Location
Hybrid working based at the Scientific Campus in Colindale, London Borough of Barnet. Minimum 60% of contractual hours to be worked on-site. Role requires Counter Terrorism Check security vetting.

Hours
Full time, flexible working options available.

Salary
£70,566 per annum

About the Role
The Senior Business Manager will provide essential management functions to support the Public Health Microbiology (PHM) Reference Laboratories Division. This role primarily supports laboratories in the Southeast, with additional responsibilities in the Southwest and Northwest. The postholder will ensure effective business and financial management, influencing purchasing and contract management to deliver quality and value for money across reference services.

Key responsibilities include contributing to policy development and business planning, advising senior leaders on resource planning and organisational change, identifying risks and mitigation strategies, and developing business cases. The role involves operational management and governance, leading teams, supporting business initiatives, promoting employee engagement, and ensuring value-for-money programmes.

Project management duties include budget setting, financial analysis, monitoring, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards.

The postholder will operate effectively in a demanding environment, liaise with internal and external stakeholders, manage sensitive information, and deputise for senior colleagues as required. The role supports UKHSA’s incident response activities when necessary.

Experience
- Proven track record in service delivery and management.
- Extensive knowledge in finance, workforce, or science through postgraduate management, business, leadership, or finance qualifications or equivalent experience.
- Experience managing and motivating teams, reviewing performance, and directing activities.
- Experience in budget responsibility, budget setting, and financial processes.
- Ability to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information and negotiate with senior stakeholders.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to respond to unexpected demands.
- Strategic thinking with capability to plan over short, medium, and long-term timeframes.
- Experience working in politically sensitive environments and managing stakeholder relationships.

About you
- Ability to prioritise own work effectively and make autonomous decisions under tight and changing timescales.
- Excellent communication skills, able to present complex information to large and influential groups.
- Skilled in conflict resolution and building effective stakeholder relationships.
- Flexible and adaptable to changing business needs and environments.
- Commitment to promoting inclusion, diversity, and equality in the workplace.

Qualifications
- Educated to undergraduate degree level in Science, Finance, Business or equivalent.
- Postgraduate diploma, Masters, or PhD in Management Studies, Leadership, or equivalent experience.
- Desirable: Comprehensive experience with project management principles, techniques, and tools aligned to PRINCE2 and Managing Successful Projects.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain Counter Terrorism Check security clearance.
- Evidence of qualifications and registrations will be required prior to employment.