Job Introduction
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 Insurance Manager is seen as a very important role in supporting the delivery of the Council’s plans and future financial sustainability. The post is key to developing and providing a strategic vision and plan for the council’s insurance arrangements and is essential to 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 and experienced individual to lead as our Insurance Manager in our dedicated team in the Corporate and Strategic Finance Team. The successful candidate will be expected to lead the insurance service, develop and implement an effective insurance strategy and review arrangements to deliver continual improvement.
The main responsibilities of this role are:
- To support the Head of Corporate and Strategic Finance in providing leadership, proactive and creative advice on the most effective insurance arrangements for the Council and associated partners.
- To lead a team responsible for the delivery of the insurance function including managing the relationship with the management of the Council’s insurance broker to deliver a cost effective and efficient insurance programme that manages the council’s key risks.
- To provide leadership, proactive and creative advice for managers on the most effective insurance arrangements.
- To provide professional leadership and support to senior leadership and departmental management in respect of the Council’s insurance arrangements and the management of the Council’s Insurance Section.
- To lead on the procurement of the Council’s insurance programme, ensuring compliance with the Insurance Act 2015 and challenge the needs of the authority and the relevant levels of cover and deductibles.
- To inform the Director of Finance on all substantive risks relating to insurance matters and the appropriateness of covers and remaining risks reporting to members and CMT on a regular basis.
- To advise the Director of Finance on the appropriate level of provisions and reserves to be maintained for insurance matters.
- To collaborate with service areas and contribute to the development of loss control strategies to improve the Council’s insurance risk profile and improvement of the risk management arrangements.
- To lead the Council’s insurance claims handling arrangements to ensure they are handled in a professional and timely manner including liaison with claims handlers, legal representatives, loss adjusters and departmental contacts in the gathering of evidential support for complex cases.
- To provide advice on application and interpretation of financial regulations and standing orders and the Council’s financial procedures and practices as they relate to insurance and risk management.
- To proactively manage the day-to-day performance of staff within direct control (reward good and address poor performance) including recruitment, appraisal, conflict resolution and ensure continuing professional development of self and team.
- To look for opportunities to implement continuous improvement so that BMDC Finance can be best in class through liaison with sector professionals and trade organisations such as ALARM.
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining our team and would like some further information, please contact
- Celia Yang, Head of Corporate and Strategic Finance, Tel: 07977 814829 email: celia.yang@bradford.gov.uk,
- Robin Powell, Interim Insurance Manager, Tel: 07775 923530 Email: Robin.Powell @Bradford.gov.uk (only available from 07 April 2025), 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.
