Cardiff University - Head of School, Engineering

Reference Code: 8736

Founded in 1883, Cardiff University is established as one of the UK's leading research universities. Our motto, Gwirionedd, Undod a Chytgord ("Truth, Unity and Concord"), expresses our enduring commitment to working together to make a positive and lasting difference to society. We excel in producing high-quality, innovative research that delivers transformative social, cultural and economic impact locally, nationally and globally. As Wales's largest university and a major employer, we work closely with communities, industry and government to help address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

The School of Engineering is one of the UK's leading centres for engineering research and education, bringing together internationally recognised expertise across a wide range of disciplines to address complex technological, societal and environmental challenges. Through collaboration with industry, government and academic partners, the School delivers world-leading research with real-world impact and provides an outstanding, research-rich educational experience that equips students to become the engineers, innovators and leaders of the future.

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional academic leader as the next Head of the School of Engineering. The successful candidate will lead the School through its next phase of development, building on its strong foundations and international reputation while shaping an ambitious vision for the future. You will provide strategic leadership across education and student experience, research, innovation and external engagement, ensuring the School continues to thrive in an increasingly dynamic and competitive global environment and fostering a forward-looking and inclusive academic environment in which students, staff and partners can succeed.

The successful candidate will have an outstanding academic record in a relevant discipline, with a strong track record of leadership, management and strategic delivery. You will possess the personal credibility, vision and influence required to inspire and motivate colleagues, lead organisational change effectively, and represent the School confidently within the University and externally.

How To Apply  

The University will be supported in this appointment process by the executive search firm Perrett Laver. If you would like to discuss this opportunity further or have any questions about the role, please contact Zoe Brzakalik at Zoe.Brzakalik@perrettlaver.com.

For details of the appointment, including further information about the job description, person specification, and how to apply, please click the 'Request More Information' button below to access the Candidate Brief.

Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae, detailing experience, full employment history and relevant achievements. CVs should be accompanied by a covering letter describing briefly how candidates meet the criteria outlined in the person specification, why the appointment is of interest and what they believe they can bring to the role.  

The closing date for applications is 09:00 GMT on Monday 7th December 2026.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.  

Protecting your personal data is of the utmost importance to Perrett Laver and we take this responsibility very seriously. Any information obtained by our trading divisions is held and processed in accordance with the relevant data protection legislation. The data you provide us with is securely stored on our computerised database and transferred to our clients for the purposes of presenting you as a candidate and/or considering your suitability for a role you have registered interest in. As defined under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Perrett Laver is a Data Controller and a Data Processor, and our legal basis for processing your personal data is ‘Legitimate Interests’. You have the right to object to us processing your data in this way. For more information about this, your rights, and our approach to Data Protection and Privacy, please visit the following link http://www.perrettlaver.com/information/privacy.  

Please visit the following link in order to find more information about the use of personal information provided by candidates to the university: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/public-information/policies-and-procedures/data-protection