About the Role
Department Manager
INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY
The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences Cornwall is looking for a capable and collaborative Department Manager to join the leadership team.
This part-time post is available from January 2027. This role is offered at 0.8 FTE and as a two-year fixed-term appointment. Salary will be £44352 per annum pro rata on Grade F subject to knowledge, skills and experience. Applications for secondments will be considered subject to agreement from your current line manager.
This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home. The post is based in Cornwall and requires a visible campus presence, with an expectation of campus-based working every week
Bringing together a diverse range of disciplines, including Environmental Humanities, History, Law and Politics the department is home to a vibrant academic community with a strong commitment to research, teaching and public engagement.
Jointly reporting to the Law School Manager and the Head of Department, the successful candidate will be the Professional Services lead for the department. They will play a pivotal role in supporting its strategic and operational objectives.
The postholder will lead the departmental administrative support team, coordinate Faculty, Campus and University Professional Services support, and build strong and effective relationships with academic and professional services colleagues.
A key part of the role will be identifying and resolving operational challenges and developing practical solutions that support the department’s teaching, research and civic ambitions.
The Department Manager will also contribute to longer-term planning, helping to shape and deliver strategies and actions that support the department’s future development and success.
In addition, the postholder will act as a key Professional Services lead on the Penryn Campus, working in partnership with the Assistant Director Cornwall Operations and other colleagues in Cornwall to coordinate and deliver campus-wide initiatives, projects and institutional priorities.
The Department Manager is a key member of the department, working very closely with the Head of Department and as a member of the Department Leadership Team (DLT), their role will be to help develop strategic and operational plans while ensuring the day-to-day delivery of operations as the professional services lead for the department. They will work closely with other Faculty Department Managers and become part of a University-wide Department Manager network. This is the ideal role to learn more about and become part of a department's research, education and business engagement activities and is an ideal first step to more senior roles across HE.
The successful candidate will have proven problem-solving ability and leadership skills and be able to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences including senior stakeholders. They will also need to have strong people and administrative skills. Those with non-HE transferrable skills are welcome to apply.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role. Further information
Please contact Tom Stevenson, T.P.Stevenson2@exeter.ac.uk
About the Division
Education and Academic Services
In collaboration with the academic Faculties, the Education and Academic Services (EAS) Directorate provides all of the key administration and education support and enhancing activities that underpin the student experience from Welcome Week to Graduation. Service divisions within EAS include Education and Student Support, Learning Experience and Innovation, Faculty and Cornwall Operations, Sport and Wellbeing.
About Us
We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.
You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
Why our colleagues love working here
- Flexible working opportunities and leading parental leave initiatives
- Generous annual leave (39 - 41 days including bank holidays)
- Competitive pension contributions
- A genuine dedication to supporting the health and wellbeing of all colleagues - see initiatives here
- Sustainability and the environment being at the heart of what we do
How We Can Help
If you're considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at hrhelpdesk@exeter.ac.uk. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.
Department Manager HASS Cornwall in Penryn employer: University of Exeter
The University of Exeter is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With flexible working opportunities, generous annual leave, and a commitment to diversity and social justice, staff can thrive while contributing to meaningful initiatives that enhance student employability. Located in Exeter, this role provides a unique chance to engage with a diverse community and make a tangible impact on the future of underrepresented students.
