Introduction
The University of Sheffield is seeking to appoint an outstanding academic leader as Dean of Sheffield University Management School.
This is a pivotal appointment offering the opportunity to lead a triple-accredited business school (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) with a strong reputation, and to shape its next phase through a clear focus on performance, delivery and impact in an increasingly competitive global environment.
The Role
The Dean will provide strategic and operational leadership, ensuring delivery across research, education and external engagement while strengthening the School’s long-term sustainability and reputation.
Key priorities include:
Setting clear strategic direction and driving delivery across all areas of the School
Leading organisational development, including implementation of structural change
Strengthening financial sustainability and operational effectiveness
Building a cohesive, high-performing senior leadership team
Enhancing external profile, partnerships and global reputation
Supporting continued success across accreditation frameworks
This is a role requiring both strategic vision and strong organisational grip, with the ability to lead through complexity and deliver sustained impact.
The Person
We are seeking an established academic leader with:
A strong academic profile appropriate for appointment at Professorial level
Substantial senior leadership experience at Dean, Deputy Dean or equivalent level
A track record of leading change and improving organisational performance
Experience of building and leading effective senior teams
Evidence of operating at scale, managing complex portfolios and competing priorities
Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders
The ability to operate effectively within complex institutional environments
A commitment to inclusive leadership and a high-performing culture
Candidates should demonstrate readiness to lead a Management School of this scale and complexity, including those who have held interim or acting Dean responsibilities or equivalent scope.
Terms of Appointment
The appointment will be made on an open-ended Professorial contract. The role of Dean will be offered for an initial period of five years, extendable by mutual agreement.
Further Information
Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to the University, and an executive search process is being carried out in addition to the public advertisement.
Further information and how to apply is available here University of Sheffield - Dean of Sheffield University Management School | AQ and should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, please contact:
Carolyn Coates on +44 (0)7825 871 944 or [email protected]
Kiersten Avery on +44 (0)7510 384 735 or [email protected]
The closing date for applications is 10 June 2026
