Dean (Higher Education) in London

British University Vietnam (BUV) invites applications for the position of Dean (Higher Education), a senior academic leader responsible for the strategic, academic, and operational leadership of all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across the University. Gross Salary will be aligned with appointment level and qualifications: starting from USD 10,000 per month plus performance-based bonus.

British University Vietnam (BUV) is the first and only international university in Vietnam authorised to award degrees from renowned UK universities: University of London, University of Staffordshire, University of Stirling, Arts University Bournemouth, Bournemouth University, and Manchester Metropolitan University. Established in 2009, BUV delivers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes following UK academic standards. BUV is rated 5 Stars by QS and institutionally accredited by the UK Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). With over 500 enterprise partners, 100% of BUV graduates are employed or pursue further study within three months of graduation.

Students study at a world-class campus in Ecopark, developed with an investment of up to USD 165 million, offering modern facilities and an international-standard learning environment for more than 10,000 students upon completion.

Higher Education at British University Vietnam (BUV) delivers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across four Schools: Business; Communications & Creative Industries; Computing & Innovative Technologies; and the Graduate School, all led by Heads of School reporting to the Dean. Supported by key functions including Research & Innovation, Academic Development, and Academic Quality, the division ensures teaching, research, and academic standards meet UK partner, international, and Vietnamese regulatory requirements. BUV is committed to delivering a world-class education and student experience through an internationally qualified faculty with strong teaching, industry, and research expertise.

The Dean (Higher Education) provides strategic, academic, and operational leadership for all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across the University, leading the Heads of School and core academic functions to ensure alignment and excellence. As a senior academic leader, the Dean (Higher Education) plays a key role in positioning BUV as a university of excellence within a UK-aligned transnational framework, driving performance across teaching and learning, research, academic planning, governance, and resource management. The role is responsible for maintaining high academic standards in line with UK and Vietnamese requirements, fostering a strong research culture, promoting innovation in education, and building a high-performing, collaborative academic community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic leadership and serve on the Senior Leadership Team and Vice-Chancellor’s Executive, contributing to institutional strategy, academic planning, and major initiatives.
• Lead the development and growth of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, ensuring alignment with UK partner standards and market needs.
• Oversee Higher Education operations, including academic quality, teaching excellence, and student experience.
• Drive a strong research and scholarship culture, including postgraduate education and industry-engaged research.
• Build and maintain strategic external partnerships with universities, accreditation bodies, and industry.
• Ensure effective academic governance, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage budgets, resources, and workforce planning to ensure sustainability.
• Lead and develop a high-performing, inclusive academic community, supporting talent development and succession planning.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

• Currently employed as a Professor or Associate Professor (Level E or D) at a recognised and/or ranked university or higher education institution.
• A PhD or equivalent doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline.
• At least 3-5 years’ experience as a Dean (or equivalent) at a recognized university or higher education institution.
• Demonstrated success in leading an academic organisational unit, particularly through periods of growth, change, or transformation.
• Proven ability to set strategic direction, deliver outcomes, and enhance staff and student performance in a culturally diverse and international environment.
• Strong strategic leadership capability, with the ability to balance academic quality, growth, and innovation while contributing to institutional strategy, transnational partnerships, and UK-aligned governance frameworks.
• Proven capability in planning, negotiating, and implementing strategic initiatives aligned with institutional priorities, regulatory frameworks, and available resources.
• Sound understanding of university systems, including budget management, academic governance, and quality assurance.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and effective relationships with staff, students, senior leaders, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively within a complex, multi-stakeholder academic environment, including engagement with governing bodies, executive leadership, and cross-functional teams.
• Proven track record of building and leveraging international academic and industry networks, particularly within the UK, Asia, or transnational education (TNE) contexts.
• Established relationships with universities, accreditation bodies, research communities, and industry partners to support programme development, research collaboration, and student employability.
• Experience in representing an institution at regional and global academic forums, enhancing institutional reputation and partnerships.
• Ability to expand and activate networks to support student recruitment pipelines, graduate employability, and research funding opportunities.

Desirable

• Senior leadership experience within UK or Australian-aligned higher education systems.
• A strong record of research achievement and impact, including publications, research degree supervision, external funding, or applied/industry-focused research aligned with institutional priorities.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in fostering a culture of scholarly and educational excellence, with a commitment to high-quality, student-centred teaching aligned with international and UK best practice.
• Experience representing an institution in senior academic, professional, or international forums, enhancing reputation and partnerships.

Note: For international candidates: Original certificates and qualifications must be presented upon arrival in Vietnam, including academic degrees, proof of relevant work experience, and a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check or equivalent police clearance, for work permit processing purposes.

BENEFITS

• Highly competitive salary package (plus benefits) for both local and expatriate candidates commensurate with qualifications/experience.
• 13th month Tet bonus (for local candidates).
• Annual cost of living adjustment and performance-based bonus.
• Recognition & awards programmes.
• 20 days annual leave, public holidays, and 5 days paid sick leave.
• Healthcare plan (private accident, medical, and dental insurance, including annual health checks).
• Education support for staff, their dependents and immediate relatives.
• Relocation allowance to cover visa/flights/initial days accommodation.
• Support and assistance in work permit and visa application together with relocation to and settling into living and working in Vietnam.
• Various staff events through the year (outings, year-end party, sports activities and other events).
• Onsite fitness and sports centre.
• Opportunity to work within a professional and multi-cultural environment.

ABOUT LIVING AND WORKING AT BUV AND IN VIETNAM

BUV’s working environment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVtWifNh0mU

Academic staff’s insights – Living in Vietnam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPGjyh8Scsc&t=35s

BUV’s Campus expansion plan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZvnpq3pdHY&t=88s

ORGANISATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

BUV is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of its staff members. BUV and its staff members must comply with a range of local legal and regulatory requirements, including foreign investment & business, import & export, contracts & commerce, banking, finance & foreign exchange, labour, taxation, land & premises, environment, and immigration. BUV expects all staff members to comply with its Code of Conduct, policies, and procedures which relate to legal and regulatory requirements and our ways of working. Appointees are accountable for completing training on these matters and ensuring their knowledge and the knowledge of their staff is up to date.