Principal and Vice-Chancellor

At Heriot-Watt University we place our people – the staff and students of the University – at the heart of everything we do, and it is the people and our values that make the University a great place to work and study.

The University’s heritage is important and defines something essential about our character. We have a shared passion for excellence in research with a focus on real world challenges; we care about transforming lives through global access and inclusion with multi-mode, multi-location access to education and applied learning. With an outstanding record in transnational education and graduate outcomes, the University remains focused on employability as a key driver across its taught provision.

The successful candidate for the role will be an exceptional leader, with a strong track record of success leading large, complex and global organisations. We are seeking to appoint someone who is strongly motivated to work for Heriot-Watt University; who has both the passion and drive to lead the University in delivery of Strategy 2035 and the financial and business acumen to manage a complex global operation in challenging times. The person appointed will demonstrate their resilience, capability in building high performing teams, and power to influence and build the University’s reputation across all its communities.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Heriot-Watt University on this appointment.

Click here for more information on this outstanding opportunity 

Alternatively, please contact Belinda.beck@saxbam.com

Please quote reference: IBWJA

Closing Dates for Applications: Monday 10^th November 2025

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