*The closing date for this position is the 16 th February 2026* Business Support Manager Downshire Civic Centre, Downpatrick BT30 Temporary (Approx 46 weeks) £20.86 per hour 36 hours per week Main Purpose To manage and develop a comprehensive and flexible Administrative Business Support Service and Business Support team for the allocated department and operate cross-departmentally as required to ensure effective, coordinated implementation of business support service standards and procedures across the Council. To contribute as an integral member of the team to the provision of a modern, professional, high quality and responsive business support and customer focused service to support the Corporate and Business Plans of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Main Roles and Responsibilities 1. Manage and provide a comprehensive Administrative Business Support Service to the allocated Department, ensuring the provision of high quality, integrated support services to all areas of departmental work through flexible, suitably trained teams. 2. Play a key role in transforming Business Support services, departmentally and interdepartmentally, in line with organisational/business requirements and performance improvement activities. 3. Design and implement targeted Business Support change strategies including identification of change impacts to people, process and policy, stakeholder identification and alignment, appropriate communication, success measures and training, and organisational readiness. 4. Develop, monitor, refine and review business support service standards, systems and standard operating procedures to ensure the highest standards of work, including effective and efficient business support service, turnaround times and work prioritisation. 5. Responsible for the day to day management, control and coordination of the Business Support Service and provide business support for the allocated department through effective implementation of business support service standards and procedures. 6. Responsible for the supervision of the Business Support team, including prioritisation, equitable allocation, delegation and follow up of work to ensure attainment of relevant deadlines and the provision of an efficient and effective business support service. 7. Identify and supporting learning and development needs for all members of the Departmental Business Support team. 8. The post holder will operate cross-departmentally, deputising for or assisting other Business Support Managers as required. 9. Review, develop and maintain systems to ensure the accurate and timely preparation and response to complaints, Freedom of Information requests, data subject access requests, performance data, statutory returns and member and senior management enquiries. 10. Contribute as required to the preparation of financial estimates and business plans for the allocated department and deliver services within allocated budgets. 11. In liaison with the Head of Performance and Improvement, develop and maintain effective processes and systems to collate, monitor, validate and report performance information at a departmental level, ensuring data quality and accuracy. 12. Act, in liaison with Heads of Performance and Improvement and Evidence and Research, as a transformation agent to identify, deliver and evaluate change initiatives covering Business Support and other work areas within the allocated department and other departments. 13. Be accountable to the Head of Administration and Customer Services for the delivery of all aspects of Administrative Business Support within the allocated department and other related duties, ensuring the provision of high quality and cost effective services. 14. Manage complaints within their allocated department, including day to day monitoring and providing advice, support and guidance to operational staff. Lead on the management of departmental complaints, MP, MLA and Councillor enquiries and Ombudsman cases within the allocated department at all stages within agreed timescales. 15. Work with Assistant Directors/Heads of Service and Service Managers to ensure adherence to business support service standards, systems and standard operating procedures and eliminate service failures within agreed timescales. 16. Support the work of the Corporate Services and Business Improvement team by assisting in the delivery of projects using the principles of good project management to gather information and undertake analysis using appropriate research techniques, as necessary. 17. Support the Information Governance Team with undertaking and coordinating data collection, and inputting into documents and other records. Essential Criteria: (Please note that Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd require original certificates as proof of all qualifications listed on CV) Have a minimum of a Level 4* qualification, for e.g. HNC in relevant subject area i.e business or administration AND 6 months work experience in the following areas: • Experience in working with internal and external customers • Report writing, analysing statistical information and identifying recommendations • Implementing business support processes / operating procedures. OR In lieu of qualifications at least 12 months’ previous work experience in the following areas: • Experience in working with internal and external customers • Report writing, analysing statistical information and identifying recommendations • Implementing business support processes / operating procedures. Experience of supervising / managing staff or volunteers. Experience in the use of Management Information Systems. Budgetary experience e.g: • assisting with departmental budgets • assisting with grant claims / funding draw down • collating funding expenditure • raising purchase orders / approving invoices etc Experience in identifying and managing opportunities for change. Be able to demonstrate competence in the use of email and Microsoft Office applications including word and excel. Good oral / written communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work as part of a team. Hold a full current driving licence and access to transport, or access to transport to meet the requirements of the post. Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and a Corporate Member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd adheres to all current employment legislation. We reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than the specified date, should we receive sufficient applications. If interested, please send your CV as early as possible. Please note only those candidates shortlisted may be contacted. Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK and Ireland. We are unable to sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. Successful candidates may need to apply for an Access NI Certificate with Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd regardless if you already have a valid certificate. It will be a cost of between £16 - £32 depending on clearance level