Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive

The University of Plymouth advances knowledge and transforms lives, in Britain’s Ocean City and beyond. 

We were recently awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) – one of a select number of universities to secure that accolade across all three ratings – recognising the energy we put into supporting our students and helping them unlock their true potential. The University is also renowned worldwide for its high-quality research and innovation across marine, health – we’re the only ‘post-92’ institution with medical and dental schools – sustainability, the arts and more.

 Our home city of Plymouth is a vibrant, special place by the sea, in the beautiful South West of England – where Devon meets Cornwall, and the UK meets the rest of the world. And, with roots stretching back over 160 years, our University continues Plymouth’s rich heritage of exploration, adventure and discovery through our pivotal role in the region, global outlook, and pioneering work developing everything from offshore renewable energy to lifesaving new antibiotics.

When our current VC retires in September, she will leave behind an institution that is both research and education intensive. We have almost 20,000 students and more than 180,000 alumni in 156 countries, 2,858 core staff, and annual income of over £265 million, including research grant and contract funding of £22 million. Plymouth is in a strong academic and financial position and investing significantly in campus development through a £250m masterplan. We are, therefore, seeking to appoint an exceptional individual to build on the University’s many achievements.

Plymouth’s ten-year strategy – ‘University 2030: A Future of Excellence’ – sets out our ambition to transform lives through delivery of interdisciplinary research, experiential education, and civic engagement. This is well underway, but there is more to do as we look to maximise our current core strengths and respond to the changing needs of our students, the priorities of our stakeholders and the challenges of a turbulent political and economic landscape, regionally, nationally and internationally.

The successful candidate will bring a proven track record of visible and inspirational leadership, gained at a senior level, in an organisation of comparable complexity. An astute strategist, they will possess the clarity of vision, intellectual awareness, change management abilities and commercial acumen to drive forward the next stage of our evolution. An inclusive leader, they will be committed to the University’s mission and values, to developing and maintaining diverse and high performing teams, and to championing intellectual freedom and creativity within a positive culture. Through excellent communication skills, highly developed political awareness, and wise judgement they will inspire and engage our staff, students, partners and stakeholders to secure Plymouth’s position in the city, region and further afield, extending our reach, reputation and impact across the globe.

We are driven by a desire to making a significant, sustainable and socially responsible contribution to the world, for the benefit of all our communities. If you share our values, have the skills and experience we are seeking, and understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing the University of Plymouth, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Closing date: Monday 22nd April at 5pm

The University of Plymouth is fully committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of the community.

Odgers & Berndtson will be managing the recruitment of this role, for further details and to apply please click here .

Candidate Brief