Business & Contract Support Manager
Forestry Commission - Forest Research
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 6th October 2024
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Finance
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About the job
Job summary
Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science research? Passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crises? Forest Research (FR) is a leading UK scientific research organisation that provides impactful scientific data, evidence and advice to policymakers and practitioners. Internationally recognised, we want to work with people who have the skills and passion to deliver impactful science which informs practical solutions across the sector.
We’re small enough that your voice is heard, yet large enough, as part of the Forestry Commission, that we have everything on hand to get the job done, as well as a variety of career pathways. Our staff are dedicated to their work and sharing it with others to bring positive change for our natural environment. With locations across the UK, you will find us a flexible and inclusive employer who promotes agile working to help you manage your work life balance. If you want to be a part of a growing organisation that makes a difference, find out more at Homepage - Forest Research
The Finance Team is responsible for providing effective financial systems and support within FR. This incorporates strategic corporate and financial planning, management and financial accounting reporting and control, risk management, systems accounting, transaction processing and procurement advice. The team work closely with the senior management team and staff across the organisation.
Job description
Key Work Areas:
Commercial Management:
• To lead and direct on commercial and financial aspects of managing the funding of research projects across Forest Research (FR); to include review of internal and external agreements and contracts relating to research activities in the UK and EU/overseas
• To review and advise FR staff involved in the business development pipeline on commercial aspects of funding opportunities and prospects for new business
• Work in conjunction with colleagues developing and improving systems and process associated to raising of bids, approval, and monitoring of the bid pipeline
• Contract management for income – assurance & risk
• Project funding management and support
• Oversee the processing and reviewing of invoices to ensure accuracy of approvals and coding. Ensure the accuracy of the Sales Ledger accounting system
• Develop best in class systems and processes to drive continual improvements and transformation
• Managing stakeholder relationships to the highest of standards (external and internal) in addition to working closely with customers to ensure the business is a great partner
• Support month and year-end responsibilities on financial reporting and audit work
Procurement support:
• Support the procurement team implementing new contracts, contract renewals and extensions for stakeholders across the organisation, including for operational and business support needs
• Commissioning research and scientific services, often involving negotiating collaboration agreements and subcontracts
• Review proposed contracts/subcontracts and negotiate terms and conditions
• Ensure contracts are awarded in compliance with UK public sector procurement policy and UK procurement legislation
Staff Management and Development:
• Line Manage a small team who have day to day responsibility for the Accounts Receivable function, processes, and procedures
• Leading, training and developing the team to support progression
Person specification
Essential Criteria
• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. CIPS level 4 or above)
• Detailed knowledge of procurement processes and commercial approaches
• Contract management experience
• Experience of various VAT treatments of invoices
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong planning, problem solving and analytical skills
• Competent user of Microsoft Office
Desirable Criteria
• Extensive knowledge of accounting and management principles
Experience of:
• Developing and improving finance systems and processes
• Bid costing and processes
• Using finance systems
• working in a research/scientific environment
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
Benefits
Your career
- Excellent professional development opportunities which are tailored to your role, with paid professional membership subscriptions, mentoring, and Civil Service Learning available to all
- access to world class laboratory facilities, as well as state of the art buildings within forest or science park settings
Your work/life balance
- flexible working options such as: up to two days flexi leave per month, blended working, part-time working, paid special leave, career breaks, and unpaid leave. Parents and carers will be supported to enable you to manage work and family responsibilities
- A generous annual leave allowance of 25 days on entry increasing by 1 day each year to a maximum of 30 days (pro-rata for part-timers). Plus 2.5 days of additional leave and 8 days’ paid bank/public holidays
Your wellbeing
- A culture which promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment
- A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
- We want you to feel part of something bigger and we encourage a community feel in our workplaces, with everything from cookery competitions to Pilates and fell running, plus topical talks at Wellbeing Wednesdays and Feelgood Fridays
- Paid volunteering leave of 3 days per year so you can give back to your community and charitable causes by sharing your skills and time
Your benefits
- a highly competitive Civil Service Pension where employer contributions starting at 26% of your salary
- an employee benefits scheme offering discounts on groceries, gym memberships, holidays, days out, online retailers and high street shops
- Cycle to Work scheme and Interest free loans
- Free parking is offered on-site, alongside electric car charging ports
- With maternity, adoption, and/or shared parental leave there’s the flexibility to have up to 26 weeks full pay, followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid leave. Paternity leave of up to two weeks is available with full pay.
Any move to Forest Research from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Sift will take place 7 October 2024
Interview Date: 14 / 15 October 2024
If a large volume of applications is received, then we will sift on Experience/Technical Expertise and the Lead Behaviour, Making Effective Decisions. . However, candidates will be expected to answer questions on all behaviours at the interview stage.
Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Forest Research which may be at a lower grade but have a potential skills match.
Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role.
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
- Email : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : hr.services@forestresearch.gov.uk
Further information
