Director of Business Planning and Commercial

Advance HE; Manchester; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading higher education organization in Manchester is seeking a Director of Business Planning and Commercial to provide executive leadership across business planning, commercial and financial strategies. This senior position requires strong financial planning expertise and the ability to analyze complex information. Candidates should possess exceptional commercial acumen and experience in developing high-performing teams. The role presents an opportunity to drive significant income generation and impact within the sector.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in business planning and commercial strategies.
• Ability to generate income exceeding £15m.
• Experience in shaping effective strategies based on complex information.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of multi-year business plans.
• Oversee integrated financial and commercial strategies.
• Inspire and develop high-performing teams.

Skills

Commercial experience

Financial planning expertise

Analytical skills

Leadership capability

Strategic vision

Job description

The Director of Business Planning and Commercial will provide executive leadership across our business planning, commercial and financial strategies, ensuring sustainability and growth while maximising value for members. You will lead the development of multi-year business plans, oversee integrated financial and commercial strategies, and drive income generation in excess of £15m. This role demands a proven leader with significant commercial experience, strong financial planning expertise, and the ability to analyse complex information to shape effective strategies.

As a key member of the Executive Team, this is a senior leadership position, reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive, that requires the ability to unite strategic vision with practical execution. You will bring exceptional commercial acumen and an understanding of the higher education sector’s policy and strategic context to shape and deliver integrated business and financial strategies. As a visible and influential leader, you will inspire and develop high-performing teams, champion a culture of innovation and financial sustainability, and work collaboratively across the organisation to achieve measurable impact and long-term success. Your success will enable Advance HE to deliver measurable impact for members and position us as a highly credible voice and trusted partner in the sector.

Applications close on Sunday 14th December, at 11.59pm. Stage 1 interviews are scheduled for Friday 2nd January 2026 via MS Teams. Stage 2 interviews are scheduled for Thursday 15th January 2026 in London.

For full details on this role, please see the candidate pack here .