At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Aerospace and Aircraft Engineering Department, driving innovation and academic excellence.
- Company: Kingston University, a diverse and inclusive institution in London.
- Benefits: Outstanding facilities, strong industry links, and a supportive environment for growth.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team committed to excellence and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aerospace education and make a lasting impact.
- Qualifications: Doctorate or equivalent experience in Aerospace Engineering with proven leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 € per year.
At Kingston University, we are proud of our diverse and inclusive academic community, where students and staff from around the world come together to learn, innovate and make a difference. Located in the historic riverside town of Kingston upon Thames and home to our award‑winning Town House building, the University combines an inspiring environment with sector leading facilities. With an overall Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework and recognition as the UK’s leading university for Future Skills, we are committed to equipping our students with the knowledge, skills and adaptability required to thrive in a rapidly evolving global workforce.
Our Town House Strategy sets out a bold, long term vision to redefine higher education. Through our Future Skills initiative, we embed the capabilities most valued by employers into every undergraduate programme. Alongside this, we are strengthening research and knowledge exchange through our Knowledge Exchange and Research Institutes, deepening partnerships with industry and professional bodies and enhancing our civic impact to enable a more sustainable future socially, economically and environmentally.
We are seeking an outstanding and experienced academic leader to take on the role of Head of the Department of Aerospace and Aircraft Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment. Based at our specialist Roehampton Vale campus, the Department benefits from exceptional facilities including advanced flight simulators, wind tunnels, composite and fabrication laboratories and strong industry connections. This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Department, ensuring excellence in student experience and academic quality and strengthening research, enterprise and external engagement. You will lead and inspire a committed team of academic and technical colleagues, drive innovation in curriculum design and delivery and contribute to the Faculty’s ambitions for growth and impact.
You are a credible and collaborative academic leader with a strong profile in Aerospace and Aircraft Engineering or a closely related discipline. You will hold a doctorate or demonstrate equivalent professional standing and bring substantial experience in higher education, including evidence of academic leadership and line management. You have a track record of achievement in teaching, research, enterprise or professional practice appropriate to a senior role and an understanding of the expectations of students, employers and relevant professional bodies. You combine strategic vision with operational effectiveness and have the ability to motivate and develop colleagues while fostering a positive and inclusive culture.
Kingston University offers an ambitious, supportive and forward‑thinking environment in which to shape the future of aerospace education. With outstanding facilities, strong industry links and a clear institutional strategy, this is an opportunity to make a lasting contribution at a university committed to excellence and impact.
The date for applications is noon on Monday 23 March 2026. Kingston University values the diversity of its student and staff body and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Head of the Department of Aerospace and Aircraft Engineering in London employer: Anderson Quigley
At Kingston University, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community that empowers both students and staff to innovate and excel. Located in the picturesque town of Kingston upon Thames, our Roehampton Vale campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry connections, providing an inspiring environment for professional growth and collaboration. As a leader in aerospace education, we offer a supportive culture that values excellence, encourages research and enterprise, and is committed to making a meaningful impact in the field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of the Department of Aerospace and Aircraft Engineering in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the aerospace field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Prepare to talk about your achievements and experiences in aerospace engineering. We recommend creating a portfolio or presentation that highlights your key projects and contributions. This will help you stand out during interviews and discussions.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Before any interview, practice your responses to common questions. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable. The more you rehearse, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the Head of the Department role! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in aerospace education.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of the Department of Aerospace and Aircraft Engineering in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Aerospace and Aircraft Engineering shine through. We want to see how your experiences and vision align with our commitment to excellence and innovation in education.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your leadership experience and achievements in higher education. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead a team, so showcase those skills prominently!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about your strategic vision for the department and how you plan to enhance student experience and academic quality.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials correctly and gives you a chance to review everything before hitting send.
How to prepare for a job interview at Anderson Quigley
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and technologies in Aerospace and Aircraft Engineering. Familiarise yourself with Kingston University's strategic goals, especially around their Future Skills initiative, so you can align your vision with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences and how you've motivated teams in the past. Think about specific examples where you've driven innovation or improved academic quality, as this role is all about inspiring others and fostering a positive culture.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Understand Kingston University's commitment to excellence and impact. Be ready to share your thoughts on how you can contribute to their ambitions for growth and external engagement, particularly in strengthening industry partnerships.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in the department's future. Inquire about their current challenges or opportunities in research and curriculum design, showing that you're not just looking to lead but also to collaborate and innovate.