Office Manager (Sydney Bureau Manager), BBC News

Package Description

Job Title: Bureau Manager
Job reference: 21247
Band: C
Contract: Permanent
Location: Office Base is Sydney

Any offer of employment with the BBC will be conditional upon you having the right to work in Australia.

Interviews will take place the week commencing 17th February 2025.

If you need to discuss adjustments or access requirements for the interview process please contact the reasonable.adjustments@bbc.co.uk. For any general queries, please contact: bbchr@bbc.co.uk.

Please note that the application process will require you to upload a CV and complete the online application form with the opportunity to detail your experience, skills and knowledge required for the role.

Job Introduction

The Sydney Bureau Manager will be responsible for the operational delivery of the support infrastructure and media production output and facilities to support BBC News. You will manage a safe, compliant operation, delivery of general and efficient administrative service.

This is a key role in the Sydney Bureau. You will understand the strategic priorities of all parts of the business and will work with editorial colleagues to ensure the effective running of the office, enabling BBC News to grow its audience.

Main Responsibilities and Accountabilities

As a Bureau Manager you will be involved in different parts of the business to ensure the smooth running of a busy office.

Some of the main duties include:

• To work effectively directly with the Regional Manager, International Manager and wider teams. To collaborate effectively with HRBP, Finance, Legal, tax, and Operations staff, High Risk and Safety advisors both in UK and Sydney as applicable.
• To ensure compliance in Australia, as well as within the BBC in financial, human resource and administrative areas and to be a single point of contact on compliance issues, and to advise on levels of risk
• Supervise financial operations; including management of corporate bank accounts, oversight of accounting , preparation of budgets with finance teams and supervision of payroll matters.
• Supervise HR operations locally; including, maintenance of HR paperwork i.e. employment agreements, personnel records and visa support.
• Supervise a small team of local accountants, administrative assistants, janitorial staff, if any, and arrange their job responsibilities to ensure efficient functioning of the Bureau in all areas in charge.
• To assist correspondents and other staff in the logistical management of coverage, with a view to making it as cost effective and safe as possible.
• To coordinate on legal matters in country with Regional manager, International Operations team and legal advisors both in UK and Sydney.
• Support on staff scheduling.
• Any other business which require administrative, financial or business support in Sydney.

Are you the right candidate?

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong administrative skills.
• Financial education, knowledge and experience will be of great advantage.
• Experience of supporting and delivering to strategic objectives.
• Thorough financial , knowledge of local tax, commercial, media, labour and safety legislation.
• Sound book keeping experience: working with budgets; preparing financial reports; advising managers of cost issues; good working knowledge of SAP and/or relevant accounting software.
• Experience of managing and motivating a team; strong personal skills and confidence in communicating with people at all levels and from different backgrounds.
• Experience of stakeholder and crisis management.
• Excellent negotiating and influencing skills, with demonstrated experience of negotiating contracts with external suppliers and partners.
• Demonstrated experience of introducing new, flexible and efficient working practices.
• Excellent IT skills, with advanced knowledge of and programs such as Excel, Word , Team and Outlook, as well as the ability to become proficient in internal BBC technology systems.
• Ability to work unsupervised in a busy environment.
• A relevant bachelors degree.