Director of Group Performance Management

About the role

Global University Systems is seeking a senior leader to establish and lead a Group-wide performance management capability. The role sits at the heart of the business, working closely with senior leaders to drive stronger financial results, sharpen accountability and turn insight into action across an international portfolio.

Key responsibilities

• Design and operate the Group Performance Management function, including governance, operating model and ways of working.
• Develop a consistent performance framework with institutional scorecards, KPIs, standards and escalation mechanisms.
• Lead structured performance reviews with institutional and functional leadership teams, providing evidence‑based challenge.
• Oversee recovery plans, ensuring clear ownership, milestones and measurable outcomes.
• Track performance commitments through delivery and escalate insufficient progress.
• Use cross‑institution benchmarking to identify gaps, risks and best‑practice opportunities.
• Provide senior leadership with concise insight into portfolio performance, key risks and required interventions.
• Build and lead a high‑performing performance management team.

Required profile

• Significant experience in a complex, multi‑entity or international organisation.
• Proven track record of identifying and addressing business under‑performance.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen linking financial results to operational performance.
• Confidence to constructively challenge CEOs, CFOs and senior stakeholders.
• Analytical capability to understand underlying performance drivers.
• Experience developing recovery plans and driving measurable outcomes.
• Experience building new functions, capabilities or operating models.

Required skills

• Experience developing performance frameworks, KPIs, scorecards and executive review processes.

What we offer

• Hybrid working arrangement.
• 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.
• Employee assistance programme and refer‑a‑friend rewards.