Trac proudly powers the recruitment for
UK Health Security Agency
About
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) prevents, prepares for and responds to infectious diseases, and environmental hazards, to keep all our communities safe, save lives and protect livelihoods.
We provide scientific and operational leadership, working with local, national and international partners to protect the public’s health and build the nation’s health security capability.
UKHSA is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.
Contact
- Address
- 10 South Colonnade
- London
- E14 4PU
Business Support Manager
Accepting applications until: 30-Jun-2026 23:59
Vacancy status: Open
Accepting applications until: 30-Jun-2026 23:59
Key details
Location
- Gwefan
- Hybrid based at any core HQ
- Tref
- Birmingham/Leeds/Liverpool/London
- Cod post
- E14 4PU
Contract type & working pattern
- Contract
- Permanent
- Oriau
- Full time
- Part time
- Job share
- Flexible working
Salary
- Cyflog
- £33,422 - £45,353 Per annum, pro-rata
- Cyfnod cyflog
- Yearly
- Gradd
- (Civil Service: Higher Executive Officer (HEO))
Specialty
- Prif leoliad
- Scientific Facilities and Performance - PHM Programme Team
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) prevents, prepares for and responds to infectious diseases, and environmental hazards, to keep all our communities safe, save lives and protect livelihoods.
We provide scientific and operational leadership, working with local, national and international partners to protect the public’s health and build the nation’s health security capability.
UKHSA is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.
Trosolwg o'r swydd
We are seeking a dynamic, Business Support Manager, preferably with Project Management experience, who is proactive and keen to work across Public Health Microbiology (PHM) to help develop and oversee the administrative functions of team requirements, support service development and horizon scanning. They will provide Business support under the line management of the Senior Programme Manager or delegated G7 or SEO member(s) of the team.
They will work across UKHSA PHM including the Clinical Network Laboratories and Reference services. UKHSA PHM Laboratories are unique in having a managed network strategically placed across the country at Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge and Manchester, that together with national centres based at Colindale and Porton and with collaborating centres at Southampton, Newcastle and Leeds, deliver a total microbiology service, providing end to end diagnostic services with specialist consultant clinical advice.
This network provides the national surveillance information and evidence for controlling outbreaks, effective public health interventions and for the prevention of a wide range of infectious disease affecting the population. The network also has three food water and environmental laboratories (London, Porton and York), which perform a range of specialist microbiology tests on food, water and environmental samples to local authorities, Port Health authorities, the NHS and nationally to Food Standards Agency.
Advert
- Support the Senior Programme Manager, Senior Project Managers and SEO Business Operations Manager with the preparation of reports and presentations for UKHSA, NHS and PHM Services Programme board and other Meetings
- Provide Diary support to the Programme team and organise meetings
- Actively seek to identify, recommend and implement improvements
- Assist with the co-ordination and completion of various PHM submissions for monthly and quarterly business returns i.e. trackers/project updates/benefits trackers and internal audits
- Maintain up-to-date tactical team risk registers for Operations & CSO Group Performance and ensure there is effective two-way flow of risk related information up to the Senior Team including a tracking mechanism and escalation process
- Assist to ensure that business continuity plans are in place and are regularly updated
- Assist with the maintenance of the UKHSA PHM Services Health and Safety Policy and arrangements
- Support for response to internal and external stakeholder inquiries/problems/team inbox, regarding PHM Services Business Operations
Further duties to follow in Detailed job description and main responsibilities.
