Business Manager

Plymouth University; Plymouth; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading higher education institution is looking for a proactive Business Manager to support the Vice-Chancellor and manage governance operations. You will coordinate executive support, manage key teams, and enhance operational efficiency. Ideal candidates should have a degree, exceptional communication skills, and significant experience in the UK higher education sector. This role offers flexible hybrid working arrangements and generous benefits.

Benefits

35 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays

Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Enhanced family leave

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Higher Education in the UK.
• Awareness of strategic challenges and opportunities for Universities.
• Ability to produce high-quality papers, presentations, and speeches.

Responsibilities

• Provide briefings and support to the Vice-Chancellor.
• Coordinate University Executive Group's work.
• Manage Executive Assistants and Governance teams.
• Drive improvements in business management processes.
• Support compliance and governance for subsidiary Boards.

Skills

Exceptional communication skills

Understanding of University governance processes

Leadership and people management skills

Emotional intelligence

Ability to work independently

Education

Degree level education or equivalent

Job description

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We are seeking a proactive and highly organised Business Manager who will be responsible for leading and co-ordinating support for the Vice-Chancellor, ensuring they are provided with briefings and support for meetings, events and other matters requiring their attention. The Business Manager will also have wider responsibilities for ensuring there is effective, joined-up support for the executive and senior governance functions of the University.

This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented, higher education professional who thrives in a fast-paced, confidential environment and is committed to upholding the highest standards of governance and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• VC Support: Work closely with the VC to provide appropriate briefings, presentations, and research in preparation for meetings, events and other matters requiring their attention or awareness in a timely manner. This will involve dealing with sensitive and confidential matters on a regular basis.
• Executive Support: Coordinate and support the work of the University Executive Group (UEG), including preparation of agendas, papers, minutes, and the smooth running of UEG and its sub-committees.
• Line Management: Lead, manage, and develop the team of Executive Assistants and the Board Governance team, ensuring effective and efficient support is provided to both the university’s senior leadership team and the Board of Governors.
• Operational Efficiency: Drive improvements in business management processes and governance administration, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and professional service excellence.
• Company Secretary Support: Support the University’s subsidiary company Boards with statutory compliance, corporate reporting, and maintaining governance frameworks in line with regulatory requirements and sector best practice.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with the University Executive and other senior leaders, academics, professional services, and external stakeholders to ensure governance and administrative support activities are efficiently aligned and well-communicated

Although we can accommodate hybrid working, flexibility to be on-site will be expected depending on business needs.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Gavin Douglas: by email at

For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for a highly motivated individual, educated to degree level or equivalent, who can demonstrate:

• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, including ability to produce papers, presentations and speeches to a very high standard
• Significant experience of and empathy for Higher Education in the UK, including
• Awareness of strategic challenges and opportunities for the University / sector
• Understanding of University governance processes and structures
• Awareness of the wider policy and regulatory landscape for UK Universities,
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience of managing high-performing support teams.
• High level of emotional intelligence with excellent judgement and the ability to handle sensitive information with absolute discretion.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver to tight deadlines.

Application Process

Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

Interviews are expected to take place towards the end of September 2025.

Our Offer

A successful external candidate for this position would be employed by the University of Plymouth Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Plymouth. Employees of the University of Plymouth Services Limited work alongside the University of Plymouth colleagues in delivery of Plymouth’s strategic vision, and will adopt the University of Plymouth’s HR policies and procedures in full unless otherwise stated.

When joining us, you will receive:

• Generous annual leave: 35 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays & Closure Days
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced family leave

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed .

Additional Information

The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter, please visit our .