Deputy Director of Derby International Business School

Based in our state-of-the-art, £75 million Cavendish Building in the heart of Derby, Derby International Business School (DIBS) is not just educating future business leaders, we are shaping innovators, disruptors, and pioneers ready to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. As a globally connected, regionally grounded and impact-focused Business School, we are committed to empowering people and organisations through applied, industry-integrated business education that prepares graduates for challenges and opportunities of the future.

About the Role

We are seeking an inspiring and ambitious academic leader to join Derby International Business School as Deputy Director.

Working closely with the Director and Senior Management Team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the School's strategic ambitions. You will provide leadership across academic provision, research, enterprise, external engagement and business development, ensuring DIBS continues to deliver an outstanding experience for students and meaningful impact for employers, partners and communities.

You will lead and develop Heads of Discipline, Programme Leaders and academic teams, creating a culture of excellence, innovation and continuous improvement. You will drive the development of a future focused portfolio, ensuring our programmes respond to employer demand, emerging market opportunities and changing student expectations.

As Deputy Director, you will also deputise for the Director as required and act as an influential ambassador for DIBS across the University and with external stakeholders.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic leader who is passionate about shaping the future of business education and delivering measurable impact through people, partnerships and performance.

About You

Holding a doctorate in a relevant discipline, you will bring substantial leadership and management experience, alongside a deep understanding of academic quality, portfolio development, student outcomes, research and enterprise.

You will have proven success in leading high performing teams, driving organisational improvement and delivering strategic objectives through collaborative and inclusive leadership. Equally comfortable operating at strategic and operational levels, you will combine commercial awareness with academic credibility and an ability to build strong relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders.

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Alexandra Charles, Director of Derby International Business School via A.Charles@derby.ac.uk

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

Important Information

This role is eligible for sponsorship by the University, however, your individual circumstances must meet the criteria set out by UKVI; this includes meeting the English Language requirement and earning a salary that meets the highest of either the going rate for the SOC code or the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route (£41,700 per annum, as of 22^nd July 2025).

If the role is eligible, but the offered salary is less that the going rate for the role, you may still be able to apply for a Skilled Worker visa if:

• Your job is on the Immigration Skills List
• You’re under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training
• You have a PhD level qualification that’s relevant to your job
• You have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education

Please note that the University cannot confirm your eligibility for sponsorship until an offer is made and your individual circumstances have been considered.

For more information, visit our website. 

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

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