Associate Director - Strategy, Culture & Performance

Type of Contract: Substantive

The University of Aberdeen is seeking an exceptional strategic leader to join the Directorate of Research, Innovation & Enterprise at an exciting point in the University's development.

The Associate Director role will provide strategic leadership for the Directorate’s Strategy, Performance & Culture portfolio, leading the development of the people, systems, culture and institutional capability that underpin research and enterprise success. Working across the University with academic and professional services colleagues, the postholder will strengthen organisational capability, enhance research performance and preparation for REF 2029, and drive strategic change in support of the University's research and enterprise ambitions under Aberdeen 2040.

This is an influential leadership role, responsible for developing organisational capability, leading strategic change and ensuring that institutional priorities are translated into coordinated action across the University. The successful candidate will build strong partnerships across academic and professional services communities and play a key role in enhancing research and enterprise performance.

You will be educated to degree level and have significant senior leadership experience within a university or other research, innovation and enterprise environment, together with a deep understanding of the research and enterprise landscape. You will have a proven track record of leading culture change, developing people and organisational capability, influencing senior stakeholders and delivering strategic priorities in complex organisations.

Prior to employment, the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK.  This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route under the UKVI immigration rules but is dependent on factors specific to the candidate and if tradeable points can be used under the rules.

Information on other visa options is available at https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.

Please do not hesitate to contact Natalie Reid, Senior HR Partner (e-mail: n.reid@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.

Salary will be at the appropriate point on Grade 9, 69,488 - £78,188 per annum with placement according to qualifications and experience.

Informal enquiries should be made to Lucy Leiper, Director of Research, Innovation and Enterprise, e-mail:  l.leiper@abdn.ac.uk

Prior to employment, the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK.  This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route under the UKVI immigration rules but is dependent on factors specific to the candidate and if tradeable points can be used under the rules.

Information on other visa options is available at https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.

Please do not hesitate to contact Natalie Reid, Senior HR Partner (e-mail: n.reid@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.

To apply online for this position click the 'Apply' button above.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 26 August 2026

The Directorate of Research, Innovation and Enterprise embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring.  Applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics are encouraged.

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