Director Business and Investments

Fiji National University·Other

Education·Contract

2 days ago

About the company

Fiji National University is a national tertiary institution that delivers higher education and vocational training across Fiji. Alongside its academic offerings, the University operates a portfolio of commercial ventures and business units, including security services, construction and maintenance, accommodation, hospitality and retail operations, through its Commercial Services department under the Office of Corporate Services.

About the role

The Director Business and Investments provides strategic and executive leadership for the University's commercial, enterprise and private partnership portfolio, sitting within the Commercial Services department under the Office of Corporate Services. This role develops and implements the University's commercial strategy, identifies and grows sustainable business opportunities, and leads university-owned companies and business units spanning security, construction, accommodation, hospitality and retail ventures. The Director acts as executive lead for identifying, structuring, negotiating and managing private partnerships, joint ventures, concessions and long-term strategic investments on the University's behalf. The role requires balancing commercial profitability with the University's academic, student experience, workforce development and community obligations, while leading multidisciplinary teams through complex, multi-stakeholder change.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, implement and evaluate the University's commercial strategy to generate new revenue and improve value for money
• Lead development of university-owned companies and business units, including security services, construction and maintenance, lodges, property and venue hire, hospitality and retail
• Identify, appraise, structure, procure, negotiate and manage university private partnerships, concessions, joint ventures and strategic investment arrangements
• Ensure each venture is supported by robust business cases, appropriate governance, transparent financial controls, regulatory compliance and balanced risk allocation
• Develop business cases, feasibility studies, investment proposals and financial models
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and manage organisational change in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
• Balance profitability with the University's academic, student experience, workforce development and community obligations

About the successful candidate

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Finance, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Engineering, Construction Management, Property, Hospitality, Law or a relevant discipline, with at least 10 years of progressively responsible commercial experience and 15+ years at senior executive/general management level; OR a Bachelor's degree with 20+ years of progressively responsible commercial experience and substantial senior leadership responsibility
• Professional membership or certification in accounting, finance, engineering, construction, project management, property, hospitality, governance or company directorship
• Demonstrated experience establishing, scaling, restructuring or managing businesses, subsidiaries or complex commercial operations with full profit-and-loss accountability
• Strong experience in financial management, pricing, budgeting, cash flow management, risk, internal controls, audit and performance reporting
• Proven ability to negotiate and manage public private partnerships, joint ventures, concessions, leases and major service arrangements
• Sound understanding of governance, statutory compliance, procurement, occupational health and safety and ethical business practices