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 in order to support the Council’s ambitious new 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 significant 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 focus on delivering financial literacy across the organisation, while at the same time, elevating the impact of the Finance team within the organisation to support and drive the Council’s strategic plans whilst delivering its financial sustainability and recovery programme.
The team has recently been highly instrumental in the last 12 months in helping the Council secure:
* The lifting of the Best Value Notice put in place in February 2024 by February 2025, an unprecedented achievement.
* A very positive review by CIPFA about progress being made in Bradford to become financially sustainable. CIPFA cites progress being made in several key areas, including the addressing of risks identified in the previous review of 2023. They also report that financial planning in Bradford is robust, savings proposals are well considered and are being delivered, even where choices are difficult.
* Completion of the 2025/26 budget much earlier than previously.
* Closure and audit sign off of the 2022/23 and 2023/24 accounts in the last 4 months, both with an unqualified opinion.
* A very positive half year report by the Council’s Independent Board.
The Deputy Head of Business Development and Improvement is crucial to supporting the Head of Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement in the delivery of the Council’s plans and future financial sustainability. The post is key to developing and providing an approach to challenging, identifying and developing cost effective solutions for the future development of the service and other council services in order to enable the council to meet its future challenges whilst fostering a culture of continuous improvement and value for money. This role is an opportunity to make a real difference in the department and to our vibrant and diverse city.
We are looking for an exceptional individual to take the lead in a new role as our Deputy Head of Business Development and Improvement. The successful candidate will be expected to lead, develop and ensure implementation of, and review change management programmes to deliver continual improvement and deliver better integration of services and value for money within the department and across the council.
The main responsibilities of this role are:
* To direct and manage a small team responsible for reviewing opportunities for the development and improvement of business practices and processes within Finance department and across the Council ensuring co‑ordination with key review functions such as internal audit, risk, and the transformation team.
* To support the Director of Finance and Head of Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement in providing leadership and proactive and creative advice whilst contributing towards progressive management and improvement in all the Council’s services.
* To promote business solutions through the delivery of 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 and lead on post implementation reviews, LEAN methodology and processes; be an advocate and active representative of Bradford Finance on external bodies, for example, CIPFA, including advising national panels and groups as required.
* Ensure and embed \
#J-18808-Ljbffr