School Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen in the School of Business for an accomplished candidate with demonstrable strategic leadership experience and proven successes in administration and operational management to take on the role of School Manager.

The successful candidates will be expected to be able to address all the responsibilities and duties set out in the job description. Interested candidates are encouraged, in the first instance, to discuss the role with the Deputy University Secretary & Director of Academic & Corporate Governance, Dr Neale Laker (, 01382 385104). Candidates are also invited to contact the Dean of the School: Professor Morris Altman ().

About the School

The School of Business delivers research and teaching across Accountancy & Finance, Economics and Management & Marketing.

Since becoming independent in 2019, part of the school’s aspiration has been to enhance its reputation and profile. The journey to secure Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation is underway, we are in the early stages of working towards EQUIS accreditation, have become a signatory of PRME (Principles of Responsible Management Education) and very recently achieved Small Business Charter accreditation.

The school has approximately 1700 students spread across research, taught-postgraduate, and undergraduate programmes. The school has experienced rapid student growth, particularly at taught-postgraduate level.

With an annual income of more than £12m, Business is the fastest growing school within the university. We are innovative in our approach to programme offerings, are working to improve our research performance, are actively engaging with our Advisory Board and using opportunities such as Help to Grow to foster greater links with business and industry and place significant importance on continuing to enhance the student experience.

Duties of the School Manager

The School Manager has responsibility for the business efficiency of the School. They will lead the School professional services and work closely with the Dean in relation to overall School leadership, and with professional service directors in relation to central and School services.

Please refer to the job description for further details of the duties and responsibilities.

Summary of Skills, Experience and Qualifications

Knowledge/qualifications:

• Educated to first degree level
• Knowledge and understanding of the key issues facing higher education in Scotland and how they relate to the University

Skills:

• High level business planning, financial awareness and strategic thinking
• Effective at leading and managing change and creating a culture of positive, highly performing, effective teams
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the abilities to influence and persuade effectively
• High degree of emotional intelligence, including good listening skills, tact, diplomacy and political awareness
• High level analytical skills, numeracy and proficiency with office IT systems, including MS Teams and SharePoint
• Ability to prioritise and manage a very diverse and demanding workload
• Experience of working successfully and productively with senior academic and professional services staff

Experience:

Essential:

• Senior management experience in a higher education establishment;
• A track record of delivery, ideally in a relevant area of activity;
• An open, inclusive and approachable style of management.

Desirable:

• A demonstrable track record in leadership of a complex organisation/function;
• Record of effectively leading and managing change in a complex environment;
• Skills in strategy/determination and developing the strategic vision of a school/university.

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