Head of Finance & Planning ( Partnerships & Costing)

Oxford Brookes University; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A modern educational institution in Oxford is seeking a Head of Finance and Planning to oversee financial sustainability in UK and international educational partnerships. This senior role involves leading financial planning, managing a small team, and providing high-quality financial analysis. The ideal candidate will have senior experience in finance, effective communication skills, and a strong understanding of Full Economic Costing (FEC) principles. Competitive benefits include 30 days holiday, a pension scheme, and flexible hybrid working.

Benefits

30 days holiday

8 Bank Holidays

Flexible hybrid working

Competitive pension scheme

Staff discounts

Qualifications

• Senior experience in finance business partnering and strategic planning.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver financial strategies.
• Strong understanding of costing methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Leading financial planning for educational partnerships.
• Annual review of programme costing.
• Business case development and oversight.

Skills

Finance business partnering

Strategic planning

Full Economic Costing (FEC)

Excellent communication

Influencing and negotiating

Job description

Based at our Headington campus and reporting to the Deputy Director of Finance (Financial Analysis and Planning), the Head of Finance and Planning (Partnerships and Costing) will be responsible for ensuring the financial sustainability of the University's UK and international educational partnerships. This senior role will oversee the costing, evaluation, and monitoring of the University's educational portfolio, applying Full Economic Costing (FEC) principles to inform strategic decision-making. Working closely with senior leaders, including the Pro Vice-Chancellors and the Head of Educational Partnerships, the post holder will lead on business case development, support commercial negotiations, and provide high-quality financial analysis and reporting to governance committees. With responsibility for managing and developing a small team, championing sector best practice, and representing the CFO in key internal and external forums, this role offers the opportunity to shape the University's approach to income diversification, value for money, and long-term financial sustainability.

This is a full-time post, but a fractional post of 0.8FTE or above will be considered.

The Financial Planning & Analysis department plays a central role in driving the University's financial sustainability and supporting decision-making across all Faculties, Directorates, and strategic partnerships. We are responsible for delivering high-quality management information, financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and insightful analysis to senior leaders, enabling them to make informed, data-driven decisions.

What will I be doing?

1. Leading financial planning for educational partnerships
2. Leading the annual review of programme costing
3. Partnership business case development & oversight
4. Performance monitoring & reporting
5. Building and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
6. Oversight of costing, ensuring implementation of best practice

Required Skills and Experience

• Senior experience in finance business partnering and strategic planning
• Proven ability to develop and deliver financial strategies, support budget holders, and advise non-financial managers
• Strong understanding and application of Full Economic Costing (FEC), TRAC, and/or costing methodologies
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with authority at senior levels
• Effective at influencing and negotiating with senior stakeholders

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Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward-thinking institution rooted in, and connected to, a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We focus on providing high-quality teaching, impactful research, and an excellent student experience. Our vision is: "shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new, and excelling in education and research."

Our people are at the heart of the University. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where staff can develop, progress, and thrive. We hold the Athena SWAN Bronze award, reflecting our dedication to gender equality and progression.

Benefits include 30 days holiday, 8 Bank Holidays, additional concessionary days, flexible hybrid working, a competitive pension scheme with 19.2% employer contribution, and various staff discounts and support services.