Business Planning Manager

Overview

In this role you will lead the 30-year Housing Revenue Account (HRA) business plan and guide financial sustainability for Housing services. You will align financial planning with operational priorities, asset investment and service delivery, using complex modelling to inform senior decision-making. You’ll work across Housing, Strategic Finance and governance forums to ensure the plan is robust, compliant and evidence-based. This is a strategic, cross-functional senior role focused on long-term value for tenants and residents. You’ll join a transformation agenda that strengthens governance, regulatory assurance and sustainable investment.

Pay / Benefits

• generous holiday entitlement
• flexible working opportunities
• job share options
• support for unpaid caring responsibilities
• guaranteed interview for certain applicants
• flexible salaries within grade arrangements

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, delivery and review of the 30-year HRA Business Plan
• Coordinate evidence, assumptions and inputs to maintain a robust plan
• Apply financial models, forecasting, scenario analysis and sensitivity testing to inform decisions and manage risk
• Provide options appraisals, recommendations and briefings for senior leaders and governance forums
• Ensure the plan meets legislative, regulatory and financial requirements, including the HRA ring-fence and Rent Standard
• Monitor delivery, performance and risks; update the plan as circumstances change
• Align financial planning with operational priorities, asset investment and service delivery
• Ensure business planning, budget setting and investment decisions reflect tenant, resident and leaseholder feedback
• Collaborate with Housing service and Finance Business Partnering to ensure cross-team alignment and value-for-money focus
• Maximise value from the HRA through detailed income/expenditure assessment to achieve value for money for tenants and residents

Key requirements

• Detailed knowledge of local authority housing finance and 30-year HRA planning (rents, service charges, ring-fence, revenue and capital planning)
• Substantial experience in business planning/financial planning/policy in a complex public service or housing environment
• Experience with complex financial modelling, scenario analysis and sensitivity testing
• Knowledge of the policy and regulatory framework for council housing, including the Rent Standard
• Ability to analyse complex financial, operational and policy information and produce clear recommendations
• Experience producing reports, business cases and briefings for senior management, boards or governance forums
• Strong communication, stakeholder-management and influencing skills across multiple teams and deadlines
• A relevant degree or professional qualification with appropriate experience (or equivalent)

• Strong communication skills
• Stakeholder-management and influencing
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Financial modelling
• Forecasting and scenario analysis
• Sensitivity testing

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