Chief Financial Officer for Commercial Ventures

3 weeks ago


Glasgow, Glasgow City, United Kingdom University of Glasgow Full time

Job Overview

Reporting to the Executive Director of Finance, the Head of Commercial Finance Strategy will spearhead the strategic and operational advancement of the University's commercial initiatives, enhancing financial value, growth, and revenue generation that aligns with the institution's strategic goals. This pivotal role will shape and propel the University's commercial endeavors to optimize year-round returns from its physical assets and services offered in the marketplace.

This position has been established to significantly enhance the institution's capacity to improve commercial returns and provide financial guidance for planned expansions in economic development and international projects.

The role encompasses a University-wide scope and will involve substantial engagement at senior levels both internally and externally with stakeholders, clients, and potential collaborators.

The successful candidate will be tasked with designing a supportive structure that aligns with the long-term objectives of the institution, operating within a matrix framework that includes dedicated staff, external assistance, and the broader finance team.

The University generates over £100 million annually from commercial activities, with expectations for growth as the institution invests in additional commercial ventures and seeks partnerships to enhance economic impact both locally and beyond. In line with this growth, the role holder will assemble a team to provide strategic financial leadership, facilitating the structuring, negotiation, and execution of this expansion in collaboration with relevant business partners.

As a member of the Finance Leadership team, the role holder will contribute to the formulation and implementation of the University's financial strategy, engage in finance-related initiatives, and support personnel development, while representing the service on the University's Economic Development Board and Transnational Education Board.

Main Responsibilities

  1. Formulate strategies for the execution of the University's commercial activities, focusing on revenue generation and diversification to enhance income and maximize business growth, while optimizing commercial margins.
  2. Identify emerging opportunities, lead commercial due diligence efforts, and ensure that decision-making is underpinned by data-driven business cases.
  3. Collaborate closely with other senior leaders, including the Director of Economic Development, to lead financial negotiations related to property joint ventures and deliver commercial and economic development opportunities.
  4. Build and nurture an effective team to leverage both internal and external resources, equipping the University with the necessary skills and capacity to manage future investments and deal pipelines.
  5. Adopt a commercial, entrepreneurial mindset to service delivery, emphasizing excellence and outstanding customer service through efficient operational models.
  6. Implement innovative working methods and new commercial activities based on robust business cases that clearly articulate a return on investment for the University.
  7. Establish comprehensive processes to monitor commercial performance, ensuring that appropriate KPIs and strategies are defined and evaluated across the institution.
  8. Strategically lead the development of commercial policies and procedures to create a framework for managing commercial risks and returns.
  9. Devise new and innovative delivery mechanisms for commercial activities, including establishing mutually beneficial agreements with partner organizations.
  10. Oversee the creation of high-profile contract specifications and tender processes, ensuring that clear quality standards are established, maintained, and monitored.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Essential Knowledge/Qualifications:

  • A1 Degree-level education.
  • A2 Membership in a recognized CCAB accounting professional body.
  • A3 Expert understanding of project financing, contracts, and structures.
  • A4 Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Essential Skills:

  • C1 Advanced commercial negotiation skills in multi-million-pound long-term agreements.
  • C2 Strong leadership and management capabilities with a proven ability to cultivate high-performing teams.
  • C3 High-level influencing and interpersonal skills, capable of quickly establishing credibility and delivering impact at all organizational levels.
  • C4 Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement effective strategies and policies.
  • C5 Capacity to drive change in alignment with strategic and operational objectives.
  • C6 Ability to constructively challenge existing practices, influence change, and present arguments based on sound professional judgment.
  • C7 Proficient report writing and presentation skills, capable of translating complex financial concepts for non-financial colleagues.
  • C8 Outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities, capable of making well-considered decisions and resolving conflicts.
  • C9 Self-motivated with the ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing demands.
  • C10 Advanced proficiency in industry-standard financial and accounting software.

Essential Experience:

  • E1 Significant post-qualification experience in corporate finance and commercial finance at a senior level within a large, complex organization.
  • E2 Experience negotiating commercial contracts, including joint ventures and procurement agreements.
  • E3 Proven track record of leadership and delivery in a senior financial capacity within a politically or highly complex environment.
  • E4 Extensive experience in leading and managing teams to achieve excellence, including oversight of third-party experts.
  • E5 History of delivering measurable service improvements through technology and business systems.
  • E6 Experience interpreting complex information to provide effective solutions.
  • E7 Significant experience aligning institutional strategy with policy development.
  • E8 Proven success in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships at all levels.
  • E9 Experience preparing and presenting complex information for diverse audiences.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be competitive within the Management, Professional and Administrative, Senior Administrative Group, level 10.

This position is full-time (35 hours per week) and open-ended (permanent). Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.

As a member of Team UofG, you will join a world-changing, inclusive community that values ambition, excellence, integrity, and curiosity.

As a valued team member, you can expect:

  • A welcoming organizational culture that nurtures talent and celebrates success.
  • An excellent employment package with generous terms, including 41 days of leave for full-time staff, benefits, and discount packages.
  • A flexible approach to working.
  • A commitment to supporting your professional development.

The University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from all communities, particularly those underrepresented within the institution.

The University endorses the principles of Athena Swan and holds bronze, silver, and gold awards across its operations.



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