University of Sheffield's Students' Union - External Director

We are looking for an External Director to join the board of SUSU Services Limited - The trading subsidiary of University of Sheffield Students’ Union!

Sheffield Students’ Union is a £10 million-turnover charity with one of the most established and successful trading operations in the students’ union sector. From our nightclub, gigs and bars to retail, advertising and nursery provision, our businesses are diverse, ambitious and central to the experiences we create for students and our community.

Why this role is special

This is a chance to influence a distinctive portfolio of businesses where commercial success serves a bigger purpose. We want our trading activity to be innovative, resilient and financially sustainable—but also genuinely aligned with our values of being ‘inclusive’ ‘impactful’ and ‘famously friendly’. You will help us find that balance and make sound decisions about what comes next.

What you’ll do

• Bring independent challenge to budgets, performance and investment decisions.
• Oversee and support identifying and diversifying commercial opportunities, manage risk and develop sustainable income.
• Support effective company governance and accountability to our parent charity.
• Keep student experience, responsible trading and organisational values at the centre of decisions.
  

What we're looking for

We would love to hear from you, if you are able to bring commercial leadership experience, an understanding of business development around hospitality, retail, entertainment or another sector where you have developed strong commercial instincts. We are particularly interested in people who can interpret financial information, see growth opportunities and offer constructive, supportive and independent challenge.

Experience of early years or nursery provision would be a welcome bonus, but it is not essential. Neither is previous experience in a students’ union context. What matters most is the combination of business insight, good judgement and a genuine commitment to what we do.

Trading committee meetings tend to be conducted virtually, so being based in Sheffield is not a pre-requisite for this role, although willingness to visit our premises, and an understanding of the Sheffield region would be beneficial.

A meaningful board role

This is a non-executive directorship with statutory responsibilities under company law.

We expect the SUSU Director to attend 3 x trading committees per annum. Including training and time for engaging with any paper packs ahead of committees, and ad hoc meetings with our Director of Social Enterprise, the time commitment for this role is approximately 3 days per annum (including meetings, training and paper reading), and the term available is typically 4 years, with option for extension for another 4 years.

You will help set direction and oversee performance rather than manage day-to-day operations. You will also work within the governance relationship between SUSU Services Limited and Sheffield Students’ Union, our parent charity.

A comprehensive induction programme will be provided for the successful applicant.

What a previous director has said about their experience

I really enjoyed being part of Sheffield SU and working with such a diverse group of people, from student officers to staff and fellow Directors. There’s a shared passion for giving Sheffield students the best possible experience. Bringing my commercial experience to the discussions and helping make a positive impact was particularly rewarding.

I’ve learnt how important Sheffield SU’s trading activities are to both the student experience and the Union’s financial sustainability. Working alongside student officers has given me a better understanding of what matters to Sheffield students and how that should shape our commercial decisions. It’s reinforced the importance of listening to different perspectives and balancing financial performance with the Union’s purpose.

External Directors bring experience, fresh thinking and constructive challenge to Sheffield SU and they work alongside student officers and staff to support sound decisions and help the Union’s trading activities thrive. It’s a rewarding opportunity to use your skills, learn from a diverse and committed team, and make a positive impact on the experience of students at Sheffield.

Further Details:

This role is typically for 4 years, however there is opportunity for extension. It is an unpaid volunteer role with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Inclusivity statement: It is important that our organisation reflects the great diversity of our student membership. With the aim of embedding diversity, we particularly welcome applicants from marginalised and minority backgrounds.

We want to support you to do your best during the application process, so please do get in touch at su-people@sheffield.ac.uk with any questions you may have. Additionally, if you have a disability, mental health condition or any other additional needs (such as dyslexia, autism or anxiety), please do let us know so we can tailor the process to suit you.

View/Download External Director SUSU Ltd - Job Description & Personal Specification

Application Process:

Submit your application by clicking apply and completing our application form outlining and relevant skills, experience and why you are interested in the role

Following the closing date stated on our job adverts, applications will be shortlisted and we will contact you by email to let you know whether or not you have been shortlisted to participate in the next stage of the selection process.

If you have any questions about the role, application process or working for Students' Union then please don't hesitate to get touch su-people@sheffield.ac.uk

Location: Sheffield Students' Union

Contract Type: Fixed Term
(contract term is typically 4 years with option for extension)

Salary: Unpaid/Volunteer
(Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed)

Specific Hours: Zero hours
(the post holder is expected to attend 3x trading committees throughout the year. Including training and time for engaging with any paper packs ahead of committees, and ad hoc meetings with our Director of Social Enterprise, the time commitment for this role is approximately 3 days per annum (including meetings, training and paper reading))

Closing Date: Sunday 30th November 2026 (11:59pm)

Interviews/Assessments: December 2026

Start Date: To Be Confirmed (Early 2027)