Professor of Leadership and Director of Custom Learning

The University of Bristol Business School is seeking to appoint an outstanding academic leader as Professor of Leadership and Director of Custom Learning. This is a pivotal appointment that will play a central role in shaping and growing the School’s executive and professional education portfolio, while contributing to our internationally recognised research and teaching excellence.

The successful candidate will be based within the Centre for Purposeful Leadership, an interdisciplinary initiative exploring leadership and organisation in a rapidly changing, technology-driven society. The Centre brings together research, executive education, lifelong learning and civic engagement, creating a dynamic environment for collaboration and innovation.

This is a dual role. Alongside a permanent Pathway 1 professorial appointment, the postholder will take on the role of Director of Custom Learning for an initial three-year term (with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement). In this capacity, they will lead the development of strategic partnerships and bespoke executive education programmes with external organisations.

The role also includes membership of an academic group within the Business School, supporting a vibrant and collaborative academic community.

• Leading and delivering world‑class research, contributing to the School’s strategic priorities and to the development of the Centre for Purposeful Leadership.
• Designing and delivering high-quality, research-led teaching across undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education programmes.
• Building and sustaining strategic partnerships with external organisations, translating research into impactful learning experiences for senior leaders.
• As Director of Custom Learning, identifying and developing opportunities for tailored programmes and contributing to the School’s external engagement and income-generation activities.
• Contributing to the leadership and management of the School, including mentoring colleagues, supporting research and teaching development, and participating in strategic initiatives.
• Enhancing the School’s international profile and reputation through research, engagement and collaboration with academic and non-academic audiences.

• A strong international research profile, with a sustained record of high-quality publications and contribution to the discipline of Leadership and Organisation.
• Experience of leading research activity and, where appropriate, securing external funding.
• A proven commitment to high-quality teaching, including programme or curriculum development.
• Experience of executive, professional or continuing education, and the ability to translate research into impactful learning for non-academic audiences.
• The ability to build relationships and partnerships with external organisations, and to identify and develop new opportunities.
• Experience of academic leadership, including mentoring colleagues and contributing to institutional initiatives.

We particularly welcome applications from scholars whose work aligns with the themes of the Centre for Purposeful Leadership and who can connect their research, teaching and engagement with broader School initiatives, such as the Bristol Digital Futures Institute.

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Sunday July 19th 2026.

For informal queries please contact:
Professor Graham Abbey,