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.
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is one of the world's leading universities, renowned for excellence in research, teaching and innovation. Its estate plays a critical role in supporting this mission, providing world-class environments for learning, discovery and collaboration.
The Estates Division is responsible for the development, management and maintenance of one of the largest and most complex higher education estates in the UK. The operational estate, which supports the University's teaching, research and administrative activities, is valued at more than £2 billion, while the non-operational estate and associated investment programme exceed £1 billion.
As the University continues to deliver an ambitious programme of estate investment and development, including the next phase of the North West Cambridge development, we are seeking an exceptional finance leader to join us as Head of Estates Finance.
The Role
Reporting to the Director of Estates, with a strong functional relationship to the Finance Director, the Head of Estates Finance will provide strategic financial leadership across the University's operational and non-operational estate portfolios.
A key member of the Estates Division Senior Leadership Team, you will lead the delivery and transformation of the Division's finance function, ensuring the provision of high-quality financial business partnering, governance, planning, reporting and investment appraisal services. You will play a pivotal role in supporting strategic decision making, major capital investments and long-term estate planning, while ensuring robust financial stewardship across a diverse and complex property portfolio.
You will work closely with senior University leaders, governance bodies and external stakeholders, providing expert advice on financial performance, investment opportunities, risk and commercial strategy. The role also has responsibility for financial oversight of major development programmes, Estates Division subsidiaries and the University's Shared Equity Scheme.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and developing the Estates Division finance function and finance business partnering service
- Providing strategic financial leadership to the Estates Division Senior Leadership Team, Property Board and University committees
- Leading financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and performance analysis across the operational and non-operational estate
- Overseeing financial governance, risk management, internal controls and compliance frameworks
- Supporting major investment decisions through business case development, financial modelling and investment appraisal
- Providing financial oversight of the Strategic Estates Capital Plan and long-term capital investment programme
- Managing reporting and financial performance across a portfolio of significant estate assets and development projects
- Leading the financial and operational management of the University's Shared Equity Scheme
- Driving continuous improvement and transformation of finance services and processes
- Acting as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders on commercial, financial and strategic matters
About You
You will be an accomplished senior finance leader with significant experience operating within a large, complex organisation and a proven ability to influence strategic decision making at executive level.
You will combine strong technical financial expertise with commercial awareness, leadership capability and exceptional stakeholder management skills. Comfortable operating in a highly collaborative environment, you will have the credibility to work effectively with senior leaders, governance bodies and external partners.
We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:
- A recognised accountancy qualification
- Significant senior financial management experience in a complex public or private sector organisation
- Experience leading high-performing finance teams and delivering organisational change
- Strong expertise in financial planning, reporting, governance and risk management
- Experience supporting major investment programmes, capital projects or large-scale business cases
- Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capability
- The ability to translate complex financial information into clear, practical advice for senior stakeholders
Experience within property, estates, infrastructure, development or capital-intensive environments would be advantageous.
Why Join the Estates Division?
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future physical development of one of the world's most prestigious universities.
You will help shape the future of the University's estate, supporting major investment decisions, transformational development programmes and long-term strategic planning. Working at the heart of a globally recognised institution, you will play a key role in ensuring the financial sustainability and successful delivery of projects that will benefit generations of students, researchers and staff.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.
How to apply
Applications must include a CV and a covering letter.
The closing date for applications is midnight on Tuesday 15 September 2026.
Interviews are expected to take place either in late September 2026 or early October 2026.
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.
Informal enquiries regarding this position can be made to: Estates Division Recruitment ([email protected])
If you have any queries about the recruitment process, please contact Rachel Hughes, Recruitment Adviser, Senior Professional Appointments ([email protected])
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.
Please quote reference BA50557 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
