Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Design in Bristol
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Design

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Design in Bristol

Bristol Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
University of Bath

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Faculty of Engineering & Design, shaping culture and driving performance.
  • Company: University of Bath, a hub for innovation and excellence in engineering and design.
  • Benefits: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and impactful leadership.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of shaping future engineers and designers in a vibrant academic community.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in higher education and strong communication skills required.
  • Other info: Work in a supportive environment with a focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

At the University of Bath, engineering and design sit at the heart of our academic identity and our ambitions for the decade ahead. As we develop Strategy 2036, our framework for global excellence, outstanding people, and high-impact research and education, we are seeking a Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Design to lead that agenda from the front.

This appointment comes at a pivotal moment. With a new institutional strategy taking shape and significant opportunities ahead in research, education, and global engagement, the Faculty is well positioned for its next phase, and it now needs the right leader to drive it forward.

About the Faculty

The Faculty of Engineering & Design is one of Bath's largest and most distinguished academic communities, comprising four top-performing departments: Architecture & Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Home to approximately 3,000 students and over 300 staff, with student entry standards among the highest in the UK.

Research is organised around three large-scale themes (digital, health, and sustainability) delivered through a network of interdisciplinary centres, including IAAPS at the Bristol & Bath Science Park, alongside centres specialising in bioengineering, climate adaptation, sustainable energy, and advanced manufacturing.

About the Role

As Dean, you will hold three distinct and equally important leadership responsibilities:

  • Faculty Leader: setting direction, shaping culture, and driving performance; raising research quality, building a compelling educational offer, championing commercialisation, and creating an environment where exceptional people do their best work.
  • Academic Executive: working closely with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost on strategic planning, budget setting, student number targets, and KPI delivery, with direct accountability for the Faculty's financial sustainability.
  • Institutional Leader: sitting on the University Executive Board from day one, contributing to Bath's wider institutional strategy and policy beyond the Faculty.

Key priorities include developing a compelling and diverse educational offer; enhancing research performance and commercialisation; growing global engagement and transnational education; strengthening culture, equality, diversity and inclusion; and ensuring strong financial management.

About You

You will bring academic and/or professional qualifications relevant to the Faculty, with the credibility to lead a top-performing engineering community. You will have a proven record of leadership in higher education, motivating and developing academic and professional staff in an open, inclusive, and collaborative style. You will be an exceptional communicator, confident across a wide range of audiences, with a track record of leading change and delivering strategic results. A sound understanding of the national and international higher education landscape is essential.

Why Bath?

Bath is distinctive: compact, campus-based, and cohesive. It is a place where leaders see strategy become reality. You will join at a moment of genuine momentum, working alongside a Vice-Chancellor who is an engineer, a Provost deeply invested in Faculty performance, and a senior leadership team committed to excellence. This is a role with real autonomy: trusted to lead, empowered to act, and supported to succeed.

Further Information

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Aswin Satheesh Raju, Talent Acquisition Researcher. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 31 March 2026. Interviews will be held on 1 May 2026.

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Design in Bristol employer: University of Bath

The University of Bath is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture that prioritises innovation and excellence in engineering and design. With a strong commitment to employee development and a strategic focus on global engagement, staff are empowered to lead impactful research and education initiatives while enjoying the benefits of a supportive community in a picturesque campus setting. This role as Dean provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of a distinguished faculty, driving forward ambitious goals in a dynamic environment.
University of Bath

Contact Detail:

University of Bath Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Design in Bristol

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the University of Bath, especially those in the Faculty of Engineering and Design. A friendly chat can give us insider info on the culture and expectations, plus it shows our genuine interest.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the university's Strategy 2036. We should be ready to discuss how our vision aligns with their goals and how we can contribute to their ambitious plans for research and education.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase our leadership style! Think about examples from our past experiences where we've motivated teams or led successful projects. This role is all about driving performance, so let’s highlight our ability to inspire and create a positive environment.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team at Bath and contributing to their exciting future.

We think you need these skills to ace Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Design in Bristol

Leadership in Higher Education
Strategic Planning
Financial Management
Research Performance Enhancement
Educational Offer Development
Change Management
Communication Skills
Collaboration and Team Development
Understanding of Higher Education Landscape
Cultural Competence
Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy
Global Engagement Strategies
Performance Management
Motivational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Dean role. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with the Faculty's goals, especially around research and education.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your qualifications; share concrete examples of your past successes in higher education. We want to see how you've driven change and delivered results in previous roles.

Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for engineering and design, and how you envision leading the Faculty.

Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep everything organised!

How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath

✨Know Your Faculty Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into the Faculty of Engineering & Design. Familiarise yourself with their research themes, departments, and recent achievements. This knowledge will not only impress but also help you articulate how your vision aligns with their goals.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a Dean, your leadership approach is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your experience in motivating teams, fostering inclusivity, and driving performance. Be ready to discuss how you would shape the culture within the Faculty and lead it towards its strategic objectives.

✨Engage with Strategic Vision

Understand the University’s Strategy 2036 and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to its success. Think about innovative ideas for enhancing research performance and global engagement, and be ready to share your thoughts on commercialisation and financial sustainability.

✨Communicate Effectively

As an exceptional communicator, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Tailor your communication style to resonate with different audiences, from academic staff to the University Executive Board. This will demonstrate your ability to engage effectively across various levels.

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Design in Bristol
University of Bath
Location: Bristol

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