Student Fees Manager
| Posting date: | 30 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £51,753 to £59,966 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 01 March 2026 |
| Location: | Leeds, West Yorkshire, ls1 4le |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Hays Specialist Recruitment |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 4766622_1769791716 |
Summary
A leading organisation within the higher education sector is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to take ownership of its student fees and income management function. This is a pivotal role within a large and complex environment, offering the opportunity to shape processes, lead a high‑performing team, and influence strategic decision‑making at senior level.With annual student and sponsor fee income exceeding £500m, this position plays a critical part in safeguarding financial performance, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering an excellent experience for students and stakeholders.
Your new roleAs the senior lead for student fees, you will oversee the full lifecycle of fee charging, collection and debt management. You will act as the organisation's subject matter expert, providing guidance to leaders, governance groups and academic departments.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the Fees team, ensuring effective resource planning, performance management, and ongoing training and development
- Maintaining oversight of all processes and systems relating to student fees, ensuring accuracy, efficiency and a positive student/sponsor experience
- Monitoring financial exposure and debt performance, identifying risks and implementing appropriate actions
- Providing specialist advice on tuition fee regulations, policy changes and compliance requirements
- Supporting the design and development of fee‑related policy, including impact analysis and implementation planning
- Producing and interpreting management information to inform senior stakeholders and drive decision‑making
- Overseeing the integrity of systems such as Banner and SAP to ensure accurate and timely charging
- Managing the allocation of incoming payments and ensuring robust financial controls
- Regulating and monitoring debt collection activity, including oversight of third‑party agencies and solicitors
- Acting as the escalation point for complex student cases, ensuring fair and compliant resolution
- Ensuring PCI‑DSS compliance within the Fees team
- Leading the production of clear tuition fee and payment guidance for applicants and students
- Contributing to wider Student Finance and service‑level projects, deputising for the Head of Student Finance when required
What you'll need to succeed
You will bring a blend of financial expertise, leadership capability and the ability to navigate a complex regulatory environment. Essential experience includes:
- Proven experience managing high‑value income streams and debt within a regulated or complex organisation
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret detailed financial and qualitative information
- Demonstrable experience leading and motivating teams, with a focus on service delivery and stakeholder engagement
- The resilience and drive to lead change, improve processes and deliver results
- Ability to interpret and respond to regulatory developments, identifying risk and proposing pragmatic solutions
- Experience building collaborative partnerships and influencing across organisational structures
- A track record of translating strategy into operational delivery
- Confidence handling escalated or contentious cases, including those involving legal processes
What you'll get in return
You'll join a respected organisation within the higher education sector, taking on a role with significant influence, visibility and impact. You will work alongside senior leaders, contribute to strategic initiatives, and lead a team committed to delivering an excellent student experience. 50% Hybrid working agreement.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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