Financial Guidance Team Leader

About the Job

This role is part-time for 30 hours per week and may include some evening and weekend.

We’re seeking an inspiring Financial Guidance Team Leader to lead and develop a dedicated team delivering a high‑quality financial guidance service to applicants and students. You will ensure the provision of timely, accurate, and accessible advice on financial capability, statutory and discretionary funding, and oversee the fair allocation and effective management of discretionary support schemes to underpin student success, progression, and retention.

You will play a central part in driving continuous service improvement and innovation to meet the evolving needs of students, while acting as a key expert on Student Finance England changes linked to the Lifelong Loan Entitlement (LLE), providing clear guidance and confidence to those navigating the new funding landscape.

You will lead, inspire, and develop the Financial Guidance Team, delivering accessible, student‑focused financial advice and support, managing discretionary funding schemes effectively and fairly, including APP funds, and driving ongoing service improvement. You will also guide students through new opportunities arising from SFE funding changes as part of the LLE.

We’re looking for someone with leadership and team management experience, excellent knowledge of student finance and financial support systems, and a student‑centred approach with a genuine passion for widening participation and student success. You’ll be confident in communicating complex financial information clearly and effectively, ensuring students feel informed, supported, and empowered.

This post is subject to a background disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service before any appointment can be confirmed.

You bring proven experience in delivering high‑quality information, advice, and guidance, ideally within a higher education setting, alongside strong knowledge of student finance and the wider sector.

You are an effective leader with a track record of managing and developing staff, fostering a culture of excellent customer service and professionalism.

Using your financial and analytical skills, you will monitor budgets, work with complex data, and ensure accuracy and integrity in reporting. You will have experience of developing and improving policies and processes, solving complex problems, and making sound, evidence‑based decisions.

You are highly organised, resilient, and able to support others through challenging situations, with the confidence to delegate effectively and the technical skills to utilise IT systems, including advanced Microsoft Office tools. A solid understanding of HR policies and procedures further underpins your ability to lead and manage successfully.

An honours degree or equivalent is required for this post.

All candidates will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process. The University is open to considering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, provided that the eligibility criteria of the points‑based immigration system are met.

We welcome applications from individuals from under‑represented groups.

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.