We have been proudly driving progress for more than two centuries. As one of the UK’s largest and most popular universities, we’re a force for good, dedicated to delivered outstanding research and excellent education. Much more than a university, we are a place where ambitious people unite as a diverse and inclusive community to make meaningful connections. Where world-class facilities combine with exceptional minds to improve lives through innovation. We welcome those who are committed, talented, and hardworking. People who believe in our values and are as driven as we are to achieve shared goals.
Our community of over 5,100 colleagues work in close partnership every day to bring about positive change regionally, nationally, and globally.
Build a role with purpose, in an environment designed to unlock your potential. Be part of Manchester Met. Be Manchester Met proud. Let’s transform lives together.
The Opportunity
Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader for the position of Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor Arts & Culture – a strategic, visible, and high-impact role that will position the university as a recognised leader in arts, culture and creativity.
With an exceptional heritage in arts and culture, a vibrant creative community, and world-renowned assets including Manchester School of Art, Poetry Library, Special Collections Museum and North West Film Archive, Manchester Met is uniquely positioned to shape and amplify the cultural life of the city and its global connections.
We are now looking for an outstanding individual to lead the development of a University-wide Arts & Culture Strategy aligned to our Road to 2030, embedding arts and culture across our education, research, and engagement agendas. This is a unique opportunity to craft and champion a cohesive and ambitious vision – one that drives inclusion, innovation, and international reputation.
Based in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, one of the largest of its kind in the UK, you will work institutionally to elevate our cultural profile and unlock the full potential of our students and staff, partnerships and creative infrastructure. Externally, you will act as a senior ambassador, forging impactful relationships with cultural organisations, creative industries, funders, and civic bodies, ensuring mutual benefit and long-term value.
We welcome candidates with professorial standing or equivalent senior leadership experience in the cultural sector. You will bring a strong track record of strategic delivery, external engagement, and inclusive leadership, alongside a deep commitment to the transformative power of culture in higher education and society.
This is an exceptional leadership opportunity at one of the UK's most creatively ambitious universities – in a city internationally renowned for its cultural energy and civic purpose.
How to Apply
*Please do not apply for this vacancy via the university website*
To apply, or for further details (including the job description and person specification), please visit https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/ quoting the reference number 8042.
Applications must include a full CV and a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and details of how your knowledge, skills and experience match the essential criteria being sought.
For an informal and confidential discussion about this position, please contact Ilona Motyer at Perrett Laver via Ilona.motyer@perrettlaver.com.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
Should you require access to any documents in alternative formats, please contact Bharti Aggarwal on Bharti.Aggarwal@perrettlaver.com. If you have comments that would support us to improve access to documentation, or the application processes more generally, please contact accessibility@perrettlaver.com.
Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.
Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.
Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.
