View Vacancy - Head of Corporate Services C5 (L) (02/18 LIL)

Main purpose of job:

To lead the teams responsible for provision of corporate services and facilities management to the British High Commission Lilongwe, ensuring excellent service delivery, value for money, a strong compliance environment and good morale.

Roles and responsibilities:

The British High Commission in Lilongwe is the headquarters of UK government operations in Malawi.  We employ around 70 staff in a variety of roles, including diplomats, development advisers, project managers, security personnel and maintenance staff.  We have a large estate, including the High Commission building, the High Comissioner’s Residence and around 20 residential properties for ex-patriot staff.  We have a fleet of vehicles and significant IT, finance, HR, logistics and physical security operations.  Our Corporate Services team is responsible for the High Commission’s entire operational platform.

The Head of Corporate Services has day-to-day operational responsibility for the platform, answering directly to the Deputy High Commissioner.  Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the efficient delivery of high-quality services in all corporate services areas, including finance, procurement, HR, protocol, estates, maintenance and transport. 
• Identifying UK government service standards, and customers’ needs.  Performance will be measured against these by senior managers and a quarterly management board. 
• Setting clear performance standards for the corporate services team, and identifying where to use contractors. 
• Conducting procurement exercises that meet UK government procedures for value and transparency. 
• Ensuring strong compliance with financial, health and safety and other legal and policy frameworks.
• Long-term planning to ensure the consistent provision of corporate services during periods of high demand.  This will include financial and team-planning. 
• Budgeting and financial planning, budget monitoring and prioritisation.Working closely with colleagues in the regional corporate services hubs to implement central UK government policies and guidance.
• Overall responsibility for a team of approx. 20 people.  Direct line management for the Deputy Corporate Services Manager, Head of Estates and IT Support Officer, as well as counter-signing responsibilities for other team members.  The Head of Corporate Services has a crucial role in setting the tone and direction for corporate services, and in supporting senior managers in the running of the High Commission’s operations.
• Deputy Post Security Officer, understanding security management issues (particularly those with read across to platform management) and cover for Post Security Officer during their absence.

• At least 5 years experience of working in a management role in corporate services, facilities management or similar (procurement, contract negotiation, financial, project or risk management).
• High level of people skills – leadership, management, organising, influencing, persuading, listening, and  giving feedback.
• Excellent communication skills – written, oral, one-to-one, group, formal presentations – ability to vary style, pace and presentation to suit the audience.
• Creative thinking and problem solving abilities.
• Financial management skills.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office packages (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.)