Academic Head in Malmesbury

About Us

The Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology is a distinctive higher education institution, designed to develop engineers in close connection with practice.

It brings together academic study and real‑world engineering in a way that reflects how engineers learn and work in industry.

The Institute attracts individuals who are motivated by solving problems, understanding how things work, and applying their learning in live contexts.

The Institute’s undergraduate engineers undertake an integrated programme that combines academic study with substantive roles in Dyson’s global engineering teams.

They contribute to real projects throughout their degree while studying for an MEng awarded under our own degree awarding powers.

As salaried employees who graduate without tuition fee debt, they leave with both academic achievement and meaningful professional experience.

About The Role

• Strategic Management
• Shaping and implementing the Dyson Institute’s strategy for learning, teaching and assessment to ensure an outstanding student experience.
• Developing an explicit embrace of AI in teaching, learning and assessment so students are equipped to function effectively and ethically in the AI era.
• Designing strategies to internationalise programmes and spearhead transitions to high‑quality distance, blended and hybrid learning.
• Working with the Deputy Director (Engineering Integration) to ensure coherent integration of academic, industrial and professional development elements of the programme.
• Ensuring robust, academically credible approaches to recognition, assessment and award of workplace learning credit alongside formally taught provision.
• Supporting student progress and inspiring them to achieve within the Dyson business.
• Building credibility and excellence, championing the Institute, its ethos and accomplishments nationally and internationally.
• Leadership and Development
• Acting as a role model, inspiring and mobilising the academic team to deliver the Dyson Institute’s distinctive curriculum and value proposition.
• Developing and leading external networks and strategic partnerships to enhance national and international reputation and positioning the Institute as a centre of excellence.
• Setting clear targets, milestones and performance indicators to monitor progress, and implementing academic quality systems, policies and procedures.
• Working with the Registrar and Professional Services Team to ensure strategic and operational plans are supported by high‑quality data and management information, and ensuring compliance with regulators such as Of S, Ofsted, Health and Safety, etc.
• Collaborating with the Senior Finance Manager to align academic and financial objectives and ensure efficient, equitable and effective resource allocation.
• Line‑managing senior academic staff through an appropriate framework.
• Identifying, appointing and assuring quality of specialist teaching provision from external academics and Dyson engineers/researchers.
• Communicating academic decisions and expectations of the Executive Committee to all stakeholders.
• Actively implementing the Institution’s EDI agenda and promoting equality of opportunity in the post.

About You

Skills

• Proven ability to champion student experience and success, ensuring inclusive, engaging and responsive teaching, assessment and support practices.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and articulate strategy across a wide range of opportunities and see it through to successful implementation.
• Comfortable liaising with and reporting to senior executives and Council members.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence and engage employees and stakeholders at all levels.
• Outward‑facing and confident external ambassador for the Institute.
• Ability to lead and deliver innovation in pedagogy and assessment in work‑based or practice‑integrated learning environments.
• Evidence of using AI ethically and productively in teaching, learning and assessment.

Experience

• Proven experience of leading and managing change, ideally in transforming higher‑education organisations and driving innovation in the sector.
• Experience in driving academic programme development and improvements.
• Experience managing, developing and improving operational processes within a business and academic environment.
• Track record in leading successful projects and initiatives, including cultural and organisational change management.
• Experience of using performance management and appraisal systems effectively.
• Experience overseeing and championing equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• Appropriate academic credentials in a relevant discipline.
• Affinity with or experience in commercial business relevant to Dyson.
• Knowledge
• Intuitive and empathetic understanding of academic faculty and perspectives.
• Background in and in‑depth knowledge of a subject relevant to the Dyson Institute’s engineering programme.
• Extensive knowledge of English HE regulatory requirements, preferably including apprenticeships.
• Strategic awareness of higher education and understanding of national and international trends and emerging government policy.
• Proven financial acumen.
• Personal Attributes
• Clear commitment to the core values of the Institute.
• Receptive and committed to innovation.
• Resilience and ability to take challenging decisions and maintain clear, evidence‑based positions.
• A can‑do attitude, big‑picture thinking and patience within a complex stakeholder environment.
• Willingness to develop others as leaders and build a cohesive group of academic leaders, providing timely professional feedback.
• Substantive reputation as an academic leader at national level (e. g., National Teaching Fellowship).
• Safeguarding

The Dyson Institute is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our learners.

Successful candidates must be willing to undergo a full screening including DBS check.

Issues relating to safeguarding and promoting student welfare will be explored in interviews.

Benefits

• Financial
• Performance‑related bonus scheme.
• Competitive pension scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Discounts on Dyson machines and retail discounts.
• Free bus travel to and from campus (from Bristol, Bath, Chippenham, and Swindon).
• Lifestyle
• 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays).
• Free on‑site lunches, fruit and hot drinks.
• On‑site sports centre, gym, hair salon and concierge assistance.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
• Option to purchase additional holiday.
• Health
• Private medical insurance and dental insurance.
• Employee assistance programme, digital GP, on‑site physio and GP, prescription service, fertility treatment support.

Dyson is an equal‑opportunity employer.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and employment decisions are made without regard to race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other dimension of diversity.

Your application will be treated confidentially.

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