Withington Works
Business Manager
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Business Manager - Love Withington Baths
Reports to: Love Withington Baths Managing Director
About us
We’re a leisure centre but we do a lot more than leisure, including community development, heritage, co-working and sustainability. We also have a set of core tasks like finance and HR which are essential for the smooth operations of the centre and support us being a responsible employer. We now have a turnover of £2 million each year and a workforce of 60 people. We’re looking for someone to manage the smooth running of all the parts of the organisation that enable the delivery of our core leisure and beyond-leisure services, in a way which aligns with our values and supports the delivery of the leisure business.
Role purpose
The purpose of this role is to ensure the compliant and financially sound operation of Withington Baths and its associated organisations (currently Broadway Baths and Withington Works). Since inception in 2016 Withington Baths has grown substantially and is set to grow further. This role provides the operational backbone that enables sustainable growth.
The Business Manager will lead on organisational governance, financial reporting, procurement, ESG activity, insurance, utilities, HR administration, overseeing grant applications and policy management. They will ensure that the charity, and associated organisations, operate efficiently, meets all statutory obligations, and secure best value across all services for Withington Baths, Withington Works and Broadway Baths and any other sites that come under our management.
The role includes line management of three direct reports:
- Finance Assistant
- Withington Works Coordinator (including responsibility for environmental policies and activities)
- Community Engagement Officer
The postholder will act as a key deputy to the Managing Director on business and organisational matters, representing the organisation professionally with suppliers, partners and stakeholders. They will work closely with the Facilities Manager and the Facility Manager at each site.
This is a part time role of 24 hours per week, salary c. £40,000 - £42,000 FTE (DOE).
Responsibilities
Financial Management
- Oversee day to day financial administration through the Finance Assistant.
- Liaise with external accountants to ensure accurate bookkeeping and statutory compliance.
- Produce monthly management accounts and financial reports for the Board.
- Lead on the annual audit process.
- Support annual business planning, including budgeting and forecasting.
- Manage business rates and ensure correct reliefs and exemptions are applied.
- Ensure financial controls, processes and documentation are robust and up to date
- Review our banking arrangements and ensure the mandate is up to date
- Ensure that our savings are invested appropriately in higher interest accounts
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Governance & Compliance
- Maintain all company administration requirements, including filings and statutory records.
- Ensure all policies and procedures are current, compliant and implemented.
- Oversee health and safety policies and ensure mandatory training is completed.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including data protection, employment law and charity governance.
- Support the Managing Director in preparing Board papers and governance documentation.
HR Administration
- Maintain and update the staff handbook and HR policies.
- Manage employment contracts and variations.
- Liaise with external HR legal advisors both to ensure we integrate changes to employment regulation, and to gain advice on HR issues within the organisation.
- Lead the procurement, implementation and ongoing management of a suitable HR system.
- Support managers with consistent application of HR processes.
Insurance
- Ensure appropriate insurance cover is in place across all sites and activities.
- Manage renewals, claims and liaison with brokers.
- Management of the organisation’s life insurance scheme.
- Review insurance needs annually to ensure adequate and cost effective protection.
Procurement & Supplier Management
- Ensure the organisation secures best value across utilities, services and operational contracts.
- Lead negotiations with suppliers and contractors where appropriate.
- Maintain a central register of contracts, renewal dates and service levels.
- Ensure procurement decisions reflect ESG commitments and value for money.
Environmental, Social and Governance
- Oversee the organisation’s environmental strategy and reporting.
- Support the Withington Works Coordinator in delivering environmental initiatives.
- Ensure ESG considerations are embedded in procurement, operations and policy development.
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Grants & Funding
- Coordinate the submission of grant applications and funding bids across the organisation.
- Maintain a pipeline of opportunities and ensure timely submission of applications.
- Support reporting and compliance for awarded grants.
- Work with local businesses to further build corporate social responsibility donations to the Baths
Heritage
- Support the Community Engagement officer in delivering their objectives, ensuring we are both investing in our heritage and maximising the opportunities of sharing our heritage with our members and the wider community.
Skills and Experience
Essential Skills
- Highly organised, proactive and able to work independently.
- Strong financial literacy and ability to interpret financial information.
- Confident negotiating with suppliers and managing contracts.
- Ability to deputise for the Managing Director on business matters.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver to time, cost and quality.
- Strong people management skills with experience leading small teams.
- Ability to engage effectively with diverse community groups and stakeholders.
Essential Experience
- Experience in financial administration or financial management.
- Experience working within a community focused organisation.
- Experience managing staff.
- Experience working with external suppliers and professional advisors.
Desirable Experience
- Experience working in a charity or not for profit organisation.
- Experience working with heritage buildings or heritage environments.
- Experience implementing HR or operational systems.
- Experience supporting governance or Board level reporting.
Qualifications
- Financial or business administration qualifications are beneficial but not essential.
Working conditions
- Part time role, 24 hours per week.
- Based primarily at Withington Baths, with occasional travel across sites.
- Some flexibility required for Board meetings or key organisational events.
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