Head of Projects Systems and Commercial

Closing Date:

25/04/2025

Bradford Finance is undergoing significant change and investment. Having been under resourced for a number of years it is now entering a new phase of development and strategic focus in order to support the Council’s ambitious new corporate strategy and plans. 

A restructure has recently completed with the department now comprising four key teams: Management Accounting; Corporate and Strategic Finance; Projects, Systems and Commercial; and Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement. The restructure includes significant additional capacity and investment in training and development. 

A new service plan is being developed during 2025 with a clear strategic focus and direction including a development plan to focus on delivering financial literacy across the organisation, while at the same time, elevating the impact of the Finance team within the organisation to support and drive the Council’s strategic plans whilst delivering its financial sustainability and recovery programme. 

The team has recently been highly instrumental in the last 12 months in helping the Council secure:

• the lifting of the Best Value Notice put in place in February 2024 by February 2025, an unprecedented achievement
• a very positive review by CIPFA about progress being made in Bradford to become financially sustainable.  CIPFA cites progress being made in several key areas, including the addressing of risks identified in the previous review of 2023. They also report that financial planning in Bradford is robust, savings proposals are well considered and are being delivered, even where choices are difficult.
• completion of the 2025/26 budget much earlier than previously.
• closure and audit sign off of the 2022/23 and 2023/24 accounts in the last 4 months, both with an unqualified opinion.
• a very positive half year report by the Council’s Independent Board.

The Head of Projects, Systems and Commercial role is crucial to the delivery of the Council’s plans and future financial sustainability. The post is key to developing and providing a strategic vision for the future development of the service to enable the council to meet its future challenges whilst fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This role is an opportunity to make a real difference in our vibrant and diverse city. 

We are looking for an exceptional individual to join our dedicated team in the Finance Department to lead as our Head of Projects, Systems and Commercial. The successful candidate will be expected to lead, develop and ensure implementation of and review of change management programmes to deliver continual improvement. 

 The main responsibilities of this role are:

• To manage, lead and motivate a team of staff who provide a range of specialist functions advising on major Corporate and capital initiatives, and core business controls including the financial systems and the upcoming ERP system upgrade. 
• To work within broad policy guidelines and objectives with a high degree of discretion and delegated authority. The seniority of the post is such that the post holder is required to demonstrate initiative, high levels of political awareness, professional and managerial competence in carrying out the functions of the post. 
• To deal with complex, sensitive and confidential matters on a regular basis. and liaise directly with elected Members and senior management, assistant directors, Trade Unions, senior officers and external agencies, providing professional information and advice on financial matters and control issues. To brief the Director of Finance on matters of a significant or sensitive nature in a timely manner. 
• To implement decisions in relation to the resources of the Team in line with corporate policies and procedures, as well as delegating and prioritising tasks and duties in order to ensure successful delivery of the service. 
• To positively support and deliver the vision, values and strategic objectives of the Council through the Finance service by providing constructive and timely advice on all financial matters, control issues, innovative solutions to key projects and corporate initiatives. Make a major and sustained contribution to develop, drive forward and integrate the necessary change to influence the Council’s improvement. 
• Develop and maintain working relationships with Members, senior management and other senior officers, other Council services, external agencies and peer groups working corporately and cooperatively to ensure the service is at the forefront of innovation and change. 
• Prepare and present appropriate reports to senior management and elected Members as required. Support the Director of Finance in the approval of reports prepared for Executive and other Committees including Corporate Overview & Scrutiny and Governance & Audit , providing advice and guidance as appropriate. 
• Develop an effective interface with the private sector and other partner organisations, managing new ways of working alongside the regulatory framework of the Council.

 How to Apply

If you are interested in joining our team and would like some further information, please contact

• Steven Mair, Interim Director of Finance email Steven.Mair@Bradford.gov.uk
• Andrew Cross, Head of Management Accounting on 07870 386523 or email Andrew.Cross@Bradford.gov.uk, or
• Mike Thomas on 07738 128501 or email Mike.Thomas@Bradford.gov.uk.

Further information is available through the links below, along with the attached Job Profile and Candidate Information Pack.

Budget Meeting of Council - 06 March 2025

Statement of Accounts - 2023/24

CBMDC - External Assurance Review

Employee Offer

Why work for Bradford Council? Find out why by taking a look at Our Employee Offer.pdf .

Equal Opportunities 

We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee directly or indirectly on the grounds of gender, marital status, gender re-assignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, ethnic background, religion or belief nationality or age. And, as an equal opportunities employer, the Council strives to employ the best qualified people from a diverse range of applicants. 

 The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.