Governance Manager (Strategic & Academic Focus)

University of Bath; Bath; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading institution in higher education seeks a Governance Manager to enhance governance structures and support the Council and Senate. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills and experience in governance frameworks. This role offers a full-time position with flexible working arrangements and a range of benefits, including generous leave and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Free counselling services through Health Assured

Cycle to work scheme

Generous employer contributory pension schemes

Generous annual leave allowance with added discretionary days

Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath

Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees

Local discounts and more

Qualifications

• Experience of supporting senior boards or committees.
• Ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
• Experience of leading or supporting others.

Responsibilities

• Drive improvements across governance framework.
• Support the governance cycle for Council and Senate.
• Line-manage and mentor Governance Partners.

Skills

Understanding of effective governance frameworks

Excellent communication and drafting skills

Confidence in managing relationships with senior stakeholders

Strong organisational and project-management skills

Proactive and improvement-focused mindset

Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Education

Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

Governance Manager (Strategic & Academic Focus)

We're looking for a strategic, confident and highly organised governance professional to join our expanding Governance Office as a Governance Manager (Strategic & Academic Focus). This is a pivotal post supporting the University's two principal governing bodies - Council and Senate - and helping to shape the governance structures that underpin our success as a leading global university.

About the Role

This post sits within the Governance Office, reporting to the Head of Governance, and works closely with the Governance Manager (Executive Focus). Together, these roles form a core leadership team that supports the University's Council, Senate, and Executive in delivering high standards of accountability, assurance, and integrity.

Responsibilities

• Drive improvements across our governance framework - simplifying processes, improving transparency, and supporting institutional effectiveness.
• Support in leading the governance cycle for Council and Senate, ensuring effective, transparent and high-quality decision-making at the heart of the University.
• Line‑manage and mentor Governance Partners, supporting their professional development and the delivery of excellent service across the team.

You will be part of a collegiate and forward‑looking governance team that values professionalism, innovation, and inclusivity – helping to ensure our governance supports the University's ambitious strategic direction. You will be a confident and collaborative governance professional who enjoys shaping how decisions are made and ensuring that good governance adds real value. You'll combine strategic insight with excellent organisational skills and the ability to influence at senior levels.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of effective governance frameworks – ideally within higher education or a similarly complex organisation.
• Experience of supporting senior boards or committees, ensuring decisions are informed, compliant, and aligned to strategic priorities.
• Excellent communication and drafting skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely to different audiences.
• Confidence in managing relationships with senior stakeholders, exercising sound judgement, diplomacy and political awareness.
• Strong organisational and project‑management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
• A proactive and improvement‑focused mindset, able to identify opportunities to streamline processes and enhance governance effectiveness.
• Experience of leading or supporting others, promoting a culture of professionalism, inclusion, and continuous learning.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to working collaboratively as part of a supportive, high‑performing team.
• A degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience, with additional professional training in governance or public administration (e.g. CIPFA, CGI) is welcomed but not essential.

Further Information

This role is advertised on a full‑time basis (36.5 hours per week), however, we are open to discussing flexible working arrangements that balance individual and organisational needs.

Benefits

• Free counselling services through Health Assured
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
• Staff discount on language courses
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work‑life balance
• A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
• Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• Local discounts and more
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce