Chief Commercial Officer

Bournemouth or London campus, with travel between campuses

Health Sciences University (HSU: formerly AECC University College) is a specialist health sciences institution dedicated to excellent education, clinical care, and applied research.

Following the recent approval of our new university title HSU in July 2024 and the merger of the University College of Osteopathy into the HSU family from 1st August 2024, the institution is in a phase of growth and transformation across our campuses in Bournemouth and central London.

We are highly values-driven, inspired by our mission to ‘create a healthier society through education, research and clinical care’ with highly dedicated and capable staff and students working together within a caring and inclusive community.

HSU delivers a diverse and growing portfolio of pre- and post-registration academic provision and research in allied health and related disciplines, and substantial CQC-registered clinical and imaging services delivering high quality care for our staff, students, and local communities. These facilities create a unique offering in higher education for our students to gain valuable practice learning experience onsite, to support local and regional NHS partners, and provide a data-rich research environment for our students, staff, and partners.

Partnership working sits at the heart of what we do as an agile and collaborative higher education provider and clinical provider, responding to the workforce, educational and clinical needs of our external stakeholders, and supporting our communities as an established anchor institution. As we continue to develop in Dorset and London, it is imperative that we develop a more strategically informed approach to partnership working as a multi-professional centre of excellence for healthcare education, clinical care, and research locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

We provide a vibrant and positive inter-professional learning and practice environment, within a caring and inclusive community.

About the Role

The Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) is an executive Board-facing role with responsibility for shaping and delivering the University’s commercial strategy, growth portfolio, and external market positioning.

The postholder is accountable for driving sustainable, diversified income growth, strengthening financial resilience, and optimising the University’s commercial performance in alignment with its mission and charitable objectives.

They will be accountable for the performance, balance, and risk profile of the University’s commercial portfolio, including delivery against agreed income, margin and return targets.

Working closely with the Vice-Chancellor, ELG, Board of Governors, the CCO will identify, develop, and scale diversified revenue streams, build high-value partnerships, and embed a strong commercial mindset across the institution, working collaboratively with academic, clinical, and professional service leaders.

The postholder will play a critical role in supporting the University’s strategic ambition to be the leading UK university in health sciences, supporting HSU’s financial sustainability and driving its reputation and impact through the development of new markets, partnerships, products, and income streams.

About you

• Proven senior-level commercial leadership experience within higher education, healthcare, life sciences, or a related complex organisation.
• Experience of delivering enterprise-level growth, transformation, or commercial turnaround.
• Demonstrable success in developing and delivering commercial strategies that generate sustainable income growth.
• Experience of building and managing high-value partnerships and negotiating complex agreements.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience of managing budgets, forecasts, and performance against targets.
• Experience of operating with Board-level accountability for income and performance.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum & Nationality Act 2006.

Benefits

• Competitive Employer's Pension
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Enhanced policies
• Subsidised clinical treatments
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• and many more

For an informal discussion, please contact Lesley Haig, Vice Chancellor via email: Lesley.Haig@hsu.ac.uk

The application pack can be viewed here.

Please visit our website to complete an online application form. Completed application forms should be submitted by midnight on the closing date. Please note that CVs will not be considered as a substitute for a complete application form.

Closing date: Midnight on Friday 24th July 2026.

Interviews: Thursday 13th August 2026.

We value diversity and inclusion at HSU and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are a committed to having a diverse and inclusive culture which offers equality and opportunity for all. We operate Disability Confident and Mindful Employer schemes and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

This post will be subject to a Basic DBS check.