Chief Finance and Operating Officer

Wrexham University is a forward-thinking institution dedicated to inspiring learning and achievement.  We celebrate creativity, individuality, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit while striving to deliver a world-class student experience and advancing research excellence.

As a university, we have a strong commitment to widening participation locally and an ambitious global reach - welcoming thousands of international students each year, to our campuses in North Wales as well as through TNE partnerships. We have a proud record of putting the student experience at the heart of everything we do, as demonstrated in sector-leading NSS results and accolades for high quality teaching. Our commitment to our civic mission work is innovative and ground-breaking, with our approach widely acknowledged as sector leading.

This is an exciting time in the city, and we recognise that our university serves an important function in developing and serving our region, alongside the nation of Wales, and our position in the world. There is a palpable buzz around the place with ambitious infrastructure development plans for Wrexham, strong, enthusiastic community engagement around the bid for UK City of Culture 2029 as well as the global spotlight surrounding well-publicised developments with Wrexham Football Club.

The new role of Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO) presents an exciting opportunity to join the University's Executive Team at a pivotal point in its development.  As a key member of the Executive leadership team, the postholder will play a central role in shaping the University's future, providing strategic leadership across finance, procurement, digital and Information Services/IT, estates and campus management.  The appointee will be innovative in their approach and someone who thinks commercially, taking a leading role in realising the potential of our partnerships and growth agenda. 

We are looking for an exceptional leader who combines outstanding financial expertise with a broad strategic perspective.  As the University's CFOO, you will provide robust, data-driven financial leadership, delivering insightful advice and assurance to the Executive Team and Governing Body while ensuring the highest standards of financial stewardship.  

You will be a professionally qualified finance leader with experience extending beyond the traditional CFO remit into wider organisational leadership. We welcome applications from individuals with experience across higher education, the wider public sector and the private sector, recognising that diverse perspectives and commercial insight will strengthen our ability to innovate and respond to a rapidly changing environment.

This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact within a modern, ambitious and growing university, helping to shape the strategic direction of the institution while ensuring that strong financial governance and operational excellence underpin its future success.

If you are an inspiring and inclusive leader, with the enthusiasm, values and ambition to take on this important role for the University and the communities we serve, we would love to hear from you.

The closing date for all applications, which should be in the form of a CV and cover addressed to wrexham@minervasearch.com by 18 September 2026.

Interviews will take place late October 2026.

Wrexham University is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates and will ensure applicants will not be discriminated against due to their protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

We welcome applications in Welsh and English. Any applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than applications submitted in English.

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