Subject Lead for Built Environment

Location: Markeaton Street, Derby, DE22 3AW

The School of Engineering and Built Environment at the University of Derby is a dynamic and future-focused academic community that blends technical excellence with creative innovation. It offers a wide range of programmes across engineering, architecture, construction, and design, preparing students to tackle global challenges in sustainability, infrastructure, and the built environment.

The School is home to research-active academics with backgrounds in engineering, architecture, interior design, and construction. Our staff bring real-world experience and academic rigour to the classroom, supporting students in developing both creative portfolios and technical competencies.

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional academic leader to take on the role of Subject Lead for Built Environment within our vibrant new School Senior Management Team. This is a pivotal leadership position, responsible for the overall success of the Subject, contributing to the wider leadership of the College and University, and ensuring that corporate and strategic aims are met.

You will bring subject expertise and a strong focus on research, teaching, and industry engagement in the Built Environment; and will work proactively with the Head of School, other Subject Leads, and central University units to support and develop staff, students, and partners in alignment with the University’s values and behaviours.

You will have devolved responsibility from the Head of School for the line management of staff, providing strong, supportive, and challenging leadership to maximise people potential and engagement across academic activities. You will maintain high standards in teaching, learning, and assessment, lead by example through active engagement in teaching, research, and scholarship, and ensure excellence in student experience and success. You will also initiate and encourage professional and industrial engagement to enhance academic enterprise, undertake sector horizon scanning, benchmark performance, and identify new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

This is a unique opportunity to make a critical contribution to a College that delivers STEM solutions to pressing national and global challenges through education, research, and knowledge exchange.

Interviews will take place on: Thursday 8^th January 2026

About You

We are seeking a strategically astute and engaging academic leader with a proven track record in industry collaboration, effective management, and driving excellence across education and research. You will bring a deep understanding of how Built Environment disciplines align with societal needs and market dynamics, and will translate strategic aims into impactful academic delivery.

You will foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, recognising opportunities for external partnerships and knowledge exchange to deliver real-world impact and solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges. With significant experience in higher education teaching and academic leadership, you will also demonstrate strong commercial acumen, including budget management and financial oversight.

Committed to maintaining personal research and scholarship, ideally contributing to REF, you will share our values of inclusivity and social mobility, ensuring all learners thrive within a vibrant academic community. A collaborative and inspiring leadership style will be key to building high staff engagement and a positive team spirit.

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Professor Nasser Sherkat, Head of School of Engineering and Built Environment via n.sherkat@derby.ac.uk

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk

For more information and to apply on-line, please click the above “Apply” button.

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