Head of School of Engineering

Faculty/Directorate

Faculty of Engineering, Computing & the Environment

School/Function

Faculty General (ECE)

The Role

Kingston University is passionate about the power of a university education to transform lives. We strive for our staff and students to be sought-after for their academic achievements and their ability to shape society and contribute to the economy. We are an inclusive university, and our ambitious Town House Strategy drives our mission to enhance students’ life chances, support the ambitions of staff and strengthen the university’s impact on our locality, industry, policy and associated professions to enable a sustainable future – socially, economically and environmentally. With an overall Gold Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) rating, we are recognised for our commitment to high quality teaching, providing an outstanding student experience and supporting our students to achieve successful degree outcomes.

The Faculty of Engineering, Computing & the Environment (ECE) is seeking to appoint a new Head of School of Engineering. We are looking for  an academic leader to provide strong strategic leadership and management to the School of Engineering, ensuring the high performing conduct and development of its teaching, research, business activities and external presence. Reporting to the PVC / Dean and the Assistant Dean of ECE, you will contribute to the strategic leadership and management of the faculty, through effective participation in the work of the Faculty Leadership Team and implementation of the Faculty’s Strategic Plan. The University’s Town House Strategy has set an ambitious growth target in terms of student recruitment for the next three academic years. The Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment is well positioned to contribute effectively to this target. Hence, we look forward to hearing from academic leaders with a  successful track record of student recruitment within the higher Education Sector and in particular in the Engineering disciplines.

The Person

The successful candidate will be an established strategic leader  and experienced at Head of School  / Department level in relevant subject areas to this post (Mechanical Engineering, Aircraft and Aeronautical Engineering, Electrical, Electronic and Robotic Engineering) and will ensure the efficient and effective operation of School business. Having an inclusive and ambitious approach to inspiring our people, you will oversee all recruitment and selection, setting targets, mentoring and developing staff, monitoring achievement and managing the high performance and development of your team through our development processes. 

You will identify strongly with Kingston’s values – Inclusive, Innovative, Ambitious and Enterprising, and demonstrate these in everything that you do. Attracting and retaining highly motivated staff and students will be a priority for you, sharing our commitment to building on existing strengths and working with colleagues to build on our ethos of opportunity for all in line with our Equality, Diversity and Inclusive priorities. You will enhance the School of Engineering’s reputation and culture by working collaboratively with other Schools and Faculties to maintain existing cross-disciplinary activities and promote new cross-disciplinary developments, ensuring the quality assurance and enhancement of all aspects of the school’s academic activity, maintaining and develop the course portfolio of the school while making a leading contribution to innovation in curriculum, course design, learning and teaching and assessment.

The Faculty

There are few faculties across the UK university landscape as varied in their scope as the Faculty of Engineering, Computing & the Environment (ECE). We teach and research across a wide range of subjects, allowing for real cross-discipline innovation and creativity.  Our lecturers are experts – working at the forefront of their fields and actively engaged in research so they can bring advanced knowledge to their teaching. Our state-of-the-art facilities include specialist laboratories, a public outreach centre, a specialist virtual reality centre, a rocket lab, flight simulators, renewable energy lab, and 3 new labs related to electric, electronic and robotics, as well as an advanced design studio. For future scientists and engineers, this combines to create the ultimate real-life space for practical learning. For academic professionals, this all adds up to a truly vibrant, exciting environment in one of the largest and most diverse STEM faculties in the sector.

The School of Engineering

Our School of Engineering is where innovation meets education on the cutting edge. Our dedicated campus at Roehampton Vale is not just a place of learning; it’s a hub of technological advancement and forward-thinking education. It comprises three dynamic departments: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, Electronic, and Robotics, and Aerospace and Aircraft Engineering. We offer a spectrum of opportunities, from undergraduate and postgraduate programs to cutting-edge research initiatives across our three engineering departments. Our School of Engineering is not just a place to learn; it’s a community of forward-thinkers, pioneers, and future leaders in the field of engineering. Join us on a journey where education transcends traditional boundaries, and innovation is the driving force.

Further information

This is a full time, permanent position with a starting salary from £88,916 – £108,675 per annum.

Applications should consist of:

 – a concise covering letter (ideally no longer than two pages), addressing the criteria in the Person Specification;

 – an up-to-date curriculum vitae;

 – names and contact details of three referees (although referees will only be approached at the final stage of the process, and only with your express permission).

For informal enquiries, please contact Robert Brunton , Faculty PA/Support Officer or Shannah Adams , Faculty Operations Support Manager.

Timetable

 – Shortlisting: w/c 22 January 2024

 – Psychometric testing: w/c 5 February 2024

 – Formal Interviews: w/c 19 February 2024

If the interview date poses a problem for you, please let us know about this at the time of application.

Bring your true self, expertise, and passion to Kingston where we are continuing to strive to build a university where authentic inclusion and belonging is at its heart. Every one of our staff and students’ identities, backgrounds and diverse experiences makes us who we are – so harness and embrace yours by applying today. We welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities and those with disabilities.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where required, this may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme. 

To apply click on ‘Apply Now’. If, for accessibility reasons, you need to apply in an alternative format, please email [email protected]  or call the HR Shared Services team on 020 8417 3118.