Head of the School of English (Professor)

About Us
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
The School of English is home to a diverse, inclusive, and innovative academic community spanning English language, creative writing, poetry, linguistics, journalism, digital media communications, modern languages, and performance. We are proud of our research strengths, teaching excellence, and the real-world impact of our work, both locally and globally.

We are now seeking an exceptional individual to lead this vibrant and outward-facing School into its next exciting chapter. As Head of School, you will play a central role in shaping strategic direction, driving excellence in research and education, and championing a culture of creativity, collaboration and inclusion.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a motivated and visionary leader with a track record of academic leadership. We expect you to ideally be a current Professor, with a personal commitment to research and pedagogic innovation. You will also bring with you a clear and ambitious vision for English and related disciplines in the 21st century, and an ability to inspire colleagues and students alike. You'll be an active contributor to the Faculty Executive Group, helping shape the wider Faculty's priorities and partnerships, while working closely with university leadership.

We welcome applicants with a strong interdisciplinary mindset and a desire to break new ground, whether in reshaping curriculum, building community connections, expanding international collaborations, or developing our research profile in REF and beyond. You'll lead a talented academic team, support career development, foster innovation, and ensure an exceptional student experience.

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/VacancyDetail/1c86f5e2-c1c9-d672-267e-3a1c167af995.

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.

• The closing date for applications is 11:59pm (BST) on 28 September 2025.
• Final interviews will be held on Thursday 27 November 2025.

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.