Strategic Governance & Assurance Manager

We are currently seeking an experienced Governance and Assurance Manager who will provide specialist governance expertise and advice to the Board and Executive to meet the University’s regulatory and governance obligations. Working in the friendly and collaborative Governance, Legal and Compliance department you will work directly with the Board and with a wide range of colleagues across the University.

About the Role

You will lead the design and delivery of effective committee, governance, and assurance systems in line with sector Governance Codes, statutory and regulatory requirements. The role involves continuous evaluation of Board and Committee effectiveness, implementation of follow‑up actions, and close collaboration with Executive, Legal, and Corporate Governance teams to manage governance and regulatory risk across a wide remit, including subsidiary companies. You will be responsible for drafting regulatory and governance documents, including contributions to the University’s Annual Report and Financial Statements, and reports from the Remuneration and Audit Committees. The role also involves advising on and developing governance policies and procedures aligned with the University’s constitutional documents. In addition, you will lead designated Board Committees and associated policies, deliver staff and Board Member training on governance and assurance, and play a key role in ensuring regulatory compliance and supporting institutional change. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact at a strategic level in a complex and dynamic environment.

About You

• Knowledge and experience of Corporate Governance as evidenced by a recognised professional governance or legal qualification at postgraduate level or significant equivalent experience.
• Knowledge and significant experience of formal decision‑making structures and governance and assurance arrangements in the public, charity, Higher Education or other highly regulated sector.
• Excellent policy, minute and governance report drafting skills and experience.
• Teamworking – both immediate team and wider.
• Strong commitment to a culture of high‑quality Governance, Assurance and Regulatory compliance.
• Willingness and ability to be flexible and develop new expertise.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Additional Information

Salary Grade 8A – Starting from £48,823 rising to £56,536 per annum. The salary range shows the potential maximum pay progression in addition to any annual inflationary increase to your pay. Please note that our default position is to appoint into the lower end of the range, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Interviews will be held as soon as we receive a sufficient number of high quality applications, which means we may close the role before the stated closing date. Therefore early application is recommended.

Staff Benefits

• Generous pension scheme (Local Government Pension Scheme/Teacher's Pension Scheme). This is a defined benefit pension scheme which pays members a secure income for life, post‑retirement.
• Enhanced paid leave – 41 – 46 days depending on the role (Full Time).
• Family friendly policies including hybrid working, flexible work environment, on‑site nursery, and a sector‑leading enhanced maternity scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme which offers access to on‑demand GP appointments, wellbeing support and advice, and access to counselling.
• Transport schemes including Electric Vehicle Scheme and Cycle to Work.
• Wide range of discounts and financial benefits, accessed through an easy‑to‑use app.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.