Academic Head

About the Role

The Academic Head will lead the Dyson Institute’s teaching, learning, assessment and research strategies. The role focuses on transforming pedagogy, developing academic staff and programmes, ensuring exceptional student experience, and fostering a culture of industry engagement and research impact.

• Shape and implement the Institute’s strategy for learning, teaching and assessment, driving innovation and excellence.
• Champion AI integration in teaching, learning and assessment to equip students for the AI‑era.
• Develop and execute plans for internationalisation, including distance, blended and hybrid delivery.
• Ensure coherent integration of academic, industrial, and professional development elements in partnership with the Deputy Director.
• Design robust academic credit recognition for workplace-based learning alongside formal provision.
• Support students to progress, inspire them and achieve outstanding outcomes within the Dyson business.
• Build credibility and promote the Institute’s reputation nationally and internationally.

• Act as a role model, inspiring and mobilising the academic team around the Institute’s distinctive curriculum.
• Develop external networks and strategic partnerships to elevate the Institute’s reputation.
• Set clear targets, milestones and performance indicators for the academic aims.
• Implement academic quality systems, policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with accreditation requirements.
• Collaborate with finance to align academic and financial objectives and allocate resources effectively.
• Line‑manage senior academic staff within an appropriate framework.
• Appoint and assure quality of specialist teaching provision from external academics and Dyson engineers.
• Communicate academic decisions and expectations to stakeholders throughout the Institute.
• Implement the Institution’s EDI agenda and promote equality of opportunity.

• Champion a focus on student experience and success with inclusive, engaging, responsive teaching and assessment.
• Develop and articulate strategy across development opportunities, seeing it through to successful implementation.
• Communicate effectively with senior executives, council members and stakeholders at all levels.
• Lead and deliver innovation in pedagogy and assessment, particularly in work‑based or practice‑integrated learning.
• Use AI ethically and productively in teaching, learning and assessment.

• Proven experience leading and managing change in higher education, particularly transformative programmes.
• Track record of academic programme development and improvement projects.
• Experience managing, developing, and improving operational processes within a business and academic setting.
• Successful leadership of initiatives that involve cultural and organisational change management.
• Experience using performance management and appraisal systems.
• Experience championing equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• Appropriate academic credentials in a relevant discipline.
• Affinity or experience with commercial business relevant to Dyson.

• Deep understanding of faculty perspectives and academic priorities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Dyson Institute’s engineering programmes.
• Knowledge of higher education regulatory requirements, including apprenticeships.
• Strategic awareness of higher education trends, government policy and financial acumen.
• Understanding of national and international higher education trends.

• Commitment to the Institute’s core values.
• Openness to innovation and a ‘can‑do’ attitude.
• Resilience and capacity to make challenging decisions.
• Patience and perseverance in a complex stakeholder environment.
• Willingness to develop others as leaders and build a cohesive team.
• Substantive reputation as an academic leader (e.g., National Teaching Fellowship).

The Institute is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners. Candidates must be willing to undergo full screening, including DBS checks.

• Financial:
  Performance‑related bonus scheme, competitive pension scheme, life assurance, discounts on Dyson machines and retail, free bus travel.
• Lifestyle: 27 days holidays (plus bank holidays), free lunches, fruit, hot drinks, on‑site sports centre, gym, hair salon, concierge, electric vehicle salary sacrifice, additional holiday purchase.
• Health:
  Private medical and dental insurance, employee assistance programme, digital GP, on‑site physio and GP, prescription service, fertility treatment support.

Dyson is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability or veteran status.