Senior Finance Business Partner(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Automotive Jobs
Uk
January 14, 2026
Full Time Permanent
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Job Description

The Role

The University of Sussex is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Senior Finance Business Partner to play a central role in shaping and supporting major strategic development initiatives. This is a newly created position, designed to strengthen financial leadership at a time of significant institutional ambition and change.

Working closely with senior academic and professional services leaders, you will provide high-quality financial insight and challenge to support the delivery of the University’s Strategy 2035. Your work will ensure that new and existing initiatives are financially robust, strategically aligned, and capable of delivering sustainable long-term value.

Key Responsibilities

  • Act as a senior financial adviser to University leaders, supporting strategic planning and investment decision-making.
  • Lead financial analysis and appraisal of new business opportunities, including income-generating and commercial initiatives linked to teaching, research, and wider services.
  • Work with Directors of Service and academic business leads to develop, assess, and prioritise proposals for consideration by the University Executive.
  • Build and evaluate business cases, financial models, and implementation plans to ensure initiatives are financially viable and deliver measurable outcomes.
  • Support the performance improvement of existing projects and services through robust financial insight and forecasting.
  • Partner with budget holders across academic and professional services portfolios to strengthen financial capability, governance, and accountability.

Present complex financial information clearly and concisely to non-financial audiences, enabling confident and informed decision-making.

About You

You will be an accomplished finance professional with a strong background in business partnering within a large, complex organisation—ideally within the higher education sector or a similarly diverse environment. You will bring:

  • Proven experience advising senior leaders and influencing strategic decisions through credible financial insight.
  • Advanced analytical skills, with the ability to translate data into clear options and recommendations.
  • A strong track record in budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and business case development.
  • Confidence using reporting tools and data-driven approaches to support strategic and operational decision-making.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to explain complex financial concepts to non-finance colleagues.
  • A collaborative mindset, with enthusiasm for team working and shared problem-solving across finance and wider University teams.
  • You will be curious, solutions-focused, and motivated by helping organisations use their resources effectively to achieve ambitious goals.

About the Finance Division

The Finance Division is led by the Director of Finance, who reports directly to the Vice-Chancellor. The Division comprises approximately 80 staff delivering professional financial, commercial, and advisory services across the University.

We work in close partnership with academic departments, professional services, and students to understand priorities, manage financial risk, and identify opportunities for growth and efficiency. Our role is not only to safeguard financial sustainability, but also to enable innovation, improve spending power, and build financial confidence across the institution.

Further information about the Division can be found on the University of Sussex Finance webpages.

Why Work at Sussex

  • A unique campus environment set within 150 acres next to the South Downs National Park.
  • Excellent transport links, including a mainline train station five minutes from campus and multiple on-site bus routes.
  • Support for sustainable travel, including a cycle-to-work scheme and dedicated cycling infrastructure.
  • A diverse, inclusive, and international university community where people are central to success.

Visa and Right to Work Information

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker route. The assigned SOC code is 1131, with a current going rate of £75,100. Eligibility will depend on the salary offered and whether the candidate holds an existing Skilled Worker sponsorship that began before 4 April 2024.

All work for the University must be undertaken in the UK.

Useful UK government guidance:

Managing public sector business cases (HM Treasury Green Book)

How to Apply and Further Information

Full details and application instructions are available via the University’s vacancies page.

Closing date: 26 January 2026, 3:59 pm
Expected interviews: Week commencing 9 February 2026
Expected start date: As soon as possible, subject to contractual notice periods

The University of Sussex is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

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