*Please note this opportunity is now closed to further applications. Should you be interested in similar roles and wish to have an exploratory discussion, please contact Douglas Adam at [email protected].
The Organisation
Student Loans Company (SLC) is a private limited company owned by the government whose role is to administer loans and grants to around 1.5m students annually, with a total customer base of 8.5m. It has an annual budget of around £250m and we are responsible for the administration and collection in respect of a loan book of £156bn. Playing a crucial role in supporting the UK’s higher and further education sectors, SLC’s vision is to be widely recognised as an organisation that enables student opportunity and delivers an outstanding customer experience in the efficient delivery of the UK Governments’ four further and higher education finance policies.
The Role
To support their mission to enable people to invest in their futures through further and higher education by providing trusted, transparent, flexible and accessible student finance services, SLC is now looking to recruit into the business-critical role of Executive Director Finance, Commercial & Risk.
Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Executive Director Finance, Commercial & Risk will provide both strategic and operational leadership to the Finance, Commercial and Enterprise, and Risk and Compliance teams. They play a key role in supporting an enterprise-wide transformation programme that will improve the customer experience.
Ensuring SLC has sound resources, strong finances, and operates efficiently, whilst also meeting key business objectives and delivering strong value for money, the Executive Director will drive the Company’s financial and commercial performance and ensure compliance with all public sector best policy and practice. Developing and maintaining strong working relationships with senior officials within the Department for Education, devolved administrations, the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury, the successful candidate will also provide commercial leadership and support to the business, through efficient procurement and effective supplier relationships, including contract negotiation and resolution activities as appropriate.
The Person
A qualified accountant, you will be a commercial, solutions-focused and forward-thinking leader with extensive strategic finance and financial planning experience and a proven track record of achievement at board or executive level within a public or private sector delivery organisation. A highly motivated individual who enjoys the challenge of working in a fast paced, multi-stakeholder environment, the successful candidate will also be an accomplished communicator, able to build and maintain strong working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate:
- A strong track record of effectively managing resources and budgets coupled with experience of successful long-term, strategic financial planning and securing excellent value for money
- Strong commercial and some procurement experience, extending into direct involvement in contract negotiation and resolution
- A relevant record of developing and leading high-performing teams
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- A proven ability to view and articulate the bigger picture and vision for the future, actively building compelling strategies to achieve desired outcomes
- Significant personal drive and resilience
Student Loans Company is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
