AMS PSR

On behalf of The Electoral Commission , we are looking for a Corporate Support Manager (Inside IR35) for a 6 month contract on a hybrid basis (2 days in London)

Job Purpose

To provide operational leadership and line management for the Executive Support and Business Support teams, ensuring the delivery of a consistent, responsive and high-quality corporate support service during a period of organisational transition. The post holder will provide stability, accountability and effective day-to-day management, driving team performance, managing operational priorities and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

As a Corporate Support Manager your main responsibilities will be:

1. People Management and Team Performance 

• Lead, manage and develop a team of Executive Support Officers and Business Support Officers.
• Manage performance, attendance, conduct and capability in line with organisational policies and procedures.
• Hold challenging conversations where required, addressing underperformance in a timely and constructive manner.
• Coach and support staff to maximise individual and team performance.
• Promote a positive culture of accountability, collaboration, engagement and continuous improvement.

2. Operational Leadership and Service Delivery 

• Provide day-to-day operational leadership of the Corporate Support function.
• Ensure workloads are effectively planned, prioritised and allocated to meet organisational needs.
• Monitor service standards and ensure a high-quality, customer-focused support service is delivered consistently.
• Act as the escalation point for operational issues, ensuring timely resolution and minimal disruption to service delivery.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness across the service.

3. Resource Planning and Matrix Management 

• Coordinate resources across the Corporate Support function within a matrix management environment.
• Balance competing priorities by working collaboratively with Directors and senior stakeholders.
• Ensure work is allocated appropriately while maintaining line management responsibility for staff.
• Respond flexibly to changing organisational priorities and operational demands.

4. Operational Oversight and Business Support Services 

• Oversee the delivery of key business support activities, including:
  • Executive and administrative support services.
  • Travel and accommodation arrangements.
  • Business support processes and operational administration.
• Ensure all activities are delivered efficiently, consistently and in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
• Monitor service performance and implement improvements where required.

5. Stakeholder Management and Problem Resolution 

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Directors, senior leaders and corporate service colleagues.
• Provide practical solutions to operational challenges using sound judgement and a proactive approach.
• Manage sensitive or complex issues with professionalism, diplomacy and discretion.
• Escalate risks and concerns appropriately to ensure effective resolution.

6. Budget and Governance Responsibilities 

• Act as budget holder for designated areas of responsibility.
• Authorise expenditure within delegated authority.
• Ensure financial resources are managed effectively and comply with organisational governance and financial controls.

Key Working Relationships

The post holder will work closely with:

• Directors
• Senior Leaders
• Corporate Services colleagues
• Executive Support Officers
• Business Support Officers

The role operates within a matrix management environment where work priorities are agreed with Directors and senior stakeholders while maintaining direct line management responsibility for the Corporate Support team.

Additional Role Information

This is an interim management position established to provide operational leadership and people management during a period of organisational transition until a permanent appointment is made.

The role is focused on operational management, service delivery and team leadership rather than providing direct executive support.

The successful candidate will have direct line management responsibility for:

• 2 Executive Support Officers
• 3 Business Support Officers

Permanent applicants are welcome to apply. Candidates interested in the permanent position will be required to apply through the appropriate recruitment process.

Essential:

• Significant experience managing corporate support, business support or administrative teams.
• Proven line management experience, including performance management, attendance, conduct and capability.
• Experience leading operational service delivery and ensuring high-quality support services.
• Demonstrable experience of planning workloads and managing competing priorities across multiple teams.
• Experience working within a matrix management environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach and develop staff.
• Confidence in managing difficult conversations and addressing performance issues.
• Excellent organisational, planning and prioritisation skills.
• Proven ability to build effective working relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Experience overseeing business support and administrative functions.
• Experience managing budgets and authorising expenditure.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing organisational priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and business systems.
• Educated to degree level or able to demonstrate equivalent experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Desirable:

• Experience within the public sector, local government, NHS or another complex organisation.
• Experience managing Executive Support or Executive Assistant functions.
• Experience leading teams through organisational change or transformation.
• Experience delivering service improvement or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience of workforce planning and service redesign.
• Knowledge of governance, compliance and corporate decision-making processes.
• Experience using HR, finance or workflow management systems.
• Experience supporting organisational restructures or transition programmes.
• Management qualification (e.g. CMI, ILM or equivalent).
• Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, Agile or equivalent).
• Knowledge and experience of matrix management principles.
• Experience managing larger or more complex operational budgets.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".