Senior Strategic Finance Business Partner – Strategic Development Initiatives(UK visa sponsorship available)
Job Description
The Role
The University of Sussex is seeking a Senior Strategic Finance Business Partner to lead financial strategy and planning in support of the University’s Strategy 2035. This newly created role will provide expert financial advice to the Executive team, ensuring sustainable performance while enabling the successful delivery of strategic development initiatives.
You will take a leading role in identifying, evaluating, and developing new business opportunities, working in close partnership with service directors, academic leaders, and professional service teams. This will include:
Developing business cases and financially sustainable plans for new and existing initiatives.
Advising on financial strategy and supporting decision-making at an executive level.
Strengthening the University’s portfolio of income-generating activities based on teaching, research, and related services.
The role requires forging strong working relationships across the institution, collaborating with colleagues at all levels, and contributing to a culture of excellent financial management and literacy.
About You
We are looking for a highly strategic, commercially minded professional with:
Significant experience in financial planning, analysis, and business case development.
The ability to present complex financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.
Strong collaboration skills, with confidence working alongside senior leaders and operational managers.
Proven analytical skills and experience using data and reporting tools to support decision-making.
A track record of enabling sustainable business growth and improving financial performance.
You will be a confident communicator and an effective partner who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, while supporting colleagues across academic and professional services.
About the Finance Division
The Finance Division, led by the Chief Financial Officer, supports the University’s academic and operational activities with a team of around 80 staff. We provide high-quality financial services, commercial advice, and risk management, while driving efficiency and value for money across the institution.
Our aim is to equip colleagues across the University with the skills and confidence to make effective financial decisions, ensuring resources are used to best support our students, research partners, and long-term strategy.
Find out more here: Finance Division – University of Sussex
Why Sussex?
Our campus is set within 150 acres of the South Downs National Park, just a short walk from Falmer train station and accessible by excellent public transport links. Staff benefit from:
Cycle-to-work scheme and dedicated cycling routes.
A comprehensive rewards and benefits package.
A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Sussex is a world-renowned, research-led university, and we are proud of the people who make this possible – our staff, students, and partners.
Key Information
Closing date: 8 October 2025, 3:59 PM
Interview dates: Week commencing 20 October 2025 (two-stage process)
Start date: November 2025
Visa sponsorship: This role may be eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. See our Visa information page
for details.
