Vice-Chancellor

The University of Bradford is seeking an exceptional leader to become its next Vice-Chancellor. This is a pivotal moment for the University, for Bradford and for the wider region. Together, we’re shaping a future built on innovation, inclusion, and collaboration, with the University playing a central role in driving economic growth, social impact and opportunity. As a civic university rooted in Bradford, we are proud to serve as a regional anchor, driving inclusive growth, supporting local communities and working in deep partnership across sectors.

Our diverse and talented community, combined with our global outlook, enables us to deliver real-world impact through research, innovation and education that strengthens the local economy and transforms lives.

Our next Vice-Chancellor will lead us in making bold choices. He or she will help us to redefine the role of a modern university, to amplify our research and innovation and to unlock opportunity for students from all walks of life.

Our Vice-Chancellor will deliver our strategy across four pillars: putting students first, widening access, growing our reputation for impactful research and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. They will lead with imagination, pace and accountability, building trust and morale across our community. They will strengthen our position as the University of and for Bradford, while enhancing our profile nationally and internationally. They will work with partners across business, government and education to maximise our civic and economic impact and they will ensure the University is financially resilient, agile and ready to meet the challenges of a changing higher education environment.

Our staff and students have been clear about the leader they want. They seek someone authentic, ethical, people-focused and visible. They want a bold strategist who can turn vision into action. A decisive leader who builds trust through engagement and empathy.

They are looking for someone who brings credibility, business acumen and financial insight, and who is deeply committed to inclusion, social mobility and Bradford’s unique context.

At Bradford, equality, diversity and inclusion are not side agendas - they are central to our identity and mission. Our next Vice-Chancellor will champion these values, ensuring they shape every aspect of our teaching, research, culture and partnerships.

This role is open to leadership talent from across higher education and related sectors. What matters most is your ability to lead transformational change, inspire confidence and deliver results that secure our future.

Bradford is the UK City of Culture 2025 and is known for having one of the youngest and most diverse populations in the country. Our university is central to its story of shaping opportunity, driving innovation and supporting health, business and communities. Joining us now means leading a university that matters deeply to its city and region and shaping conversations on the national and global stage. It is a chance to lead a university that changes lives, opens doors and creates opportunity in Bradford and beyond.

For further details, including how to apply, please visit: www.andersonquigley.com/bradford 

Closing date: noon on Friday, 17 October 2025.

We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds and are fully committed to supporting all our employees so that they feel able to be their whole selves at work. We particularly welcome applications from black and minority ethnic, disabled and LGBTQ+ candidates. 

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