University of Manchester

Chair of Finance Committee

The University of Manchester is a research-intensive university that is part of the prestigious Russell Group. It is also one of the UK’s largest single-site higher education institutions, with more than 40,000 students and 12,500 staff, a £1 billion turnover, and a significant ongoing capital investment programme. The University has a positive and significant impact on broader society through delivering its three core goals of world-class research, outstanding learning and student experience, and social responsibility. Its academics address some of the world’s biggest and most pressing challenges, whilst its students benefit from tuition that is academically rigorous and geared towards future employability.

The Board of Governors holds the senior officers to account for meeting these strategic objectives and fulfilling the academic mission. A recent external review found that the University is very well governed, with an effective Chair and high levels of skill and enthusiasm amongst all Board members. With the term of an experienced Governor coming to an end, the University is now seeking an additional lay member of the Board. He or she will formally take up post as Board Governor and Chair of Finance Committee from September 2020, but will be invited to attend Board and Committee meetings in the second half of the current academic year.

The role would suit either a financially literate, non-finance specialist or someone who has served at CFO level or equivalent. Senior, strategic management experience, gained in a commercial business and/or in a not-for-profit institution of significant scale and complexity, is essential. No prior education sector experience is required, but the lay member must have a deep belief in and commitment to the University’s mission.

This is a rare opportunity to get involved with governing a higher education institution of considerable scale, success, social impact and ambition. Further information can be found at www.odgers.com/73579

Expressions of interest are invited at your earliest convenience, and in any event by no later than Monday 4 November 2019.

We are particularly keen to hear from women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) applicants. All appointments are made on merit.