Chief Financial Officer

University of Nottingham Ningbo China

The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) was established in 2004 and was the first Sino-foreign university to open its doors in China with the full approval of the Chinese Ministry of Education. It is part of the University of Nottingham’s Global University, a world top 1% university (QS Ranking), with co-operation from Zhejiang Wanli Education Group, a key player in the education sector in China. Currently the University has more than 9,000 students and 1,000 staff members from 70 countries and regions worldwide, and the number is still growing.

The University offers excellent opportunities for its dedicated staff, as it works towards a shared vision and goals. Continual investment in a world-class estate delivers award-winning campuses, buildings and facilities which are unrivalled in providing inspiring places and spaces for staff and students to work, research, teach and study.

UNNC is now seeking a strategic and visionary Chief Financial Officer to join its senior leadership team. Reporting to the Provost & Pro-Vice Chancellor and serving as a member of the Management Board, the CFO will play a critical role in shaping the financial future of the University. This is a unique opportunity to lead financial strategy and operations within a dynamic, globally connected institution. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the University’s financial excellence while championing a people-first culture. They will lead the financial aspects of UNNC’s Strategic Roadmap to 2030, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and long-term sustainability.

The CFO will provide strategic financial analysis and recommendations to the Joint Venture Board and Management Board, oversee the Finance Office and Business Development Office, and collaborate closely with the Chief Operating Officer and other senior leaders to support strategic initiatives and operational excellence. They will embed principles of equity, diversity and inclusion across all financial practices, and foster a high-performing team culture that values collaboration, innovation and continuous learning.

UNNC is seeking a dynamic leader with a proven track record in strategic financial leadership within complex organisations. The successful candidate will bring experience in long-term financial planning, risk management, stakeholder engagement and professional qualifications such as CPA or ACCA. Experience in higher education or international finance, particularly within the UK, China or ASEAN regions, would be advantageous. While Mandarin language skills would be beneficial in navigating the local context, they are not a requirement for the role.

UNNC is committed to providing competitive employment packages while supporting the wellbeing of our staff to help them reach their full potential. You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including accommodation allowance, insurances, schooling support, home flights, relocation and repatriation support and paid annual leave. The salary and benefits package is negotiable and commensurate with experience. This role is offered on a full-time, fixed-term basis for five years, with the possibility of extension.

To apply, please visit here. For an informal conversation about the role, please contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson: Jacqueline Lau at jacqueline.lau@gatenbysanderson.com or Maliha Ahmed at maliha.ahmed@gatenbysanderson.com.