Deputy Head of Business Development and Improvement
Bradford Finance is undergoing significant change and investment. Having been under-resourced for a number of years it is now entering a new phase of development and strategic focus to support the Council’s ambitious corporate strategy and plans.
A restructure has recently completed, with the department now comprising four key teams: Management Accounting; Corporate and Strategic Finance; Projects, Systems and Commercial; and Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement. The restructure includes additional capacity and investment in training and development.
A new service plan is being developed during 2025 with a clear strategic focus and direction, including a development plan to deliver financial literacy across the organisation while elevating the impact of the Finance team to support and drive the Council’s strategic plans and deliver its financial sustainability and recovery programme.
Recent Achievements
* Raised the Best Value Notice in February 2024, a milestone achieved by February 2025.
* Received a positive review by CIPFA regarding progress towards financial sustainability, including robust financial planning and well-considered savings proposals.
* Completed the 2025/26 budget earlier than previously scheduled.
* Closed and signed off the 2022/23 and 2023/24 accounts within four months, both with unqualified opinions.
* Received a very positive half-year report from the Council’s Independent Board.
Main Responsibilities
* Direct and manage a small team responsible for reviewing opportunities to develop and improve business practices and processes within Finance and across the Council, coordinating with internal audit, risk, and the transformation team.
* Support the Director of Finance and Head of Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement in providing leadership and proactive, creative advice and contributing to progressive management and improvement of all Council services.
* Promote business solutions through financial challenge and advice, ensuring principles of best value, continuous improvement, value for money and risk management are embedded into service delivery and change management projects.
* Drive and embed a planning, programme and project management culture; lead on post-implementation reviews, LEAN methodology and processes. Represent Bradford Finance on external bodies such as CIPFA and national panels as required.
* Embed “Best in Class” working methods across Bradford Finance to achieve major process and systems improvements supporting key financial activities including budget monitoring and tracking.
* Develop and maintain working relationships with senior Council officers, other services, external agencies and peer groups to ensure the service leads in innovation and change.
* Commission and undertake leading research and benchmarking nationally, across the public and private sector, to inform Bradford Finance and ensure it is best in class.
* Work across the Council to challenge and support ambitious programmes of work and projects to improve services and value for money.
* Prepare and present appropriate reports to senior management and elected members as required, supporting the Director of Finance and the Head of Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement in approvals for Executive and other committees.
* Develop an effective interface with the private sector and other partner organisations, managing new ways of working alongside the Council’s regulatory framework.
* Deal with complex, sensitive and confidential matters on a regular basis; liaise directly with elected members and top management, assistant directors, senior management, trade unions, and external agencies, providing professional financial advice and control guidance.
* Ensure the highest level of confidentiality and integrity in handling personal, financial and political information.
* Positive support and delivery of the vision, values and strategic objectives of the Council through constructive financial advice, control issues, innovative solutions to key projects and corporate initiatives.
How To Apply
If you are interested in joining our team and would like some further information, please contact:
* Gary Devlin, Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development & Improvement on gary.devlin@bradford.gov.uk.
Further information
More details are available through the attached Job Profile and Candidate Information Pack. Detailed links and documents are provided below.
Equal Opportunities
We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the grounds of gender, marital status, gender reassignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, ethnic background, religion or belief, nationality or age. As an equal opportunities employer, the Council strives to employ the best qualified people from a diverse range of applicants. The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, offering additional benefits and resources to members of diverse communities and groups.
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