Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the University of Southampton Business School and shape its future direction.
- Company: Join a globally recognised university committed to excellence and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive benefits package, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education and research while fostering a diverse community.
- Qualifications: Proven academic leadership experience and a strong record in research and education.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic coastal city with a vibrant culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking an exceptional academic leader to join the University of Southampton as Dean of the University of Southampton Business School. The University is currently ranked 87th in the world, and this role is pivotal to advancing our position further. Our University Strategy is built around a distinctive Triple Helix model, harnessing the combined power of our excellence in research, education, and knowledge exchange and enterprise.
As Dean, you will draw on your academic credibility and inclusive leadership experience to shape the next chapter for the school, ensuring alignment with wider Faculty and University priorities. This is a unique opportunity for an inspiring leader to build on our momentum, champion the achievements of our staff and students, and proactively forge new opportunities globally. You will model our values and lead with integrity, driving our commitment to excellence in all that we do.
The University of Southampton Business School is a dynamic, internationally recognised unit comprising six interdisciplinary departments: Accounting; Banking and Finance; Decision Analytics and Risk; Digital and Data Driven Marketing; Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour; and Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Together, these departments deliver globally recognised research, education, knowledge exchange and enterprise activities that address complex transnational challenges.
Our interdisciplinary research strengths span sustainability, data analytics and artificial intelligence, leadership and governance, making sustainable impacts that shape academia, public policy and industry worldwide. Ranked among the top 25% of UK business schools for research quality, we work collaboratively with government agencies, local authorities, research organisations and businesses to deliver solutions with real-world impact. Strong industry connections provide students with practical experience and ensure our graduates are highly sought after by leading employers.
You are an accomplished academic leader with a proven record in research, education, knowledge exchange and enterprise. With experience leading a faculty, school or similar complex environment, you bring vision, ambition and the ability to deliver results aligned with institutional goals. Your leadership style is visible, transparent and collaborative, fostering trust and respect across staff, students and stakeholders.
You unite diverse communities, promote equality of opportunity and shape a positive culture that values excellence and innovation. You guide change with vision and resilience, building trust and leading transformation with confidence and empathy. Combining strategic thinking with financial acumen, you ensure sustainability while creating opportunities for growth.
With strong communication skills, you cultivate strategic relationships within the University and beyond, influencing senior stakeholders across government, industry and global partners to strengthen the School’s reputation and impact. Your academic leadership is underpinned by research credibility, accreditation expertise and a deep understanding of the UK Higher Education landscape, enabling you to balance strategic vision with operational delivery.
Above all, you are motivated by the opportunity to shape the future of the School and the University, fostering a culture of excellence, equality, diversity and inclusion, while strengthening income generation and enhancing our national and international reputation.
Our people are our university; they are at the heart of everything we do and the impact we make. We are proud to foster a truly diverse and inclusive environment where students and staff from all walks of life can thrive. Our community is built on mutual respect, core values and a collective passion for creating an innovative and forward-thinking space for learning and research.
We are nationally recognised for our commitment to equality, and for embedding inclusive practices across the institution. We are proud to be an Athena Swan silver award holder at an institutional level, a Race Equality Charter bronze award holder, a Disability Confident Leader and a University Mental Health Charter award holder. We are also proactive members of the Researcher Development Concordat and Technician Commitment. These achievements reflect our dedication to equity, representation and opportunity for all.
We support a flexible and supportive working environment, complemented by a competitive benefits package that includes membership of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), generous annual leave, corporate healthcare, subsidised fitness facilities and a range of staff discounts. Southampton is a dynamic, well-connected coastal city with a lively cultural scene and excellent amenities, making it an ideal place to live, work and thrive at any stage of life or career.
This post is offered on a tenured basis initially for a period of five years, which is extendible up to a maximum of eight years. At the end of this tenure, the successful candidate will return to a substantive Professorial position within the University.
For more information and details of how to apply, please visit TalentEdu. For further details about the role or any enquiries, contact TalentEdu at southampton@talentedu.co.uk or 0203 290 2907. The closing date for receipt of applications is midnight (GMT) on Sunday, 1st February 2026.
Following a longlist meeting of the Search Committee, successful candidates will be invited to attend a virtual Engagement Day on Wednesday 11th March 2026. Interviews are scheduled to take place in person at the Highfield Campus on Tuesday 31st March 2026.
We believe equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to making the University of Southampton a welcoming, vibrant and successful organisation. Having a diverse workforce, inclusive of people of all ages and beliefs, from different racial backgrounds, educational and social backgrounds opens up a wealth of possibilities, makes us more creative and accelerates our impact on society. We welcome applicants that value diversity of our community and are willing to play their part in supporting the mission of inclusivity.
Dean of the University of Southampton Business School employer: University of Southampton
Contact Detail:
University of Southampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Dean of the University of Southampton Business School
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the University of Southampton Business School. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which is always a bonus.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school's recent achievements and challenges. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their goals. Plus, it gives you great talking points!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of examples that highlight your inclusive leadership style and how you've driven change in previous roles. We want to hear about your impact and vision!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and know how to navigate the modern job market.
We think you need these skills to ace Dean of the University of Southampton Business School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Style: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your leadership style. We want to see how you foster trust and respect among staff and students, so share examples of your collaborative approach and how you've united diverse communities.
Align with Our Values: Take a moment to reflect on our values and how they resonate with your own. In your application, we encourage you to demonstrate how your vision aligns with our commitment to excellence, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Be Specific About Your Achievements: We love numbers and specifics! When discussing your past experiences, be sure to include concrete examples of your achievements in research, education, and knowledge exchange. This will help us understand the impact you've made in your previous roles.
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. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Southampton
✨Research the University and Its Values
Before your interview, dive deep into the University of Southampton's mission, values, and recent achievements. Understanding their commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion will help you align your responses with their culture and demonstrate that you're a great fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a candidate for Dean, it's crucial to articulate your leadership philosophy. Prepare examples that highlight your collaborative approach, ability to foster trust, and how you've successfully led diverse teams in the past. This will show that you can unite communities and drive positive change.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions about your vision for the Business School and how you plan to enhance its global reputation. Think about specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles that align with the University's goals, especially around research quality and student experience.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you would cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, both within the University and externally. Highlight your communication skills and provide examples of how you've influenced senior stakeholders in the past to strengthen institutional impact.
