Work with us

We are looking for an enthusiastic Student Director for our Trading Company Board to support the enterprise through its next steps as we seek to develop and grow the business. The Directors are ultimately responsible, individually and collectively, for overseeing the strategic direction, financial stability and legal/reputational risks of the company, Portsmouth Students’ Union Trading Ltd (PSUT). 

Directors will regularly meet to discuss the progress and delivery of the strategy, the PSUT’s financial position and any risks to the company. They will also think about commercial opportunities for PSUT, with the aim to increase profits. All profits from the trading company are gifted back to the University of Portsmouth Students' Union so they can be invested in providing better representation, activities and services.

For further information, please see the Recruitment Pack

The Person

• A Portsmouth University Student with an interest for student experience as well as running a commercial business  
• Demonstrates effective leadership qualities
• Ability to handle competing priorities and make informed decisions
• Commands confidence, has sound judgement and strong communication skills
• We particularly welcome applications from PGM/BAME candidates and candidates with disabilities, as these groups are currently under-represented on our Board. We would also particularly encourage 1st and 2nd year students to apply for this position. 

What’s in it for you?

• Gain understanding on managing a commercial business and develop a wide range of invaluable skills in governance, leadership, finance and strategy
• Positively affect University of Portsmouth Students through the decisions made at a high level 
• You will also develop important team working skills; you’ll need to be able to negotiate empathise, listen and communicate ideas or concerns effectively during board meetings
• It will look great on your CV, job applications or to future employers
• You will have access to a range of diverse professional networks, which means you are able to gain knowledge or scope out opportunities for the next step in your career progression
• All new Directors will receive a comprehensive induction training, as well as opportunities to meet elected officers and staff of the Union.

The Organisation

Portsmouth Students’ Union Trading Company Ltd (PSUT) is the social enterprise business arm for the University of Portsmouth Students’ Union (UPSU), and seeks to enhance the experience of every Portsmouth student in collaboration with UPSU, UoP and Community Partnerships whilst contributing financially to the wider organisation. PSUT formed in 2007 generating just £8,000 operating profit and previous to the C-19 pandemic that number had grown to £130,000. Today, the company has endured the challenges of business stoppage and is once again making a comfortable and sustainable revenue to support the charity. 

Purpose of Trading Company

• Fundraise for the Charity and enrich student experience as our priorities
• Raise student awareness of, and raise engagement with, UPSU
• Provide opportunities for students to integrate into their Portsmouth Community 
• A mechanism for strengthening partnerships (UoP/Community)
• Able to deliver things UPSU cannot deliver 
• Has financial stability and makes a profit that is gifted back to the University of Portsmouth Students' Union and invested in providing better representation, activities and services

Further Information

For an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact jobs@upsu.net. Further information about Portsmouth Students’ Union is available at www.upsu.net. 

Deadline for applications: Midday 23rd October 2026
Interview Dates: 6th November 2026

We kindly ask that candidates do not send CVs or cover letters as these will not be considered. You can find an application form on our website. 

Anonymous shortlisting will be carried out for this role to ensure a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. We will not disclose any personal details to the shortlisting panel. Any documents or links with identifying information will not be used during shortlisting, but can be submitted if you are selected for an interview. 

We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community and we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment which supports everyone from recruitment through to appointment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from all talented people and as part of this commitment, we are working to improve the diversity of our workforce to ensure that it is as relevant and representative of our student community as possible and are actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. 

The Union is a MINDFUL EMPLOYER® and we are committed to creating a supportive and open culture and actively support the mental wellbeing of all staff.

Due to the high number of applicants, if you have not heard from UPSU by the interview date you should assume you have been unsuccessful in your application.