At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Careers First agenda and enhance student employability through industry partnerships.
- Company: Join the University of East London, a forward-thinking institution shaping careers-first education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to influence the future of education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures in a dynamic and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in higher education or industry engagement required.
The predicted salary is between 73705 - 92190 £ per year.
Salary: £73,705 to £92,190 per annum inclusive of London Weighting
Post Type: Full Time
Post Type: Permanent
Closing Date: Thursday 28 May 2026
Reference: 0754-26-MG
Shape the Future of Careers-First Education
At the University of East London (UEL), we are redefining what higher education can achieve. Guided by our ambitious Vision 2028 strategy, we are building the UK's leading careers-first university, embedding employability, enterprise and industry collaboration into every aspect of the student experience.
The Royal Docks School of Business & Law (RDSBL) is at the heart of this transformation. Based in one of London's most dynamic and fast-growing regions, we are a vibrant and diverse academic community committed to delivering innovative, inclusive and industry-connected education that prepares graduates for the careers and opportunities of the future.
About the Role
This is a strategic leadership role focused on embedding employability, enterprise and employer engagement at the heart of the student experience within the Royal Docks School of Business & Law. As Associate Dean of Careers and Enterprise, you will lead the School's Careers First agenda, driving improvements in graduate outcomes through strong industry partnerships, experiential learning opportunities, enterprise activity and innovative professional provision. You will work closely with academic and professional service teams to strengthen employer engagement, expand external partnerships and develop commercially focused initiatives including CPD, executive education and employer-funded programmes. As a member of the School Senior Leadership Team, you will play a key role in shaping strategy, driving performance and ensuring students graduate with the skills, experience and networks needed to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy.
About You
You will be a strategic, influential and delivery-focused leader with a strong track record of building partnerships that create measurable impact. You will bring:
- Significant senior leadership experience within higher education, industry engagement or a related environment
- Proven success improving graduate outcomes and employability through data-led approaches
- Strong commercial acumen and experience generating external income through professional or employer-focused provision
- Experience developing employer-led experiential learning opportunities including placements, mentoring, live briefs and recruitment pathways
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at senior level across academic, commercial and public-sector environments
- Deep commitment to widening participation, inclusion and student success
What You'll Need to Thrive
You will thrive in this role if you are a highly collaborative and entrepreneurial leader who combines strategic vision with delivery focus. You will be confident building partnerships, influencing senior stakeholders, driving innovation and translating ambitious ideas into measurable outcomes for students, graduates and industry partners alike.
Why Join UEL?
This is an opportunity to shape the future of careers-first education at one of the UK's most ambitious modern universities. At UEL, you will join a forward-thinking institution committed to innovation, inclusion and real-world impact where your leadership will directly influence student success, employer engagement and institutional growth.
Benefits Package
At UEL, we believe that a great role is about more than just a salary. It's about the complete package, including our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture. We offer a genuinely competitive salary, dependent on experience (DOE), and a range of excellent benefits.
As an inclusive, equal-opportunities employer, our Stonewall membership and Athena Swan awards reflect our ongoing dedication to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and we're committed to closing the 'diversity pay gap'. We're proud of the progress we've made and honest that there's more to do. We're determined to keep moving forward so everyone at UEL can thrive.
We're a disability confident employer and value all applications. Please let us know if you require any reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. At UEL we are committed to working together to build a community which values diversity in both our staff and student populations, is representative and inclusive, enabling all to progress and thrive.
Head of Careers & Enterprise Strategy employer: Job Search Place Limited
At the University of East London, we are at the forefront of transforming higher education into a careers-first model, fostering an inclusive and innovative work culture that prioritises employee growth and collaboration. Located in one of London's most vibrant areas, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our supportive environment, where your leadership can make a tangible impact on student success and industry engagement. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking institution that values your contributions and offers a competitive benefits package alongside a strong focus on professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Careers & Enterprise Strategy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. The more comfortable you are, the more confident you'll be when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Careers & Enterprise Strategy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Careers & Enterprise Strategy role. Highlight your relevant experience in higher education and industry engagement, showing how you can drive employability and partnerships.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your strategic vision and delivery focus! Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've successfully led teams and improved graduate outcomes through innovative initiatives.
Be Data-Driven:Since this role involves a data-led approach, include any metrics or results that showcase your success in enhancing employability and generating external income. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at UEL.
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into UEL's Vision 2028 strategy and the Royal Docks School of Business & Law. Understand their approach to employability and industry collaboration. This will help you align your experience with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in shaping the future of careers-first education.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led initiatives in higher education or industry engagement. Highlight your track record in improving graduate outcomes and building partnerships. Use data to back up your claims, as this role is all about measurable impact.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you can influence senior stakeholders across various sectors. Be ready to discuss your strategies for strengthening employer engagement and expanding external partnerships. Demonstrating your excellent stakeholder management skills will be key to showcasing your fit for this strategic leadership role.
✨Emphasise Inclusion and Diversity
UEL values diversity and inclusion, so be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to these areas in your previous roles. Share your commitment to widening participation and student success, and how you plan to continue this work at UEL. This will resonate well with their mission and values.
