Business Manager to the Chief Finance Officer

Job overview

The post holder provides high-level business and administrative support to the Chief Finance Officer personally and the wider Directorate as a whole.

The role leads the Directorate’s business management function, delivering effective project management, performance reporting and data analysis to support service improvement and planning.

Responsibilities include managing and presenting accurate and timely business information, overseeing delegated project budgets and ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the Directorate through proactive diary management and comprehensive personal assistant, office management and secretarial support.

Please note that this role necessitates being in the Worthing office for a minimum of two out of five days per week from 09:00 to 17:00.

Application requirement: Please send a Word document version of your CV to [email protected].  Those who do not send this will not be considered for interview.

Interview Date: Thursday 4th June 2026

Main duties of the job

The day-to-day organisation of the Directorate office.

Understanding the overall priorities of the Chief Officer and interpreting these through effective diary planning, management, and facilitation of delivery.

Scheduling, monitoring, and following up on commitments made by the Chief Officer.

Establishing, maintaining, and continually reviewing and improving effective administrative protocols and working practices within the Directorate.

Assisting the Chief Officer in the development, implementation, and maintenance of Directorate-specific policies, protocols, and related systems.

Representing the Directorate and making delegated decisions on behalf of the Chief Officer at an appropriate level.

Managing the operation of Directorate-specific information systems

Supporting the Chief Officer and Support Team in developing, implementing, and maintaining Directorate policies, protocols, and systems.

Making delegated decisions on behalf of the Directorate in relation to performance or business matters.

Holding delegated budgetary responsibility for expenditure relating to the Chief Officer’s budget and assigned project budgets.

Line managing administrative staff within the Directorate, including regular supervision and annual appraisals, with involvement of the Chief Officer in objective setting.

Representing the Directorate at internal and external meetings as required.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Summary:

• Build effective working relationships across the Trust
• Support a culture of performance management within the Directorate
• Develop and manage systems to support the Chief Officer and the smooth running of the Directorate
• Ensure effective communication, audit, and information systems are in place
• Act as the main point of contact for business support within the Directorate
• Arrange and support meetings, including preparing agendas, taking minutes, and tracking actions
• Provide high‑quality administrative and secretarial support to agreed standards and timescales
• Manage and prioritise correspondence, including emails
• Produce, analyse, and present performance and business information to support decision‑making
• Identify and resolve data issues and anomalies
• Handle sensitive business information appropriately
• Ensure effective performance management and reporting arrangements are in place
• Provide activity and financial information to support Executive decision‑making
• Support service planning, improvement, and change through clear communication of information
• Provide project support, including planning, monitoring progress, and reporting
• Contribute to Directorate objectives and manage designated projects as required

Staff Management:

Take part in recruitment panels for administrative staff, acting as Chair where required.

Line manage nominated administrative staff within the Directorate and Executive Support Team.

Provide full line management, including supervision, appraisals, absence management, recruitment, and handling performance, grievance, and disciplinary matters.

Financial:

To be an authorised signatory for purchases as specified by the Chief Officer authorising petty cash payments, travel arrangements, meeting expenses and appropriate agency timesheets.

To monitor relevant budgets highlighting any concerns to the Chief Officer.

General:

Maintain a professional and confidential approach when supporting the Chief Officer.

Take part in the Trust’s supervision and appraisal process.

Complete personal development activities as agreed with the Chief Officer.

Carry out additional duties requested by senior managers that are appropriate to the role.

Understand, promote, and work in line with the vision and values of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.