Chief Financial Officer

Join UHI North, West and Hebrides as Chief Financial Officer at a pivotal point of transformation as we build a more sustainable and impactful future.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 10th August.

Location: UHI North, West & Hebrides locations

Salary: £82,932 - £88,955

About UHI North, West and Hebrides

Proudly rooted in the culture and landscapes of the North and West Highlands, Skye and the Outer Hebrides, we bring together rural, coastal and island communities through distinctive learning and research shaped by their needs, ambitions, and place.

With 19 campuses, we deliver a broad range of further and higher education programmes, alongside professional and short courses that support 9,000 full-time, part-time and online learners at every stage of their educational journey.

Our campuses are deeply embedded within the communities we serve, creating inspiring learning environments that reflect the unique character of each location.

From industry-standard learning spaces and specialist teaching facilities to quiet study areas, vibrant social spaces and state-of-the-art equipment, every campus is designed to help students thrive, achieve their ambitions and make the most of their learning experience. Our network of campuses provides accessible, high-quality education in some of the most stunning and distinctive locations in the UK.

About the role

As an anchor institution based in 19 locations across Scotland, UHI North, West and Hebrides aims to transform lives, strengthen communities and support economic and social prosperity. Through accessible, high-quality education, research and skills development, we create opportunities for people to live, work and study across our unique and diverse communities, empowering students to shape their futures in a rapidly changing world.

Following a period of significant transformation and with an ambitious strategy guiding our journey to 2028, we are focused on delivering sustainable growth, enhancing the student experience, supporting regional development and ensuring long-term organisational resilience.

We are now seeking an exceptional Chief Financial Officer to join our executive leadership team at this important stage in our development. The CFO will play a pivotal role in shaping the College’s future, providing strategic financial leadership, driving long-term sustainability and ensuring the organisation is well-positioned to deliver on its ambitions for students, staff, communities and the partners we serve across multiple regions. This role also offers a chance to embrace a different pace of life, with world-class outdoor experiences right at your doorstep.

 Who we are looking for

We are seeking an experienced and qualified financial leader with a strong track record in complex organisations, bringing expertise in financial stewardship, strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting and long-term sustainability. You will have significant experience in financial governance, risk management and maintaining robust control and compliance frameworks, alongside the ability to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders and external partners.

With strong commercial acumen and an understanding of public or charity sector finance, you will balance financial discipline with enabling growth and innovation. A collaborative and influential leader, you will communicate effectively at all levels, remain resilient under pressure, and take a strategic, solutions-focused approach, with experience delivering efficiency and cost improvement programmes to support financial recovery.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 10th August.

For further information about the role and to register your interest, please visit the Peridot Partners page and contact our advising consultants.