This is an exciting opportunity to lead Edge Hill University Business School at a significant point in its development. As Head of Business School, you will provide strategic, academic and operational leadership, shaping a distinctive, academically excellent, financially sustainable and outward-facing School. The School has an outstanding reputation for teaching, finishing top in the North West in the 2025 NSS in 2025, and our Accounting and Finance programme is consistently ranked first in the UK for student experience (the Guardian and Complete University Guide). The Business School was recently successful in the “Outstanding Support for Small Business" category at the Small Business Charter Excellence Awards in 2026.
Working closely with the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, you will lead the strategic development of the School, with responsibility for student recruitment, student experience, academic performance, portfolio development, research and knowledge exchange, enterprise and international engagement. You will help translate the University’s Our Connected Futures 2026–31 strategy into ambitious plans for the School and identify opportunities for sustainable growth.
You will also play an important role in strengthening the Business School’s external profile, developing relationships with employers, professional bodies and other partners, while ensuring the School continues to respond effectively to changing student demand, employer needs and the wider higher education environment. You will also work closely with the award-winning Productivity and Innovation Centre (PIC) to drive impact through growth, job creation, new product and service innovation, technology adoption, and productivity.
For further information or an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Professor Jay Cullen, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, at Cullenja@edgehill.ac.uk .
About You
As Head of Business School, you will be an experienced and credible leader with the strategic vision, commercial awareness and academic understanding to lead the School through its next stage of development.
You will bring a collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to inspire colleagues, lead change and create a high-performing culture. You will be confident using data, market intelligence and evidence to inform decisions, identify opportunities for sustainable growth and strengthen the School’s academic portfolio.
You will have excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with employers, professional bodies, public sector organisations, policymakers and international partners. You will also demonstrate a strong commitment to academic excellence, innovation and delivering an outstanding experience for students.
At Edge Hill University we value the benefits a rich and diverse workforce brings to our community and therefore welcome applications from all sections of society.
- A minimum of 35 days annual leave per annum, pro rata (inclusive of bank holidays and University closure days)
- Relocation and Visa Assistance Policies (subject to eligibility criteria)
- Discounted membership to our onsite state-of-the-art sport and leisure facilities
- Staff benefits scheme, providing discounts across the high street, supermarket shopping, cinema tickets, dining out and more
- Employee assistance programme with access to free confidential counselling sessions, legal and financial advice, and health and wellbeing resources
- A wide range of development programmes to enhance your career
- Beautiful award-winning on-campus working environment
- Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
About Us
At Edge Hill University we believe in the life-changing opportunities knowledge can create. Since 1885, we’ve been creating access to knowledge for those who may not have had the opportunity to before.
Today, the effect we have has a far-reaching impact, not just for those who come to study here but for those who work, invest in and live in our local communities too. So, if you’ve ever wondered if one person can make a difference, simply speak to our alumni, students and award-winning staff.
Because for us education isn’t about how much you take in. It’s about what you take out into the world.
Inspiring minds and changing futures since 1885, Edge Hill University is "A great success story… an institution that improves and impresses year after year" – Times Higher Education.
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Director/Head of the Business School in Ormskirk employer: Edge-Hill-University-5
Edge-Hill-University-5 is an attractive employer due to its outstanding reputation for teaching and student experience. The university offers opportunities for professional development and leadership roles, fostering a supportive work culture focused on collaboration and innovation.
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