Director of Surrey Space Centre

The University of Surrey has a long-standing reputation for excellence in education, research and innovation. Ranked among the UK’s top universities for research quality, teaching and student satisfaction, Surrey combines academic rigour with real-world impact. 

Few examples better capture Surrey’s ambition and global influence than the Surrey Space Centre (SSC). Founded in the late 1970s by Sir Martin Sweeting, SSC pioneered the small satellite revolution and helped shape the modern space industry, leading to the creation of Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), a globally recognised spinout headquartered on campus. With more than 45 years of expertise and over 50 space missions delivered, SSC has established itself as a centre of excellence in space engineering and astronautics, renowned for innovation in small satellite design, autonomy, propulsion, Earth observation and in-orbit servicing.

We are now seeking an exceptional leader to take on the role of Director of Surrey Space Centre. This is a pivotal appointment at an exciting moment in Surrey’s history. The Director will provide strategic and academic leadership to SSC, shaping and delivering its research, teaching and innovation agenda, while ensuring its continued global impact and financial sustainability. The postholder will lead and inspire a high-performing academic community, drive ambitious research targets, strengthen industrial and agency partnerships, and champion an inclusive and collaborative culture.

The Director will also play a central role in the newly established Surrey Space Institute (SSI), serving as Co-Director and helping to shape Surrey’s pan-university space strategy. Bringing together expertise across engineering, science, business, law and policy, SSI builds on Surrey’s small satellite heritage to address major global challenges through three core themes: Water on Earth, Resilient Space Infrastructure, and Deep Space Exploration. The Director will ensure that SSC’s engineering excellence and mission capability are fully integrated within this interdisciplinary framework, strengthening collaborations across the University and with partners worldwide.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a distinguished leader with an international reputation in space engineering or closely related discipline from a traditional academic career or a successful career in industry. You will bring a doctoral qualification or equivalent, a sustained track record of securing significant research funding, experience of leading major research programmes with high-quality outcomes, and a deep understanding of the UK and international space funding and industry landscape. Above all, you will demonstrate the ability to lead high-performing teams, inspire colleagues and partners, and articulate a compelling vision for the future of space research and education at Surrey.

Surrey is a diverse, ambitious and welcoming community. We are seeking a leader of integrity, vision and collaborative spirit; someone who will build on SSC’s remarkable heritage while driving forward its next phase of growth and global influence, fully aligned with the University’s Vision 2041 ambitions. If you share our commitment to innovation, excellence and positive global impact, we warmly encourage you to apply.

Global executive search firm Perrett Laver has been appointed to support the University in this appointment and would be delighted to speak with any interested individuals and welcome all exploratory discussions. If you would like to discuss this opportunity further or have any questions about the role, please contact Devin Dattan at Devin.Dattan@perrettlaver.com.

To download the recruitment pack or apply online, please visit https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/ quoting reference 8313.

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