Chief Academic Officer, BIMM University (London)

BIMM University is a vibrant and creative multi-campus university that connects education, industry, and innovation across the creative arts. As the UK’s largest specialist university for the creative industries, BIMM offers a bold, practice-based education across four leading faculties: Music (BIMM Institute), Screen and Film (MetFilm School), Creative Technology (MetStudios), and Performing Arts (Performers College and Northern Ballet School). With campuses in nine cities across the UK, Ireland, and Germany, BIMM delivers cutting-edge, real-world education to over 9,000 students from more than 60 countries.

As Chief Academic Officer (CAO) of BIMM University, you will shape the academic direction and standards of a dynamic, multi-campus institution at the forefront of the creative industries. Reporting to the CEO and part of the executive leadership team, you will lead a diverse academic community, ensuring academic quality, regulatory compliance, and a student-centred culture of innovation. Overseeing curriculum development, assessment, and quality enhancement, you will drive BIMM’s strategic goals in teaching, learning, widening participation, global collaboration, and graduate outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to lead a bold, innovative university at the intersection of creativity and strategic academic leadership.

Practical Considerations:

• Location: Hybrid role, ideally based in London, Brighton, Bristol, or Birmingham. Manchester or Leeds may also be considered. Some regional travel across BIMM sites is required.
• Work Pattern: You can choose a base campus from the locations above and should expect to be on-site 4–6 times per month for board meetings and leadership presence across the regional campuses. Additional on-site flexibility may be needed on occasion.
• Remuneration: Salary range of £130,000–£140,000, with further discretionary consideration available in exceptional circumstances. Eligible for a yearly bonus and potential Long-Term Incentives Plan (LTIPs).
• Benefits: 25 days' holiday, plus extra December seasonal closure days and bank holidays. Group pension with salary sacrifice options, life assurance (4x salary), group income protection, 24/7 EAP support, cycle-to-work scheme, flexible benefits through employee purchase (dental, health screening, lifestyle savings, tech schemes), and enhanced parental pay.

Essential Criteria:

• Substantial experience in senior academic roles within complex multi-campus or large-scale Higher Education settings in the UK. This may include current or recent experience as an Executive Dean, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor or equivalent.
• High levels of financial literacy, pragmatism, and the ability to align academic priorities with institutional sustainability. You must be confident engaging with investor boards and contributing to the university’s strategic growth.
• A doctorate (PhD or EdD) is very likely crucial, or in exceptional circumstances a postgraduate qualification supplemented by significant and relevant professional experience, along with a recognised teaching qualification (e.g. PGCert) and professional development affiliations (e.g. Advance HE/HEA).
• A deep understanding of academic governance, policy, and regulatory frameworks across the UK and international higher education sectors. You will be confident engaging with bodies such as the OfS, QAA, and their global counterparts, and capable of representing the academic voice at both university Board and investor Board levels.
• A values-led and student-centred approach, with a strong belief in the power of inclusive, practice-based, and vocational education — especially in creative disciplines that do not follow linear graduate pathways. Student experience, learning and teaching, widening participation and social mobility, and graduate outcomes must be at the core of your educational philosophy and academic leadership experience.
• Exceptional academic leadership and communication skills, with a proven ability to inspire and unify academic and professional teams across disciplines, campuses, and countries. You will be a hands-on, visible, and trusted presence, with a track record of leading academic innovation, curriculum transformation, and quality assurance at scale.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of working in private higher education or regulated commercial higher education settings, including understanding of how ownership structures and investor dynamics can influence operations.
• Exposure to or understanding of Private Equity-backed higher education institutions or investment-led decision-making environments, with the ability to engage confidently at Investor Boards.
• Familiarity with the creative industries or a personal connection to the arts, music, screen, performance, or creative technologies. While not required, the ability to connect meaningfully with creative learners and educators is highly valued.
• Exposure to global higher education systems and regulatory environments outside the UK, particularly in countries where BIMM operates (e.g. Ireland, Germany). However, this must be in addition to solid UK-based experience, not in place of.
• A background in higher education institutions undergoing transformation, mergers, or rapid growth — particularly those requiring agility, innovation, and prudent, financially minded decisions at senior leadership level.

This is a career-defining opportunity to join a forward-thinking, mission-driven university at a pivotal moment in its evolution. If you are excited to lead academic strategy and quality in one of the most dynamic higher education environments in the UK and Europe, we would love to hear from you.