Planning, Compliance and Finance Manager (Commercial Services)

UCLan; Preston; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Preston is seeking an experienced Planning, Compliance & Finance Manager to enhance financial planning, compliance, and project delivery within the Catering Services team. The successful candidate will lead digital transformation initiatives while improving operational efficiency. Strong financial management and project management skills, alongside leadership abilities, are essential. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and knowledge of Health & Safety management are required. The role offers a supportive environment to develop talents and a competitive benefits package.

Benefits

Attractive annual leave entitlement

Access to a comprehensive employee benefits platform

Supportive development environment

Qualifications

• Strong experience in managing finance and stock systems.
• Proven track record in project management, especially IT and business process improvements.
• Excellent leadership skills to build productive relationships with stakeholders and suppliers.
• Outstanding organisational, analytical, and communication abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety management.

Responsibilities

• Provide expertise and leadership across financial planning, compliance, and project delivery.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and excellent customer service.
• Drive digital transformation initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.

Job description

When you work for the University of Lancashire, you’ll be part of a thriving community of talent that’s united in a common commitment to transform lives. We do this by delivering an outstanding educational experience and creating prosperity and opportunity in the communities we serve. Whatever your role, you’ll be playing a vital part in helping us achieve our vision.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Planning, Compliance & Finance Manager to join our Commercial Services team. This pivotal role will provide expertise and leadership across financial planning, compliance, and project delivery—particularly within Catering Services. You will champion a culture of continuous improvement, training, and excellent customer service while driving digital transformation initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.

About you

We are seeking a candidate with strong experience in managing finance and stock systems, coupled with a proven track record in project management, including IT and business process improvements. The role requires excellent leadership skills to build productive relationships with stakeholders and suppliers, alongside outstanding organisational, analytical, and communication abilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and knowledge of Health & Safety management are essential.

Applicants should hold a degree or equivalent professional experience, with a professional finance qualification and experience in catering operations or hospitality systems (EPOS, online bookings) is desirable.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

What we can offer you

Our people are our most important asset. We’ll encourage you to make the most of your talents and continually develop your skills and knowledge. As well as realising your career ambitions, you’ll be making a positive difference to other people’s lives. We also offer a fantastic package of rewards and lifestyle benefits – from an attractive annual leave entitlement to access to a comprehensive employee benefits platform.

We are proud to be a diverse, multicultural university. We are committed to building a truly inclusive culture where diversity is championed. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who will support the diversification within the University and support its development of a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

The University is committed to providing a safe environment to study, work and visit, protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm and abuse. Our safeguarding policy and safer recruitment procedure outlines our approach, alongside other internal policies, procedures and guidance which can be found on our Safeguarding page.

Applicants applying for roles in regulated activity and that are listed as an exception under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 will be required to disclose any spent and unspent convictions and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check at the appropriate level, the University will only ask an applicant to make an application for a DBS check if they are legally entitled to.