Senior Business Manager

Apply before 11.59pm on 24 November 2025.

Job summary

Location Hybrid (Remote workers considered but with attendance required at key events and meetings in London as required).

To lead on finance, governance and resources at Senior Management level, as part of the senior management team working with the CEO, feeding into strategy and development. With responsibility for the smooth running of finance, HR, board support, compliance and all resources this role requires initiative, flexibility and strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage complex and details analysis and decision making. You will manage a small team and be expected to contribute to a highly effective and ambitious sustainability and growth agenda. This role is well suited to someone aspiring to move into senior management; we place high value on ambition and a strong commitment to development within a high-performing organisation at Citizens Advice Lewisham.

Key Responsibilities

Finance Management: Manage income against expenditure with the CEO and HOA. Prepare management reports, budgets and forecasts, annual accounts and manage the audit and trustee annual report process. Provide strategic insight to the SMT on finance.

Governance and compliance: Manage the preparation of agendas, minutes, actions, board meetings, governance calendar and regulatory submissions, also ensuring that LSA obligations are met through scheduling review and approval by trustees on an annual basis.

Support systems Management: Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring the team have the equipment and operating systems necessary to meet all obligations and objectives.

Management: manage the Executive Assistant and Finance Officer.

Manage external contracts: Working with the CEO and HOA, ensure all contracts are fit for purpose and are good value for money and are delivering agreed outputs.

IT systems: Manage the provision of IT services and our internal systems, building effective relationships with providers and ensuring continued and effective operations are available to the team.

SMT strategy: Providing strategic insight to the SMT on potential risks and opportunities for development across all areas of SBM role.

HR: Manage all HR functions including grievances, wellbeing, disciplinary, recruitment and onboarding. Working with the CEO to manage consultations with the union. Monitor and report to SMT and board on these areas.

Communication: Foster effective communication with colleagues and external stakeholders, ensuring clarity and collaboration and accountability.

Flexibility and Support: Demonstrate flexibility, ownership and collaboration to ensure smooth service delivery across the organisation.

Any other relevant administrative and support duties required to ensure the smooth running of the bureau.

Person Specification

Commitment to Citizens Advice Lewisham's aims and principles.

Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.

Strong understanding of strategic and analytical thinking.

Experience in finance and resource management.

4 or more years management experience in a related role.

Advanced qualification in HR, Finance and or Governance or management.

Ability to plan and organise own work to meet deadlines under pressure.

Demonstrate effective and efficient ways of working.

Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

Ability to problem solve, using initiative, working independently and as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to support colleagues.

Proactive, approachable, and professional attitude, with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Knowledge of all charity obligations and regulatory responsibilities.

Experience of managing external contracts.

Experience in managing junior staff.

Working towards senior management, HR and finance qualifications.

Experience of working in the Charity sector.

Experience of working with trustee boards.