Senior Strategic Finance Business Partner(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Automotive Jobs
Uk
January 21, 2026
Full Time Permanent
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Job Description

The Opportunity

The University of Sussex is seeking a Senior Strategic Finance Business Partner to play a pivotal leadership role at the heart of its academic mission. This position offers the opportunity to shape financial strategy across Academic Faculties, supporting senior academic leaders to deliver sustainable growth, strong governance, and long-term value for money.

Reporting within the Finance Division, you will lead the Academic Faculties Finance Business Partnering team and act as a trusted strategic adviser to the Provost, Faculty Executive Deans, Heads of School, and the Director of Strategic Planning and Performance. Your work will directly influence how academic priorities are translated into financially sound decisions at both Faculty and institutional level.

What You Will Do

In this senior leadership role, you will:

  • Lead and develop a high-performing finance business partnering team supporting Academic Faculties
  • Provide strategic financial insight to senior academic leaders, enabling informed decision-making
  • Oversee financial planning, forecasting, and performance monitoring for Faculties and University-wide initiatives
  • Guide the development of Five-Year Financial Plans and annual academic planning processes
  • Ensure financial sustainability, robust governance, and effective use of resources across Faculties
  • Strengthen financial literacy and confidence among academic leaders and budget holders
  • Drive the development of high-quality management reporting, analytics, and insight tools
  • Ensure financial services consistently deliver value for money and align with the University’s strategic objectives
  • This role combines strategic influence, leadership, and hands-on financial expertise, offering significant scope to shape the future of academic finance at Sussex.

About You

You will be an experienced finance leader with a strong track record in strategic financial management and business partnering, ideally within a complex organisation.

You are likely to bring:

  • Proven experience delivering senior-level finance business partnering services
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop, and manage teams
  • Strategic thinking and the confidence to advise and challenge senior stakeholders constructively
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex financial information clearly
  • A commitment to continuous improvement and service excellence
  • Experience within higher education or the public sector is advantageous, but not essential.

The Finance Division

The Finance Division is led by the Chief Financial Officer, reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor. The division comprises around 80 staff delivering professional financial and commercial services across the University.

The team works closely with academic and professional colleagues to:

  • Support strategic planning and decision-making
  • Manage financial risk and ensure robust governance
  • Improve value for money and commercial outcomes
  • Build financial capability and confidence across the institution

The division plays a critical role in ensuring that Sussex uses its resources effectively to support students, research partners, and the wider community.

Why Join the University of Sussex?

Located at the edge of the South Downs National Park, the University of Sussex offers a unique working environment that combines academic excellence, inclusivity, and quality of life.

The University is known for its:

  • Research-led, internationally recognised teaching and scholarship
  • Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
  • Collaborative and values-driven culture
  • Excellent staff benefits, including flexible working and wellbeing support
  • The campus is easily accessible by public transport, with Falmer train station just a short walk away.

External Policy & Governance Context (UK Government Resources)

This role operates within national frameworks for public finance, governance, and workforce regulation, including:

Visa Information

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. The assigned SOC code is 1131 – Financial Managers and Directors, with a current going rate of £75,100. Eligibility will depend on individual circumstances, including whether an applicant holds existing Skilled Worker sponsorship issued before 4 April 2024.

Key Dates & Application Details

  • Closing Date: 26 January 2026 (3:59 PM)
  • Interviews: Week commencing 9 February 2026
  • Expected Start Date: As soon as possible, subject to notice periods

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