Main purpose of job:

As the driving force for corporate delivery, the jobholder will ensure that the functioning and management of the corporate services team is robust and compliant in the areas of finance, HR, estates, and other associated administrative tasks.  

The Corporate Services Manager (CSM) will work closely with the Corporate Services Officer, policy makers in London and Regional Hubs to carry out these functions and implement new initiatives, reporting directly to the Deputy Head of Mission. 

The jobholder will have a practical, hands-on approach to ensure that processes are efficient, smooth-running and represent good value for money.  The role requires proactivity, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment. 

The CSM will support senior leadership providing corporate, financial and local insight to inform decision making.

Roles and responsibilities:

Delivery 60%

• Manage corporate delivery across Finance, HR, and Estate Management working closely with the regional Finance and HR Hubs, and the Regional Technical Lead.
• Manage the local delegated budget in accordance with corporate policies to ensure on-budget expenditure and value for money.
• Ensure the integrity of the in the P2P process by performing the end-of-month account checks and when monitoring the Network Post Account.
• Ensure that the estate and official vehicle fleet are fully operational and in compliance with UK and local standards through planned and reactive maintenance.
• Oversee terms and conditions of service of locally-employed staff and manage relationship with legal advisers ensuring compliance with labour law.
• Provide guidance to diplomatic and locally employed staff on sensitive staff matters, including redundancies, management issues, and dispute resolution.
• Prepare employment contracts and support the induction of new employees.
• Promote a continuous improvement mentality within the team, implement corporate projects and the change management required to deliver them.

People Management 20% 

• Alongside the Deputy Head of Mission, contribute to the overall employer proposition, including terms and conditions of service and pay and benefits for country based employed staff (CBS), ensuring compliance with local labour law.
• Provide guidance and act as an escalation point on sensitive staff matters, including management issues and dispute resolution, engaging with specialist HR functions where necessary.
• Champion and embed a collaborative and inclusive culture.
• Line manage the Corporate Services Officer and provide Quality Assurance for the Embassy driver.

Strategic Planning and Leadership 10%

• Support of the corporate agenda including the business and country plan and risk management.
• Act as trusted advisor to the Ambassador, Deputy Head of Mission and other stakeholders, ‘horizon scanning’ locally to enable proactive resource and activity planning.
• Promote inclusivity at post, including between FCDO and Department for Business and Trade (DBT) colleagues.
• Maintain relationships with key stakeholders internally, within regional and global hubs and with external partners (at other diplomatic missions, government departments and suppliers) to maintain informed and current corporate knowledge.
• Ensure local policies are reviewed and aligned to global and local requirements.
• Lead and monitor the delivery of services against the local corporate services charter.

Other Tasks 10%

• Provide support to the overall mission with important diplomatic events such as the annual King’s Birthday Party.
• Work with the Regional Leads to plan long term resource and development needs.
• Ensure wellbeing and engagement are maintained within the corporate services team, seeking regular feedback and embedding the values of resilience and respect.
• Lead and oversee processing of diplomatic staff arrivals, departures, freight and luggage transfers, customs clearance, accreditation, etc.
• Act as the Fire Safety Manager and Community Liaison Officer at post.

Resources managed:

• Line management of the Corporate Services Officer
• An overall budget of approximately GBP 275,000

Essential on arrival: 

• Minimum 3 years of proven management experience, with direct involvement in HR and/or Finance
• Financial and Employment Law acumen: understanding of budgeting, reporting and cost management, labour laws and regulations
• Experience with recruitment and selection, managing employee relations
• Maintaining ethical standards in handling sensitive HR information
• Strong oral and written communication skills, being able to challenge and influence senior stakeholders
• IT Proficiency

Language requirements: 

Language: Spanish and English

Level of language required: Fluent in written and oral communication (equivalent of C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – CEFR)