Head of Commercial Finance Strategy

3 weeks ago

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

Job Purpose

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

The Head of Commercial Finance Strategy is a newly established position aimed at significantly improving the institution's capacity to enhance commercial returns and provide financial guidance for anticipated growth in economic development and international collaborations.

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

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

Revenue generated from commercial activities exceeds £100 million annually and is projected to increase as the institution invests in additional commercial operations and seeks partnerships to foster economic development both locally and beyond. As part of this expansion, the role holder will assemble a team to provide strategic financial leadership, facilitating the structuring, negotiation, and execution of this growth 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, broader finance-related initiatives, and personnel development, while representing the service on various institutional boards.

Main Duties & 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 expansion, while optimizing commercial margins for the institution.
2. Identify emerging opportunities, lead commercial due diligence processes, and ensure that decision-making is supported by data-driven business cases.
3. Collaborate closely with other senior leaders, including the Director of Economic Development, to negotiate financial terms for property joint ventures and deliver commercial and economic development opportunities.
4. Build and cultivate 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. Employ a commercial, entrepreneurial mindset in service delivery, emphasizing excellence and outstanding customer service through efficient operational models.
6. Introduce innovative working methods and new commercial activities based on solid business cases that clearly outline returns on investment for the University.
7. Establish robust processes to monitor commercial performance, ensuring appropriate KPIs and strategies are set and evaluated across the institution.
8. Lead the development of commercial policies and procedures to create a framework for managing commercial risks and returns.
9. Innovate new delivery mechanisms for commercial activities, including establishing mutually beneficial agreements with partner organizations.
10. Supervise the creation of high-profile contract specifications and tender processes, ensuring that clear quality standards are established, maintained, and monitored.

Knowledge/Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:
A1 Degree-level education.
A2 Membership in a recognized CCAB accounting professional body.
A3 In-depth knowledge of project financing, contracts, and structures.
A4 Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Skills

Essential:
C1 Advanced commercial negotiation skills in high-value, long-term agreements.
C2 Strong leadership and management capabilities with a proven track record of developing high-performing teams.
C3 Exceptional 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 Well-developed report writing and presentation skills, capable of translating complex financial information for non-financial colleagues.
C8 Proven analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make informed decisions and resolve conflicts effectively.
C9 Self-motivated with the ability to work efficiently under pressure and manage competing priorities.
C10 Advanced proficiency in industry-standard financial and accounting software.

Experience

Essential:
E1 Extensive 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 Demonstrated success in leadership and delivery at a senior financial level in politically or highly complex environments.
E4 Proven experience in leading and managing teams to achieve excellence, including oversight of third-party experts.
E5 Track record of delivering measurable service improvements through technology and business systems.
E6 Experience in interpreting complex information to provide effective solutions for achieving results.
E7 Significant experience in aligning institutional strategy with policy development.
E8 Successful in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships at all levels, inspiring trust and confidence.
E9 Experience in 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 permanent. Relocation assistance will be provided as appropriate.

As a member of the University community, you will be part of an inclusive environment that values ambition, excellence, integrity, and curiosity.

As a valued team member, you can expect:

1 A welcoming organizational culture that nurtures your talents and celebrates success.
2 An excellent employment package with generous terms, including 41 days of leave for full-time staff, benefits, and discounts.
3 A flexible working approach.
4 A commitment to supporting your professional development.

The University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, welcoming applications from all communities, particularly from underrepresented groups.

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

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