Department Business Manager

What You'll Be Doing
Wake County Community Services is seeking an experienced, results-oriented Department Business Manager to oversee financial and human resources operations across Libraries, Parks, Recreation & Open Space, Animal Services, and Solid Waste Management.

A key focus of this role will be managing and optimizing the financial model for the Solid Waste enterprise fund, ensuring long-term sustainability, accurate forecasting, and strategic fee-based planning. The ideal candidate will combine strong financial expertise, HR leadership, and strategic planning skills with a commitment to public service excellence.

Key Responsibilities
Financial Management

• Develop, monitor, and manage budgets across multiple departments, including the Solid Waste enterprise fund.
• Build and maintain long-term financial models, including cost recovery, rate-setting, capital replacement, and reserve fund planning.
• Prepare financial forecasts, analyses, and reports for department leadership, county management, and elected officials.
• Ensure compliance with county, state, and federal financial regulations and policies.
• Oversee procurement, contract negotiation, and vendor management for services and capital projects.

Human Resources Operations

• Provide guidance and oversight for managers for HR functions, including recruitment, classification/compensation, employee relations, and workforce planning.
• Ensure compliance with county policies, labor regulations, and best practices.
• Support leadership in staff development, performance management, and team-building initiatives.

Strategic Planning & Operations

• Collaborate with department directors to align financial and operational strategies with county goals.
• Lead or support long-term planning initiatives, including capital projects, sustainability efforts, and enterprise fund forecasting.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvements, efficiency, and cost savings.

Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare and submit financial, operational, and regulatory reports, including tonnage and performance metrics for Solid Waste.
• Maintain transparency and accountability in fund management, ensuring accurate and auditable records and monitor performance indicators, using data-driven insights to inform decisions.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Supervise and mentor business operations staff, providing guidance and performance oversight.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including county leadership, finance teams, regulatory agencies, and community partners.
• Present analyses, recommendations, and reports to directors, committees, and elected officials.

About Our Team
Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in North Carolina, with approximately 1,232,444 residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as one of the best places to live, work and play — and it's no surprise. This candidate selected will work with the Budget and Management Division of the Wake County Community Services Department and supports

Required
The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Accounting or related field
• Five years of experience in finance, budgeting, policy or management analysis, including one year of supervisory experience

Equivalent education and experience are accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Expertise in enterprise fund modeling, including cost recovery, rate analysis, and long-term forecasting
• Experience with Solid Waste Operations

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Public sector budgeting, financial management, and fund accounting
• Strong financial analysis, data interpretation, and strategic planning skills
• Ability to develop and manage large, complex budgets across multiple service areas
• Clear, professional communication and the ability to translate financial/HR information for diverse audiences
• Proven leadership and team management abilities
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and process-improvement skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with department leadership, staff, and external partners
• Proficiency with financial systems, HRIS platforms, and data tools/dashboards
• Capacity to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day operational needs in a fast-paced environment

About This Position
Location: WCOB Raleigh, NC

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: M-F 8:30am - 5:15pm

Hiring Range: 86, ,925

Market Range: 86, ,472

Please include
ALL
prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 11/21/2025

What Makes Wake Great
Equal Opportunity Statement
Background Check Statement
Emergency Service Worker Statement
What Makes Wake Great
Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play. The central location of the County allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast. Wake County Government is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at-large to serve two-year terms. Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.874 billion, employs over 4400 employees, experiences minimal turnover, and is an award-winning leader in wellness and technology initiatives; such as offering employees and covered spouses free access to the Employee Health Center. Wake County Government offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, a stable career in public service with a balance of work and family life, flexible work schedules and a competitive salary and benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Statement
Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement
Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement
In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.