Position Description
Position Title: Business Manager Reports to: Chief Executive Officer Position Status: Full Time (Contract) Location: 95 Drummond Street, Carlton, VIC. 3053
ABOUT PENINGTON INSTITUTE
Penington Institute advances health and community safety by connecting substance use research to practical action.
Our activities:
Enhance awareness of the health, social and economic drivers of drug-related harm.
Promote rational, integrated approaches to reduce the burden of death, disease and social problems related to problematic substance use.
Build and share knowledge to empower individuals, families and the community to take charge of substance use issues.
Better equip front-line workers to respond effectively to the needs of those with problematic drug use.
Our purpose is framed by our knowledge that we need to look at more effective, cost-efficient and compassionate ways to prevent and respond to problematic drug use in our community.
Penington Institute acknowledges the importance of individual responsibility in relation to substance use, as well as the role of government and community to address the risks that contribute to problematic use of licit and illicit drugs and alcohol.
Penington Institute is a non-partisan, registered charitable organisation.
Our values
Productivity: We support actions that deliver the best health, social and economic returns.
Integrity: Drug use is a complex issue. We advocate fair, evidence-based systems that improve the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.
Compassion: We do not condone drug use, but work to protect people from drug-related harm when at their most vulnerable. Feasible and accessible options are needed to help reduce the risks associated with the use of different types of drugs, including pharmaceuticals, alcohol and nicotine.
Persistence: We believe that responding to drug use requires innovation and evaluation of a combination of approaches. There is no simple solution but by persisting, we will make a positive difference.
Empowerment: Tackling drug problems is a shared responsibility. We acknowledge individual responsibility tempered with government and community support in order to generate positive change.
Our approach Penington Institute collaborates with, and represents a broad range of sectors and organisations to identify and respond to specific substance use problems and their causes. Drug use trends, drug development and markets historically move faster than research and policy responses.
With our outreach to the front line we are well-placed to know and understand the realities of how drugs are impacting communities - well before the published literature surfaces significant issues.
We add our front-line knowledge and experience to our analysis of the evidence to help support more practical research and policy and the development of support services and public health campaigns.
Our strong, diverse networks provide an excellent platform for building widespread support for effective initiatives.
General Purpose:
The Business Manager is responsible for planning and managing the delivery of training programs, generating fee for service income, ensuring and improving the performance, productivity and financial efficiency of organisational programs and projects through the provision of effective program management methods and strategies.
Accountability:
The Business Manager reports to the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the overall management of the operations of Penington Institute’s workforce development and business operations. The Business Manager has oversight of administrative and compliance systems and will work collaboratively with other Penington Institute managers..
Key Tasks and Specific Responsibilities
Planning, Delivery and Control - Coordinate, manage and monitor the planning and delivery of workforce development programs and projects. Implement structured planning and control systems and oversee administrative functions including management of IT infrastructure.
Financial - Review financial statements and data. Utilise financial data to ensure on-budget delivery of projects. Work with the Finance Manager to prepare and control program and project budgets and improve financial efficiencies. Contribute to planning effective strategies for the financial well-being of Penington Institute.
Best Practices - Improve processes and policies in support of organisational goals. Formulate and implement policies and procedures to maximise program and project efficiencies. Monitor adherence to policies and procedures.
Human Resources - Plan the use of human resources. Develop the internal capability of the team to ensure delivery of quality outcomes whilst building leadership and knowledge for the future. Ensure a strong team structure, capable of delivering on strategic outcomes. Organise recruitment and placement of required staff. Delegate tasks and accountabilities. Establish work schedules. Manage and supervise staff. Monitor and evaluate performance.
Production – Coordinate, monitor and report on the work of the workforce development program. Be responsible for business development, expansion of commercial activities and the production of submissions and research, papers against agreed goals and key performance indicators. Manage the quality of outputs through ongoing interaction with staff. Ensure on-time and on-budget delivery of all projects. Provide technical support where necessary.
Communication - Monitor, manage and improve the efficiency of administrative & executive support services and work closely with other Penington Institute managers. Facilitate coordination and communication between support functions and service providers.
Managing third party relationships: The organisation is contracted to deliver services to third parties including government. The Business Manager will often be directly involved with these external stakeholders and has a key role in supporting and developing these relationships.
Strategic Input - Assist in the development of strategic plans for operational activity. Implement and manage operational plans.
Risk Management – Ensure key risks are assessed and managed within a framework of effective and prudent controls. Ensure that effective risk assessment and mitigation is embedded in all projects. Escalate issues for resolution in a timely manner.
Key performance indicators • Reliable and effective management • Sound relations with staff, management and Board • Implementation and completion of projects on time and on budget Meet deadlines and accountability/service agreement requirements of funders
Core Competencies Public speaking Critical thinking and problem solving skills Planning and organizing Decision-making Communication skills Persuasiveness Influencing and leading Delegation Team work Negotiation Conflict management Adaptability Stress tolerance
Key Selection Criteria Essential Experience in a senior operational management role. Proven track record in driving and managing business process and cultural change. • Well developed conceptual, strategic and analytical skills, excellent time management and organisational skills • Demonstrated capacity to lead and manage multi disciplinary staff, through high level people management and leadership skills • Proven high level interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to liaise and negotiate successfully with executive management, government agencies and other organisations • Capacity to provide executive level advice, including presentations and reports • Financial acumen to engage closely with Finance Manager in financial reporting, budget planning and cost control • Track record in business development and organisational improvement with a proven capacity to manage change in a consultative and sensitive manner • Possession of a tertiary qualification in public policy, business, commerce, health or other relevant field
Desirable Previous operational experience in a consulting environment.
Remuneration & working conditions This is a full time (38 hours per week) contracted position on limited tenure to 30th June 2017.The person will be based at 95 Drummond Street Carlton, generally working during normal business hours (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm). As this is a senior position, some out of hours work may be required should business needs require it. Occasional interstate and international travel may be required.
A salary commensurate with experience will be negotiated to attract the calibre of candidate we seek for this key appointment. Salary is paid fortnightly into a nominated bank account on the Monday after end of pay period. Salary packaging will be available and contributions will be made to your nominated superannuation fund at 9.5% of salary, on monthly basis. You will be entitled to pro rata of 20 days annual leave and 10 days personal leave per annum, exclusive of public holidays.
Additional Information: Information about Penington Institute must be maintained in strict confidence. A breach of confidence will constitute misconduct which may result in disciplinary action being taken, up to an including termination of your employment.
Equal Opportunity Penington Institute is an equal opportunity employer and promotes a safe and healthy, harassment free work place and a healthy balance between work and leisure.
Health and Safety Penington Institute office is a smoke free workplace.