business function. The jobholder will ensure that performance across the function is monitored, that issues are highlighted and opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness are proactively pursued. 
 
The job holder will communicate effectively to ensure that the senior leadership team, and others as appropriate, are informed of priority matters and are provided with advice to help them to operate effectively. 
 
The job holder acts as a single point of contact within the function for a number of areas, Information Assurance, Business Continuity, and Workforce Planning, with lead responsibility for a portfolio of key areas, such as implementation of new procedures. The role holder will provide advice, support and signposting to managers and staff across teams in the function and region. 
 
The jobholder will ensure effective management of the estate portfolio within their remit, ensuring that their business area complies with health, safety and fire regulations and escalating to their head of functional area where appropriate. The job holder is also responsible for maintaining a suite of risk assessments and ensuring staff understand their personal responsibilities for Health and Safety. 
 
The role holder will have financial responsibilities including budget monitoring, procurement, and authorizing expenditure. They will be required to understand and comply with HMPPS and Civil Service financial policies. 
 
The job holder will also build relationships and liaise with a range of internal and external stakeholders to support partnership working and effective service delivery. 

Responsibilities, Activities & Duties  

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities, and duties: 
1. Directly line manage, and provide secondary line management, for staff to support good practice and personal development through effective supervision, coaching and facilitation of progression processes. 
2.    Monitor and deliver procedures relating to human resources, equalities and inclusion, staff performance management, and learning and development. 
3.    Oversee and maintain robust administrative processes to gather, monitor and synthesise business performance data to support staff development and service improvement, and support preparation for audits and inspections. 
4.    Maintain knowledge of, and assist with the review and improvement, of a range of organisational policies and local procedures, providing advice, guidance, and support to staff. 
5.    Adhere to financial compliance policies with financial responsibilities to include monitoring the function’s budgets, supporting financial planning activities, coordinating resource procurement, and authorization of some expenditures. 
6.    Complete the workforce planning tool and provide accurate information to support decision-making by senior leaders with regards to resource and workforce management, and involvement with regional recruitment activities. 
7.    Build effective relationships with teams across the business, external stakeholders and partner agencies as a Probation Service Representative, including planning and coordinating engagement events as required. 
8.    Manage  facilities portfolio for designated area, complete all required health and safety risk assessments, and maintain appropriate systems for reporting and escalating issues, ensuring compliance with health, safety and fire policies and regulations, and security requirements. 
9.    Respond to changing business needs, queries and requests, completing ad-hoc tasks as appropriate to meet deadlines and support service delivery.  
10.    Lead the development of pilot initiatives, undertake specific tasks, and hold specific areas of responsibility as determined by the Head of Operational Function, supporting the senior leadership team with emerging business issues. 
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re-examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder. 
 
An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh. 
 
Behaviours     

•    Leadership 
•    Working Together 
•    Making Effective Decisions 
•    Developing Self and Others 
•    Delivering at Pace 

Experience     

Essential 
•    Demonstrate experience of managing workload of senior level executives and extensive stakeholder engagement. Demonstrate experience in using Microsoft Office programmes to present information and data and reviewing outputs for quality.  
•    Demonstrate experience of effectively managing financial or other resources. 

Technical      

Essential 
NVQ Level 4 in Business Administration or equivalent in a relevant subject (or appropriate practical experience) 
Sufficient ability in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint 
 
Additional Information

Base flexible within the NW Region, however there will be regular travel required throughout the region.
This Business Manager post provides essential support to the Head of Operations primarily monitoring, analysing and making recommendations in relation to the Region’s performance.
Key responsibilities include (but not limited to):
• Ensuring operational and management information systems are in place to monitor and report on performance by locality and the region. This involves identifying operational, resource, or organisational issues that may impact performance.
• Analysing business information to determine its relevance and benefits and compiling comprehensive information reports for the Head of Operations and other senior managers.
• Identifying national priorities and supporting the Head of Operations in responding to emergent issues.
• Promoting a culture of innovation and continuous improvement by undertaking reviews and making necessary recommendations.
• Collaborating with other Business Managers across the Region to share best practices and maximise business improvements.
This role is crucial for ensuring that performance metrics are accurately tracked and analysed, enabling informed decision-making and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.  

For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. HMPPS welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the HMPPS’ Flexible Working policy.

Benefits

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service, plus public holidays. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis

Pension

The National Probation Service is covered by the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) run through the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF).  Please visit www.gmpf.org.uk for further information.

Please note: Any current Civil Servant who is a member of the PCSPS, by accepting an offer of employment to the National Probation Services will be opted out of the PCSPS and auto enrolled into the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Training

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Networks

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.

Eligibility

All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post

Support

  • A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
  • Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
  • For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices.  You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
  • Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
  • Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

A Great Place to Work for Veterans

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

Civil Service Nationality Rules

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

  • UK nationals
  • nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
  • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

Reserve list

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.

Contact Information
 

MoJ:

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 16794

HMPPS

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 16794

Application form stage assessments

Behaviours
A sift based on the lead behaviour, Delivering at Pace, may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, where all behaviours will then be considered.
Behaviours Application Form Question Word Limit
250
Leadership
Developing Self and Others
Delivering at Pace
Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History, Experience Questions, Statement of Suitability
Experience Questions Application Form Question Word Limit
500
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History, Experience Questions, Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
To Be Confirmed
Behaviours
Leadership
Developing Self and Others
Delivering at Pace
Experience
Your Experience for this role will be assessed at interview. To learn more about Experience and how they are assessed please click here.
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
Experience Questions
Strengths
Strengths will be assessed but these are not shared in advance. To learn more about Strengths and how they are assessed please click here.
Level of security checks required
DBS Standard

Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.  Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.