This role is only open to current employees at the University of Leeds.

Salary: Grade 9 (£56,021 - £64,914 p.a. depending on experience)

Can you lead a strategic cross-University initiative to align research strengths with business learning & skills needs? Can you drive a transformative change in business professional learning at the University of Leeds to drive greater impact and to diversify/increase income for the organisation? Are you looking to work in a dynamic new team?

This role is based in Nexus, University of Leeds, with the expectation that 3 days a week will be spent on campus.

We will consider flexible working arrangements, including job share.

The University of Leeds is committed to a step change in its collaboration with business, as set out in Strategy 2020-2030: Universal Values, Global Change.  This transformative journey, led by the Pro-Vice Chancellor: Business Engagement & Enterprise (BE&E), builds on the success of Nexus, the University's community of innovative start-ups and scale-ups.

The BE&E strategy centres on aligning the University’s research strengths with the needs of corporates, scaling SME’s and large public sector organisations particularly, positioning the University as a valuable partner.  Tailored business-business and business-government professional learning solutions represent the most significant target area for income growth and impact.  This approach not only supports the growth and development of corporate partners but also contributes to the broader economic and societal impact envisioned by the University's strategy.

To spearhead the realisation of this strategic opportunity, the University is seeking to appoint to a new role of Head of Professional Learning Development.  The postholder will be pivotal in transforming professional learning at the University of Leeds, driving change in what is a complex environment.  This role requires a strategic focus on responsiveness to business needs, effectiveness for learners, impact for academic teams, and revenue generation.

Reporting to the Director of Business Engagement, the Head of Professional Learning Development will initiate this transformation with a programme of proof-of-concept pilots with selected corporates and large public sector organisations, developing and testing propositions to generate insights that will inform strategy and validate new scalable opportunities.  Beyond this critical phase, the postholder is expected to advance capability and capacity, enabling the delivery of multiple professional learning programmes simultaneously.

We are looking for an exceptional candidate with experience of leading the strategic development and implementation of professional learning initiatives and a strong understanding of corporate/external partners' talent development needs.  You'll have the proven ability to lead and manage matrix-style project teams and work in collaboration with a range of stakeholders to deliver professional learning solutions.  You'll also possess excellent analytical, communication and influencing skills and demonstrate an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset.

Interviews are expected to take place in the week commencing 6 May 2024.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Mike Carey, Director of Business Engagement

Email: [email protected]