The University is seeking an outstanding and visionary academic leader to serve as Subject Lead for Built Environment within our dynamic new School Senior Management Team. This is a pivotal and highly influential leadership position - one that shapes the academic direction, culture, and performance of the Subject while contributing to the strategic leadership of the wider College and University.
As Subject Lead, you will play a critical role in delivering our corporate ambitions through strong academic stewardship, people-centred leadership, and a clear focus on excellence across teaching, research, and industry engagement. You will work collaboratively and strategically with the Head of School, fellow Subject Leads, and central University functions to inspire staff, support students, and cultivate impactful external partnerships - all underpinned by the University’s values and behaviours.
Derby’s proud heritage in construction, infrastructure, and rail provides an exceptional foundation for innovation in the Built Environment. The city’s forward-looking investment in zero-carbon research and partnerships with globally recognised industry leaders reflect the University’s position at the forefront of regional and national transformation.
In this role, you will exercise delegated leadership responsibility from the Head of School, including line management of academic staff and leadership of the Subject’s performance and culture. You will provide clear, supportive, and constructive leadership that enables individuals and teams to thrive. Through active engagement in teaching, research, and scholarly activity, you will model excellence and maintain the highest standards of academic practice, ensuring outstanding student experience and graduate outcomes.
Beyond the core academic remit, you will drive strategic growth by identifying opportunities for industry collaboration, external income generation, curriculum innovation, and research development. You will lead horizon scanning, performance benchmarking, and external engagement initiatives that reinforce the Subject’s relevance, agility, and long-term impact.
This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious and strategically minded leader to make a significant contribution to a College that delivers STEM solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges through education, research, and knowledge exchange.
Interviews will take place on: Tuesday 18th and/or Wednesday 19th August 2026
Conferment of an Associate Professor/Professorial title can be considered along with this role.
