Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

The University of Staffordshire is a bold, innovative and resilient institution with a proud heritage and a clear ambition: to be the UK’s leading modern university. With campuses in Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, London, and a higher education centre in Lichfield, we serve a global network of over 20,000 students. Our rebrand in 2024 marked a new chapter — one that celebrates diversity, opportunity and inclusivity, and reflects our commitment to transforming lives, places and society.

At a time of significant change and opportunity in the UK higher education sector, we are seeking to appoint a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our Executive Team. Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, the CFO will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our financial strategy and five-year plan, whilst also leading our Commercial function, and potentially the Infrastructure function, dependent upon experience. The CFO will be a key voice on the University Executive Team, the main decision-making body of the University.

This is a strategically important role at the heart of a financially sustainable university. The CFO will drive performance and effectiveness, ensuring we continue to deliver annual surpluses and invest in the future. The successful candidate will bring significant senior leadership experience from a large complex organisation and will have a strong track record of financial stewardship, strategic planning, and delivering transformational projects.

We are looking for a leader who is ambitious, innovative and collaborative - someone who can challenge and support the Executive Team and University Executive Board, inspire colleagues across the University, and build strong relationships with external stakeholders. Experience in higher education is welcome but not essential; what matters most is the ability to adapt quickly, lead with purpose, and deliver impact.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of a university that is a catalyst for change and a force for social good. If you share our values and vision, and have the experience and drive to lead in this critical role, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Applications are invited by close of business on Friday 3^rd October 2025

Downloadable Content

• Candidate Brief University of Staffordshire_Chief Financial Officer.pdf