Director of Business Performance & Portfolio Management

About the role

Global University Systems is seeking a senior leader to establish and run a Group‑wide performance and portfolio management capability. The role will influence financial and operational outcomes across an international portfolio of higher‑education institutions.

Key responsibilities

• Design and lead the operating model, governance and ways of working for business performance and portfolio management.
• Develop a consistent performance framework covering KPIs, scorecards, financial and operational reviews.
• Conduct structured performance reviews with institutional and functional leadership teams.
• Analyse performance data to uncover commercial, financial and operational drivers and challenge under‑performance.
• Create and oversee recovery and improvement plans, tracking milestones and escalating issues.
• Provide senior leadership with concise insights on portfolio performance, risks and opportunities.

Required profile

• Significant senior‑level experience in a complex, multi‑entity or international organisation.
• Proven track record of diagnosing and addressing business under‑performance.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen linking results to strategy.
• Ability to influence CEOs, CFOs and senior leadership with constructive challenge.
• Experience establishing new performance, commercial or portfolio capabilities is highly valuable.

Required skills

• Expertise in developing KPIs, performance frameworks and executive review processes.
• Advanced analytical capability to identify financial and operational drivers.
• Experience translating complex financial information into commercial recommendations.

What we offer

• Hybrid working arrangement supporting work‑life balance.
• Contributory pension scheme (5% employee, 3% employer).
• Private medical insurance (subject to terms).
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Season ticket loan, eye‑care vouchers and staff discount scheme.
• Training and development opportunities via FutureLearn and group programmes.