Ref: REQ007205
School/Service: School of Engineering and Computing
Grade: Management contract (competitive salary)

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is an international, multi-campus Institution that can trace its roots back to 1828. Led by Vice Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin, UCLan is one of the UK’s largest universities with the staff and student community approaching 38,000. Their employment-focused course portfolio with over 350 undergraduate programmes, nearly 200+ postgraduate courses and rich array of CPD courses means that students enjoy a first class experience, alongside accessible and relevant research that makes a contribution to society. Its current strategic plan runs until 2028 which will mark UCLan’s 200th anniversary. The vision through which the plan will be delivered is to “transform lives by delivering an outstanding educational experience, creating prosperity and opportunity in the communities we serve.“

The role of Head of Computing is a new post that represents the opportunity to lead an expanding team of enthusiastic research-focused academics in the heart of Lancashire. The Department, which sits within the new School of Engineering and Computing, has around 1,000 UK-based students on taught degrees across their UK campuses in Preston and Burnley. Taught programmes are accredited by relevant professional bodies, with the most recent BCS accreditation having taken place in November 2022. It operates undergraduate programmes in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Games Development, Computer Networks & Security, Computing, and Software Engineering. The new school provides opportunities for inter disciplinary/cross school teaching and research collaboration. It also delivers degree apprenticeships at undergraduate level in Digital Technology Solutions (at the Burnley campus) and in Software Engineering (at the Preston campus). The Software Engineering programme is run in collaboration with BAE Systems and was recently rated as Outstanding by OFSTED. At postgraduate level there are Masters degrees in Computing, IT Security, and UX. UCLan also works with both international and regional partners to deliver their programmes, with programmes operating in Sri Lanka and Malaysia currently.

Now is a particularly exciting time to join the University as the UK’s Cyber Force is to be based in Preston thereby creating an opening to develop the Institution’s role in developing teaching, research and knowledge transfer in Computer Science. Research in Computer Science is currently arranged within the UCLan Centre for Digital Life which has the broad remit to design, create and use digital technologies to benefit human activity. This Centre houses HCI/UX research with specialism from the internationally known Child Computer Interaction group (ChiCi), Cybersecurity, and our Industry sponsored Software Engineering Methods (Agile) research.

The University of Central Lancashire is seeking to appoint a first class academic and people leader with the ability to influence and deliver strategic priorities in the field of Computer Science. She, he or they will have a sound understanding of the Higher Education sector and the ability to lead a change agenda that embraces continuous improvement and the development of innovative solutions. This will include a proven track record of external relationships and personal visibility in the area of computing, as well as evidence of having driven growth with regard to student numbers and research outputs.

The University of Central Lancashire is committed to building a truly inclusive culture where diversity is championed. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who will diversify the University’s leadership team and support its development of a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

How to Apply

Applications should consist of a CV accompanied by a covering letter addressing the criteria in the person specification.

For an informal discussion, please contact Liz James on
E: elizabeth.james@berwickpartners.co.uk
T: 0121 654 5924

Closing date for receipt of applications: Sunday 5 February (23:59pm).

Applicants need to meet all essential criteria on the person specification to be considered for interview. This position is based in Preston.