Governance Manager

Coventry University; Coventry; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Coventry is seeking a Governance Manager to coordinate governance services, ensuring compliance and leading strategic initiatives. The role requires significant experience in corporate governance and exceptional leadership skills. The ideal candidate should hold a degree and have expertise in governance frameworks. A competitive salary, generous benefits, and a focus on diversity and inclusion define the work culture.

Benefits

Excellent Employers Pension Contribution

30 days Annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Holiday Purchase Scheme up to 5 additional days

Life Assurance 4 x Salary

BUPA Cash Plan

50% off Tuition Fees for staff dependants

Discounts across a range of High Street/ Online Retailers

Electric Car Scheme

Cycle To work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in a corporate governance role at a senior level is essential.
• Experience negotiating, influencing, and persuading senior management.
• Experience in team leadership and development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate governance services across the University Group.
• Support the Board of Governors and its Sub-Committees.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Education

Degree or equivalent qualification

Membership of Chartered Governance Institute UK and Ireland

Job description

Job Title Governance Manager

Job Reference 3292

Application Closing Date 12/01/2026

Division, Department CU Corporate Services Limited (CUCS), CUCS VCO Senior Management

Salary Competitive starting salary range from £50,385.00 up to £57,496.00 per annum pro-rata (dependent upon experience) with the potential to progress. A discretionary range for candidates with exceptional experience can be discussed/considered.

Mode Fixed Term for 12 months, Full Time

Our Mission

Coventry University Group is a global education group with a mission of Creating Better Futures. We are driven by our passionate belief in the transformational power of education and research to enable and empower our students, colleagues and partners and to improve the world around them. Our people are key to our success and each role contributes to the Group's ongoing progress in communities around the world.

The Role

We are recruiting an experienced Governance Manager within the Governance & Secretariat function who will play a pivotal role in supporting the Head of Governance and Group Company Secretary in delivering high-quality governance services.

In this role you will be responsible for managing the group's governance arrangements, this will include but not be limited to the Coventry University Board of Governors and its Sub-Committees, University Group Executive Committees and the Boards of the UK- based and international companies associated with the University Group (from hereon in referred to as Boards/Committees). The role will also be key to ensuring that the University Group meets all of its legal and regulatory compliance requirements. You will also be required to keep update to date with developments in governance and committee management and ensure that the University Group operates in line with best practice.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the delivery of governance services across the University Group.
• Support the Board of Governors, its Sub-Committees, and UK/international subsidiary Boards.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and enhance governance systems and processes.
• Deputise for the Head of Governance and Group Company Secretary when required.
• This is a strategic role, therefore you will require strong leadership, organisational skills, and excellent stakeholder management skills.

Our Successful Candidate

You will hold a degree or an equivalent qualification, or have substantial relevant experience. Membership, particularly chartered status of the Chartered Governance Institute UK and Ireland would be advantageous.

You will have considerable experience of working within a corporate governance role at a senior level, along with previous working experience in roles which included negotiating, influencing and persuading others, particularly senior management/non-executive members.

You will also have experience of team leadership and development, with an outcomes-based approach to personal and team achievements.

You will be highly organised, analytical, and able to manage complex activities under pressure.

An understanding of complex governance frameworks in a public or education sector organisation and principles of good governance, along with knowledge of the role of the company secretary would be advantageous.

The Benefits

• Excellent Employers Pension Contribution
• 30 days Annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• New Holiday Purchase Scheme up to 5 additional days
• Life Assurance 4 x Salary
• BUPA Cash Plan
• 50% off Tuition Fees for staff dependants
• CU Reward Scheme - Discounts across a range of High Street/ Online Retailers
• New Electric Car Scheme
• Cycle To work scheme

Our Culture

As a global Education Group, equality, diversity, and inclusion are embedded within the fabric of our organisation and are a key focus of our core values. We harness the power and potential of the diverse cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences of our students, colleagues, and partners to create opportunities for all.