Senior Finance Recruiter (Higher Education sector)

This is an opportunity for someone motivated by building something of their own — shaping a specialist market, developing long-term client partnerships, and positioning themselves as the go-to expert in a defined niche. With clear progression pathways and the autonomy to drive your own success, you’ll play a pivotal role in growing a key area of the business while accelerating your career toward leadership.

Join one of the world’s leading specialist recruitment firms and take full ownership of a high-growth Finance vertical within the Higher Education sector, based in our Manchester office.

About Gravitas

Founded in 2010, Gravitas Group has grown from three founders into an international, award-winning recruitment company with over 200 employees and offices across London, Leeds, Manchester, Frankfurt, Rotterdam, Hong Kong, China, and Singapore.

We specialise in Technology and Insurance recruitment, and we’re continuing to expand into aligned, high-value markets. Our growth is underpinned by our four core values – Respect, Integrity, Passion, and Excellence.

The Opportunity

We’re looking for an experienced Senior Finance Recruiter to take ownership of and grow our Higher Education finance vertical in Manchester.

This is a high-impact role with significant autonomy — ideal for someone who enjoys building a niche, developing strong client partnerships, and becoming a recognised expert in a specialist market.

You’ll be joining a business that already has an established Finance presence within Housing, giving you a strong internal platform to collaborate, while carving out your own specialism within the Higher Education space.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and grow a specialist Finance desk focused on Higher Education institutions (e.g., universities, academies, research bodies).
• Lead from the front with business development, client meetings, and networking within the HE sector.
• Build long-term relationships with key stakeholders such as Finance Directors, CFOs, and Heads of Finance.
• Deliver high-quality recruitment solutions across roles such as Financial Accountants, Management Accountants, Finance Business Partners, and Leadership hires.
• Collaborate with internal teams (including Housing Finance specialists) to leverage cross-market opportunities.
• Contribute to a high-performance, knowledge-sharing culture in the Manchester office.

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 1 years’ 360 recruitment experience, ideally within Finance or Professional Services recruitment.
• Experience recruiting qualified and part-qualified finance professionals.
• Strong track record in business development and client relationship management.
• Ability to operate autonomously while contributing to a team environment.
• A consultative approach with a genuine interest in building a niche market presence.
• Ambition to progress your career within a high-growth, international business.

Why Gravitas?

• Competitive base salary with uncapped commission potential (industry low thresholds!)
• Opportunity to build and own a specialist Higher Education vertical with real growth potential.
• Access to our award-winning Director Development Programme, recognised twice by the Princess Royal Training Awards.
• Luxury incentive trips – including Iceland, Thailand, South Africa, and Mauritius.
• Clear progression pathways and opportunities for international mobility.
• A culture that prioritises well-being, collaboration, and excellence.
• Support from a stable, experienced leadership team.

Our Awards

• Princess Royal Training Award – Winner x2
• Global Recruiter Awards – Best Specialist Recruitment Business
• FT Future 100 List
• Investing in Talent Awards – Best Employee Communication
• HR Vendors of the Year – Best Recruitment Firm (Banking & Financial Services)

Equal Opportunities

At Gravitas, we’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, and respectful workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability.

If you require reasonable adjustments during the application process, our Talent Acquisition team will support you.

Interested?

For a confidential discussion, reach out to Ryan Sullivan (Head of Talent Acquisition) via LinkedIn or email r.sullivan@gravitasgroup.com.