View Vacancy - Deputy Corporate Services Manager / HR Manager

Main purpose of job:

This is a key position within the Embassy, responsible for managing the day to day activities of the Corporate Services Team, to ensure they provide the highest quality outputs possible, in support of front-line Diplomatic staff in line with the requirements of the Embassy and of the FCO. To lead on HR matters across the Embassy. To provide expert guidance on Procurement and Finance issues in line with FCO guidance. To support the Corporate Services Manager, and provide cover in his absence.

The successful candidate will understand issues quickly and deliver high quality outcomes efficiently and effectively. He/she will be reliable, bringing an established knowledge (with an operational focus) of working in Caracas. He/she will be a natural  team leader, be well organised, and at their core driven by a continuous desire to improve. He/she must be financially literate, a clear communicator and must strive to deliver the best possible service to customers both inside and outside the Embassy. He/she will be comfortable operating at all levels, confident and willing to represent the Embassy in contract and supplier negotiations. He/she will be able accept personal responsibility and delegate effectively.

As well as being a team player, the successful candidate will demonstrate high levels of personal autonomy, liaising closely with the Head of Corporate Services (HCS) and all the teams based at the British Embassy.

As HR Manager he/she will be the principal point of contact with the FCO’s HR Hub in Mexico to provide Human Resources support to the Embassy. To serve as the Learning and Development Champion for the Embassy.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Overall operational management of the Corporate Services Team, with a particular focus on developing junior staff, and ensuring that resources are effectively managed.
• Proactive and effective communication within the Corporate Services Team and with FCO colleagues and those from Other Government Departments resolving issues in a timely manner.
• Deliver Value for Money (VFM) through efficient and economic use of the administration budget paying particular attention to procurement and  financial procedures and internal audit recommendations.

Estate Management

• Providing advice and leading on all aspects of Contracts, Procurement and Estates.
• Oversee the efficient and effective implementation of accommodation policy for diplomatic staff, in particular meeting financial targets whilst ensuring staff morale is maintained/improved.
• Review of existing leases, contracts, management of rent payments and termination of contracts.
• Check and initiate tenders where necessary, working closely with the Hub, relevant team members and managing the relationship with the stakeholders.

Human Resources (HR)

• Oversee all aspects of HR including liaison with the HR hub in Mexico, the delivery of learning and development guidance, disciplinary and legal issues, salaries and terms and conditions of service.
• To serve as the Learning and Development Champion for the Embassy.

Direct line management

• Directly line manages 4 staff members and leading an overall team of 8. This includes performance management, supporting staff members’ Learning and Development needs and helping the team deliver their objectives.

Deputising role

• Deputise for and support Head of Corporate Services in all aspects of CS work, including representing the team in relevant meetings, covering his absences and making sure all deadlines are kept.
• Help to implement any change programmes.

Ad hoc duties

• Carry out other duties that may reasonably be required and which are in accordance with the grading and core competencies of the job.

• Demonstrable leadership ability.
• Minimum of 5 years experience (preferably more) in finance, procurement and resource management.
• Excellent reliability, and strong interpersonal, bilingual communication,  and numeracy skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• A strong track record in delivering services to a range of internal and external customers at all levels of an internationally focussed organisation.
• Available for occasional overseas travel.