Gweithio i'n sefydliad
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all. Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
Swydd-ddisgrifiad a phrif gyfrifoldebau manwl
Financial & Resource Management
- Assist in the delivery of Programme business processes across PHM and the wider Science - this is a significant proportion of the job role
- In conjunction with the allocated Finance Business Partner (FBP) and Deputy Director/Deputies, assist in project finance and the annual budget setting reviews coordinating various budget setting activities
- Assist in budget monitoring activity of projects in liaison with the Senior Project Managers & FBP
- Initiate and be responsible for any consequent remedial action on behalf of the Deputy Director, in conjunction with the allocated FBP
- Assist the Senior Programme Manager and Senior Project Managers in operational oversight of the PHM Programme budgets including capital spending/staffing cost working with the FBP to identify potential overspend/underspend and any remedial action
- Undertake and lead all relevant procurement activity for the Programme team in liaison with Procurement Professionals
Human Resources Management
- Assist the Senior Programme Manager and team to coordinate team participation in an effective training & development programme, working in liaison with L&D and Workforce colleagues
- Assist in the recruitment activity for the Programme team working with the PHM Business Operations/recruitment/HR/Finance teams
- Assist in the successful induction of new staff into the PHM Programme team including onboarding/organisation of new IT equipment/passes/etc
Planning & Organisation
- Assist and contribute to the planning of Boards & Committees for the PHM Programme Team identifying interdependencies across Programmes/functions
- Assist and contribute to the development of performance & governance strategies and the development/implementation of improvement programmes in accordance with UKHSA programme
- Contribute to short/medium/long-term business plans achieving quality outcomes
- Working with the SEO Business Operations Manager support the PHM Senior Programme Manager and Project Managers to ensure adequate planning for key cross-Directorate meetings including preparing schedules for agendas to reflect business and programmatic priorities
- Assist and support PHM projects, including working with project and programme professionals to create/maintain effective project management plans/processes
- Assist in the development and implement effective records management processes relevant to programme needs and ensure they are maintained
- Establish/develop/maintain office/operational systems for effective working
- Contribute to the development of key performance indicators for successful assessment of individual/work area’s success
- Assist aspects of Research and Development activities, collating information, analysing data and reporting findings
Leadership & Management
- Effective line management of other administrative staff (if applicable) and management of Programme administrative functions to ensure flexibility/capacity to meet the needs of PHM
- Alongside the SEO Business Operations Manager support the Senior Programme Manager/Senior Project Managers in the coordination of training/development/recruitment activity across the Ops & CSO Group
Performance Programme teams
- Manage staff (if applicable) undertaking appraisals/recruitment including progressing any disciplinary/capability issues
- Support the development and planning around the staff survey Operational management/Governance
- Assist and provide any required capital estates and facilities management support for projects within PHM including the associated reports/monitoring
- Identify any potential gaps within local/team processes in terms of compliance & governance
The above is only an outline of the tasks/responsibilities/outcomes required of this role.
You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.
Essential Criteria
- Educated to degree level in relevant subject (e.g. Business, Finance, Economics, HR, Marketing) or equivalent level qualification or significant experience of working in a business support role
- Experience of working in a team and positively contributing to a team
- Strong computer literacy including the development & use of power-point/spreadsheet applications/databases/word-processing
- Good written communication skills e.g. ability to draft policy/procedure documents, write reports/presentations/business cases
- Good communication skills to people at all levels either on a one-to-one basis or to groups
- Sound analytical skills and good judgment when providing opinion or advice to others
- Good organisational skills and systematic approach to working
- Knowledge of the NHS and Local Government
- Strategic thinking – ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems
- Knowledge, understanding and experience of roles, responsibilities and accountabilities, controls and approval routes, appropriate to the business management aspects of the PHM Programme to ensure good governance and value for money expenditure for UKHSA
- Knowledge and evidence of engaging, motivating and coaching others. To act as a role model and inspire and empower others
Desirable Criteria
- Basic knowledge and awareness of how to systematically identify and monitor risks & issues, planning how to mitigate/respond to those risks and issues and implementing the responses
- Basic knowledge and awareness of how to systematically identify, analyse and communicate with stakeholders, using appropriate channels, to ensure all those impacted by the change are engaged, taking account of their levels of influence and particular interests
Selection Process Details Success Profiles - GOV.UK
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Ability, Experience.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 12 listed Essential Criteria in the form of:
- Application form - Employer/Activity History section
- 1200 word Supporting statement
This should outline how your skills, abilities, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the 12 Essential Criteria listed in this job advert.
You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. The application form is the information you would put on your CV. Please be advised you will not be able to upload or email your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible.
Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than1200 words.
Longlisting
In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:
- Meets all essential criteria
- Meets some essential criteria
- Meets no essential criteria
Only those that ‘Meets all essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting.
Shortlisting
In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:
- Strong computer literacy including the development & use of power-point/spreadsheet applications/databases/word-processing
- Good written communication skills e.g. ability to draft policy/procedure documents, write reports/presentations/business cases
If successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
You will be invited to a single remote interview. Interview date(s) to be confirmed.
Behaviours, Strengths, Ability, Experience will be tested at interview.
The Behaviours being assessed are:
- Managing a Quality Service – Lead Behaviour
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Changing and Improving
- Working Together
- Developing Self and Others
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).
Location Details
This role is being offered as hybrid working based at any of our core HQs (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and London).
We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's core HQs.
Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport links and benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).
Salary Information
Civil Service Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
HEO National: £33,422 - £40,731
HEO Outer: £35,587 - £43,244
HEO Inner: £37,749 - £45,353
Per annum, pro-rata
Please be aware that the salary is based on the office location.
If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.
IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ
If you experience technical difficulties when using Trac, please contact Support via https://apps.trac.jobs/support and provide screenshots/details of the issue encountered. If Trac cannot resolve your issue, you should notify the UKHSA Recruitment Team at [email protected] as soon as possible.
Please note that where no technical issue has been recorded by Trac, and no supporting evidence has been provided before the closing deadline, we will be unable to accept late applications. We therefore recommend submitting applications well in advance of the closing date and taking screenshots of any issues encountered.
Qualifications and Registrations
For roles where specific qualifications or registrations are required, successful applicants will be asked to provide appropriate evidence. Employment cannot commence until satisfactory documentation has been received and verified.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Link below:
Artificial intelligence and recruitment | Civil Service Careers
This is a Non-Reserved post under the Civil Service Nationality Rules. To be eligible for employment in the UK Civil Service applicants must meet the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs) which operate independently of and additionally to the Immigration Rules. Applicants must also meet necessary security and vetting requirements, along with any other relevant pre-employment checks.
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
For more information on job nationality requirements and the right to work in the UK, see the Civil Service Nationality rules (opens in a new window) and the UK Visas and Immigration rules (opens in a new window)
For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
The Civil Service pay structure and progression is different from NHS Agenda for Change (AfC), most local authority pay grades and other systems that have annual pay increments. For further details, please refer to the Information Sheet- Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment.
For AfC or Medical/Dental posts, you must have the correct professional registration to be appointed. The pay will follow the AfC or Medical & Dental terms & conditions. You may be asked to provide evidence of previous service whilst we are conducting pre-employment checks to determine your starting salary.
For Temporary Appointments, if you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment. You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA’s Pay policy.
Given the nature of the work of the UKHSA, as a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act, you may be required in an emergency, if deemed a necessity, to redeploy to another role at short notice. You may also be required to work at any other location, within reasonable travelling distance of your permanent home address, in line with the provisions set out in your contract of employment.
Late Applications will unfortunately not be considered.
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: [email protected] If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website here.
Reserve List - If more than the required number of suitable candidates pass the interview criteria, you may be kept on a reserve list for 12 months subject to your agreement. You may be contacted, in merit-order, if similar roles with closely matching essential criteria become available and the department choose to appoint from a reserve list.
The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirement of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available.
Interview expenses will not be reimbursed.
UKHSA is required to check employment and/or education history covering three consecutive years. Please ensure you give details of at least two different referees, even if you were employed in one company for three years or more.
If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system. Please note, all communication regarding your application will be made via email, please ensure you check your junk/spam folders as emails are sometimes filtered there.
Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
Benefits of working at UKHSA include:
- Generous annual leave:
-26 days for the first 5 years of continuous service
-28 days after 5 years of continuous service
-32 days after 10 years of continuous service
-Plus public holidays and one privilege day for the King’s birthday - Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions.
- Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving.
- Access to a retail discounts and cashback site.
- We also promote flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours). UKHSA views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they are able to enjoy a long-lasting career with us. All employees have the right to apply for flexible working and there are a range of options available including working from home, compressed hours and job sharing.
- We also offer a generous maternity/ paternity and adoption leave package.
Hybrid Working
UKHSA operates a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce.
As a hybrid worker, you will usually spend a minimum of 60% of your contracted hours (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's locations (approximately 3 days a week pro rata) and the rest of your time working from home.
Disability Confident Scheme
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria at sift to ensure these candidates are invited to interview. If you wish to be included in this scheme please tick the box on your application form.
Reasonable Adjustments
The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone.
To help you during the recruitment process, we will take into account any reasonable adjustments that could help you.
An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work.
This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme.
If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should:
Contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.
You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/
International Police Check
If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and could be time accrued over that period.
Internal Fraud check
If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.
Security Vetting
Please check the Security Clearance needed for the role and follow the link for more information:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels
Future location
UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.
The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.
Person specification
Application Form and Supporting Statement
Meini prawf hanfodol
- Application Form and Supporting Statement
Behaviours
Meini prawf hanfodol
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Changing and Improving
- Working Together
- Developing Self and Others
- Managing a Quality Service - Lead Behaviour
Documents
- Civil Service Recruitment Principles (PDF, 2.6MB)
- Civil Service Nationality Rules (PDF, 195.3KB)
- Application Form Guidance Notes (PDF, 77.3KB)
- Information Sheet - Starting salaries and benefits (PDF, 129.4KB)
- Information Sheet - Selection Process (PDF, 110.1KB)
- Working at UKHSA and your benefits (PDF, 219.2KB)
Further details / informal visits contact
- Enw
- Sarah Handy
- Teitl y swydd
- Resourcing Support
- Cyfeiriad ebost
- [email protected]
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