Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, Life Sciences and Education

About the Job

Interview Date: 30th September 2026

We are shaping the next phase of our strategy, strengthening our financial sustainability, and deepening our contribution to Northamptonshire and the wider region. Like many universities, we are operating in a challenging and fast-changing higher education environment, but we are doing so with clarity about our purpose and confidence in the difference we can make. Working alongside the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business, Creative Industries, Technology and Law the Executive Dean will play a central role in helping us translate ambition into delivery: improving student outcomes, growing distinctive academic provision, building productive partnerships, and ensuring that the Faculty’s expertise is fully connected to the needs of our communities, employers and public services.

You will lead the Faculty of Health, Life Sciences and Education through two Deputy Deans, a Faculty Manager and a Director of Commercial and Enterprise. 

This inspiring academic leader is responsible for ensuring the success and long-term future of the Faculty while also carrying defined cross-institutional responsibilities, agreed with the Vice Chancellor upon appointment, that advance the University Strategy, strengthen academic quality, student success, research, enterprise and external impact.

We expect this post holder to work collaboratively across Faculties and Professional Services Directorates, and with staff, students, Governors and external partners, to deliver ongoing institution-wide transformation, foster innovation and secure excellent outcomes for the University and its communities.

This critical role will be responsible for delivering agreed annual and multi-year Faculty performance objectives linked to student recruitment, student outcomes, academic quality, financial contribution, partnership growth, research performance and external engagement. You are expected to act first and foremost as an institutional leader, contributing collectively to the success of the University beyond Faculty boundaries.  

About You

The incoming Executive Dean will inherit a committed and collegiate faculty and will be expected to build further ambition, innovation and external engagement across its academic communities.

We are looking for someone who will bring ambition, judgement and humanity to this role. You will be a visible and accessible leader, able to build confidence during change, create pride and momentum across the Faculty, and make thoughtful choices where resources are finite and expectations are high. You will understand that universities change lives not in the abstract, but through the daily work of opening doors, raising confidence, creating opportunity and helping students and staff to realise their potential.

With a strong track record of success in a discipline relevant to this Faculty and in a senior higher education leadership role, you will be someone who can show that you have delivered continued growth by maximising the potential of an existing portfolio, but also by opening up new markets, partnerships, and by leading other commercial activity.

The right candidate will combine strategic grip with generosity of spirit. They will be comfortable leading at pace, but will do so in a way that brings people with them; setting clear expectations, supporting colleagues to succeed, and building a culture where performance, inclusion and care are mutually reinforcing. We need someone who can build pride, pace and performance within the Faculty while contributing visibly and constructively to the success of the whole University, beyond their faculty boundaries.

Equally important is being a trusted, constructive and collegiate member of the  University Leadership Team, and demonstrating a commitment to the mission and spirit of UON, and everything we stand for.

With high integrity and consummate professionalism, you will demonstrate adherence to the ethical standards and confidentiality we hold dear, and illustrate your ability to work in accordance with the UON’s policies on equality, inclusion, sustainability and responsible practice.

Joining us at this time, offers the chance to be part of a forward-thinking and student-centred institution, where you will help shape a university that is redefining what it means to be a critical and influential part of Northamptonshire’s civic fabric.

Qualifications

We are looking forward to hearing from you about how you meet the following criteria:

1. A relevant postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience.   
2. A research degree or equivalent professional experience
3. Relevant and current professional registration

Faculty of Health, Life Sciences and Education

The Faculty sits at the intersection of some of the most important questions facing society: how we educate future generations, support healthier communities, strengthen public services and develop the workforce our region and country need. It comprises six Schools, the Nursing and Midwifery Competency Testing Centre and the Multi-Disciplinary Clinic. The Schools, teaching more than 7,000 students, are thus:

• Behavioural Sciences
• Nursing and Midwifery
• Sport and Public Health
• Science
• Education, Culture and Society
• Health

This inspiring academic leader is responsible for ensuring the success and long-term future of the Faculty while also carrying defined cross-institutional responsibilities, agreed with the Vice Chancellor upon appointment, that advance the University Strategy, strengthen academic quality, student success, research, enterprise and external impact.

About us 

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

Our People

Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Right to work 

All candidates will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process. The University is open to considering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, provided that the eligibility criteria of the points-based immigration system are met.

Equality

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Together @ UON
Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.

Commitments Include:

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
2. Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
3. Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON’s Major Commitments:

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON