Governance Manager (Strategic & Academic Focus)

We’re looking for a strategic, confident and highly organised governance professional to join our team 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.

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.

You will:

• 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’ll 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.

We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• 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.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Elisabeth Day, Interim Head of Governance at ed216@bath.ac.uk

Interviews are scheduled to take place on 10th & 11th December 2025.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

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