Head of Business Operations ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

Who we are:  

Advance Northumberland is a diverse property investment & development business, delivering opportunities to improve prosperity, tackle inequalities and drive economic growth in support of Northumberland County Council.

Whether its support for new and developing businesses, the remediation of challenging brownfield sites, building of large-scale manufacturing units, delivering new purpose-built offices, delivery of major town centre redevelopments, including complex retail developments, leisure facilities or the delivery of high-quality market sale and affordable housing it can all be found in this unique regeneration company.

We work collaboratively with stakeholders and partners, delivering positive physical and economic development.  Focusing on the needs and aspirations of the county, addressing economic, housing and infrastructure challenges whilst capitalising on Northumberland’s significant assets and opportunities. We deliver a comprehensive regeneration capability to improve the County’s economic prosperity, regenerate communities, improve liveability and create a more connected and aspirational County.

In doing so, we will support a broader county-wide assets-based approach to promote economic growth and an improved quality of life for its communities. Building on the opportunities emerging from the Combined Authority initiatives to enhance its regeneration impact, taking its lead from Northumberland County Council, and working in collaboration with key partners.

The Head of Business Operations is a key role on  our Senior Leadership Team. Reporting to Richard the Finance Director, the successful applicant will play a key part in the overall operation of our business and is a critical role in our future plans.

OUR VALUES
Our values are at the centre of our activities, linking to our vision to make Northumberland a wonderful place for people to live work and do business.

• Collaboration
• Accountability
• Respect
• Ambition

THE ROLE

Head of Business Operations 

Competitive salary and benefits structure 

Reporting to the Finance Director, you will:

• Support the Director of Finance with the execution of key tasks involved in the administration and management of Advance Northumberland, with specific responsibility for:
• Business Plan development, implementation & monitoring
• Procurement
• Internal Audit & Risk
• Identifying funding opportunities and coordinating bids
• Identify strategic and operational initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability of the business’ operations.
• Provide cross-functional administrative support across Group to support all aspects of business performance.

THE BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR US

We care about our colleagues and their wellbeing and have been nationally recognised for this. Apart from the competitive salary, we also have fantastic benefits. We focus on our colleague’s health, wealth, and lifestyle. We like to think our benefits package is one of the best around! Here is an example below on what you can expect.

Annual leave - Start with 26 days, increasing to 31 days with service. Of course, you’ll have public holidays too!

Pension - Generous employer contributions of 8%. You pay 2%, although you can choose to pay more if you want.

Financial Benefits - Enjoy the security of free life assurance, an employee referral scheme (earning £1,000 per recruited referral), and our Cash plan App with discounts and cashback at top retailers. Free on-site parking at all locations.

Performance Related Incentive Scheme – subject to achievement of company and individual performance targets, annual incentive payable.

Wellbeing & Lifestyle Services - Access our colleague assistance programme with 24/7 support, GP services, mental health support and, dental and optical plus a range of other health therapies. We also have a cycle to work scheme and home electronics schemes, both of which are salary exchange, so you pay less National Insurance. We have extensive health campaigns from our award-winning Better Health at work team.

Motoring Benefits - Take advantage of exclusive employee vehicle-leasing schemes, through NHS Fleet.

Hybrid Working – We offer the capacity to work on a hybrid basis, with four days in the office / on site. Of course, initially you might be in the office more, whilst you get to know your colleagues and our activities in more detail.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a letter of application saying why you want to work for us, what you’d bring to the role and your salary expectations, to: workforus@advancenorthumberland.co.uk

Closing date for applications: 14^th May 2026 at 5.00pm

Interviews will be held on the 19^th May 2026

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

We may close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. If you wish to withdraw your consent for us to process your application, please email us at: workforus@advancenorthumberland.co.uk

Role Purpose: 

• To support the Director of Finance with the execution of key tasks involved in the administration and management of Advance Northumberland, with specific responsibility for:
• Business Plan development, implementation & monitoring
• Procurement
• Information Security & Governance
• Internal Audit & Risk
• Identifying funding opportunities and coordinating bids
• To identify strategic and operational initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability of the business’ operations.

To provide cross-functional administrative support across the Group to support all aspects of business performance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide assurance on operational performance to the ELT, and other committees as deemed appropriate
• Lead the end-to-end development, delivery and governance of the annual group wide business planning cycle, ensuring the plan is fully aligned to the strategic goals and long-term priorities of the shareholder. Ensure strong integration between operational delivery, financial reporting and strategic intent, and drive clear accountability for achieving business plan targets through robust performance insight, transparent reporting and effective challenge.
• Develop and implement strategic and operational performance frameworks for the effective management of key support services.  Liaise with external providers where appropriate and ensure fitness for purpose in collaboration with internal colleagues and external partners.
• Identify and advise the Director of Finance of potential strategic business transformation initiatives across the Group.  Work with the Business Transformation Manager on implementation.
• Be responsible for the establishment, implementation, and ongoing management of SLAs for areas covered by the role purpose and ensure operational performance frameworks which deliver key support services are monitored.  

• Develop and maintain the Group’s Risk Framework, working with ELT and lead the Senior Managers’ Risk Forum to identify and mitigate emerging business risks.

• Take responsibility for leading the Group’s Internal Audit programme (working with ELT to ensure that the business’s operations comply with regulatory standards and all internal policies and processes). To include the scheduling of audits, liaising between auditors and business departments, and ensuring that all necessary documentation is prepared and accessible.
• Manage the audit database, ensuring that all audit records and reports are accurately maintained and easily accessible.
• Assist in the development and refinement of audit methodologies and procedures to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the audit process.
• Provide advice and guidance to colleagues and stakeholders relating to both established internal policy and external regulations or legislation, including advice on adapting relevant corporate policies and procedures to meet external demands.
• Be responsible for managing and maintaining all relevant Operational Business processes across the Group. 
• Identify, assess and maximise opportunities for external funding that enable delivery of strategic local generation projects and strengthen the organisation’s ability to meet shareholder objectives.
• Develop compelling, evidence-based bids, coordinate cross functional contributions and support the business to secure investment that enhances long term financial resilience.
• Comply with all internal and external systems and processes (for assigned areas), ensuring the maintenance of appropriate records and audit documentation.
• Administer the Project Management System across the Group.
• Maintain and coordinate the company’s response to FOI / SAR requests.
• Develop and maintain compliance with all GDPR requirements, ensuring effective procedures and training are in place across the business
• Manage the business operations team, ensure achievement of targets, and effective service delivery.

Generic Requirements for all colleagues 

• Contribute to the creation of a positive culture in line with Advance Northumberland values
• Show commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace and ensure this is reflected in all activities
• Ensure a safe and sustainable working environment is promoted across the business
• Contribute to the financial performance of the business, in line with role responsibilities
• Undertake other reasonable duties as requested

Personal Specification

Essential Criteria

• Qualified to at least Degree level.
• Achieved professional qualification that is directly relevant to the role and responsibilities 
• Experience working with multi-functional teams.
• Experience of utilising a range of business tools and models and understanding project methodologies.
• Proven track record of successfully managing a range of projects and programmes of work.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Significant IT literacy (MS Products, Sage, COINS)
• Maintaining and promoting a positive, collaborative attitude.
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex information from a range of sources to identify existing and potential gaps in the business.
• Understanding of the commercial and financial implications of business processes and systems.
• Understanding of the wider operation of the business.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the Advance Northumberland Team and balance the provision of support to internal and external customers. 
• Liaison with clients and stakeholders to build strong working relationships.  

Desirable Criteria

Full UK driving licence