Business Support Service Lead

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Business Support Policy Team. Our team sits within the Department for Business & Trade’s (DBT) Small Business Growth directorate, which was formed to help shape and grow the economy of the future, looking at the opportunities and issues facing UK businesses.   

There are 5.5 million Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the UK, making up 61 per cent of employment and 51 per cent of turnover in the private sector. To build a stronger, greener country it is essential that across all sectors and regions these businesses start right, are productive, and grow successfully.  

We deliver a range of programmes and policies that help SMEs to access the information, advice and support they need to start, grow and thrive in a more productive way.

This includes the Business Support Service (previously known as the Business Support Helpline), which provides information, guidance, and signposting to businesses in England, via telephone, webchat, email, and social media. The service also conducts a wide range of partnership and engagement work.

The post holder will be responsible for management and delivery of the service, through direct relationship management of the contracted third-party supplier.

You will jointly explore innovative support solutions for businesses, including working with the provider to plan and deliver new service features, such as enhanced communication strategies, partnerships, and data management.

The successful candidate will explore and lead the development, and expansion, of the service’s strategic relationships within DBT, other Government Departments and Growth Hubs, enhancing the support offered to businesses.

This is a broad area of work and will offer a range of opportunities to evolve and develop the service in line with the DBT priority area of economic growth.

This role will require a combination of programme delivery, strategic and policy skills. We are looking for a talented, proactive SEO, who can work independently and deliver at pace. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a high-profile DBT policy area.  

You will be joining a team which is driving forward delivery of wider small Business Support, including the Help to Grow: Management programme.

You will enjoy flexible working, get the opportunity to lead on specific work areas, gain new skills and undertake learning and development opportunities. This role is available on level transfer or promotion. 

• Driving forward operational priorities for the Business Support Service, and using a range of operational, governance, and time-management skills to manage the delivery of the contract. 
• Leading the development of work to align with a range of other services to enhance the DBT support offer to businesses.
• Building close working relationships with internal and external delivery partners, experts and specialist DBT teams. You will be liaising and building relationships with stakeholders on a regular basis. 
• Working at pace to respond to requests as they arise, including requests for Ministerial briefings, papers or advice.  
• Ensure all elements of governance for the contract are updated, monitored, maintained and advanced.
• Proactively contribute to other areas of Business Support policy, the wider team and directorate.