Job Description

The University of West London (UWL) is one of the UK's most ambitious, career-focused universities. We are ranked 30th university in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2025, Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2024 and Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024. We are proud to be known as the career university - where teaching, enterprise, and employer engagement meet.


At the heart of this mission is the Claude Littner Business School (CLBS). Opened in 2014 and crowned Times Higher Business School of the Year (2019), CLBS is a professionally accredited, industry-connected school with global reach. Our pioneering Fresh Minds for Business programme, award-winning enterprise hub, and strong employer partnerships make CLBS a distinctive and dynamic environment for business education.


We are now seeking an exceptional Dean to lead the next chapter of CLBS's journey.

The Role

This is a senior leadership position reporting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Business Development and Partnerships). You will:

Shape and deliver an ambitious strategy for education, research, and enterprise aligned with UWL's Impact 2028 priorities. Expand CLBS's external partnerships with business, public sector, and international institutions. Grow impact and profile in executive education, professional accreditation, and practice-based research. Inspire staff and students through visible, values-led leadership that champions diversity, innovation, and opportunity. Lead a high-performing, financially sustainable school with over 300 staff and 5,000 students across 18 countries.

About you

You will be a confident, strategic, and collaborative leader with a strong track record in business education, enterprise, or industry. You will bring:

Proven leadership experience in higher education or commercial sectors, with the ability to manage complex teams and drive organisational performance. A doctoral qualification (PhD or professional doctorate such as DBA) and a commitment to academic excellence. Deep understanding of business and management education, with the ability to innovate across curriculum, research, and partnerships. Exceptional people skills, with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships and foster a high-performance, inclusive culture. A passion for student success, social mobility, and real-world impact.

We welcome applications from candidates with industry backgrounds who bring transferable leadership skills and a commitment to learning the regulatory environment of higher education. Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) is desirable, but candidates from industry should be willing to complete this within twelve months of appointment.

Why join UWL?

Joining UWL means becoming part of a vibrant, inclusive community that's shaping the future of education. You'll work alongside passionate colleagues in a university that celebrates diversity, champions innovation, and puts people at the heart of everything it does.


This is a rare opportunity to lead a London business school that combines an award-winning record of innovation with an embedded employer network and a clearly defined strategy for growth.

How to apply

UWL is working in partnership with Hays Executive to identify the right person for this role. To apply, please visit our dedicated recruitment site at https://webmicrosites.hays.co.uk/web/uwl and upload your CV and cover letter.


Closing date for applications: Monday 6th October 23:55


For an informal discussion, contact Wendi Wang / 0207 259 8743 / wendi.wang@hays.com or Laura Bennallack / 0333 010 5299 / laura.bennallack@hays.com

Additional Information

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.


The University of West London reserves the right to close the role prior to this date should a suitable applicant be found.



Department
The Claude Littner Business School
Location
Paragon
Salary
Circa 80,000
Release Date
Thursday 18 September 2025
Closing Date

Monday 06 October 2025
Reference
BUS212