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Aston University is seeking an outstanding Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive to provide ambitious leadership through the University’s next phase of delivery, growth and global impact.
With a proud heritage as the UK’s first College of Advanced Technology in 1956, Aston became a distinctive, values-led university in 1966. Aston has a powerful mission: to transform lives through education, research and innovation that delivers real-world impact. Renowned for employability, applied learning, business engagement and social mobility, Aston today stands on a strong platform following a period of significant progress and transformation.
The University is organised across three Colleges: Business and Social Sciences, home to our Triple-Accredited Business School; Engineering and Physical Sciences; and Health and Life Sciences, including our growing Medical School. These are complemented by the growing Aston Online and Aston Professional offers, all with a strong focus on applied, industry-relevant education and research. Aston’s academic model is deliberately practical, outward-facing and aligned to the needs of students, employers and society.
Aston is also extending its reach through a developing network of global academic hubs, including Aston University London, and internationally in locations such as Egypt and Dubai, alongside wider partnerships across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. These hubs reflect Aston’s strategic focus on growth, diversification and global engagement, and provide platforms for high-quality education, industry collaboration and international partnerships.
Following a period of decisive leadership, Aston now seeks a Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive who can build on this momentum. You will lead the continued delivery and evolution of the Aston 2030 Strategy, which is designed to deliver a step change in the University’s global reach, reputation and impact across the breadth of its activity. You will bring the experience, judgement and dynamic leadership required to translate this ambition into measurable success.
Leading confidently in a changing and competitive UK and global higher education environment, you will sustain momentum while exercising the ability to prioritise, sequence and reshape activity to ensure focus, resilience and long-term sustainability. This is a role that calls for strategic clarity, sound judgement and the ability to balance ambition with disciplined execution.
You will bring credible academic leadership and a strong commitment to educational excellence, equitable opportunity and outstanding student outcomes. You will champion applied, impactful research and innovation, strengthen links with industry and employers, and ensure Aston’s graduates are digitally fluent, workplace-ready and equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing technological and societal landscape. Aston already works with leading organisations such as Capgemini, Microsoft and a wide range of regional, national and international partners, and you will build on these relationships to further enhance impact and opportunity.
As Aston’s principal ambassador, you will build and deepen influential relationships with business, government, healthcare partners, civic leaders and benefactors. You will represent Aston with confidence and authenticity, strengthening its profile and reputation locally, nationally and internationally. Central to the role is a visible commitment to Birmingham and the West Midlands, including Aston’s role within the Birmingham Innovation Quarter and wider civic and economic partnerships, alongside an ambition to extend the University’s global presence and influence.
We are seeking a leader with gravitas and integrity, and the ambition and emotional intelligence to inspire confidence, bring people with them and lead effectively through change. You will combine academic credibility with commercial acumen, strategic insight with collaborative leadership, and a strong sense of purpose with an inclusive, empowering approach.
This is a rare opportunity to lead an ambitious, entrepreneurial and socially committed university that makes opportunity real, locally and globally. If you share Aston’s values and have the vision and capability to lead it forward, we would be delighted to hear from you.
The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Monday 16th February, Final Panel TBC
Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to the University, and an executive search process is being carried out by Anderson Quigley in addition to the public advertisement.
For further information and to apply, please visit: Aston University – Vice Chancellor | AQ
Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, please contact:
Carolyn Coates at Log in to view email or +44 (0)7825 871 944
Kiersten Avery at Log in to view email or +44 (0)7510 384 735
Ed Pritchard at Log in to view email or +44 (0)7980 817 927
The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.
Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston
Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications
While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice and capabilities.
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