Are you an exceptional strategic leader with the judgement, influence and organisational insight to operate at the very centre of a leading global university?

As Head of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, you will lead the strategic and operational activity of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, providing high-level advice, coordination and support to the Vice-Chancellor and Strategic Leadership Team (SLT). Working across the breadth of the University, you will help shape institutional priorities, drive strategic initiatives and ensure the effective delivery of executive business in a complex and fast-moving environment. 

Lancaster University is recognised internationally for excellence in education, research and engagement. Our collegiate culture, global partnerships and commitment to making a positive difference create an environment where ambitious ideas can flourish. The Vice-Chancellor’s Office sits at the heart of this activity, enabling effective leadership, decision-making and institutional performance across our UK and international operations. 

We are seeking an outstanding individual with significant experience operating in a senior strategic, policy, governance or executive support environment. You will bring exceptional analytical and communication skills, political awareness, sound judgement and the ability to build credibility and influence with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders. Experience of higher education, public policy, governance or complex organisational leadership would be highly advantageous. 

The role combines strategic planning, policy development, stakeholder engagement, executive coordination and leadership of the University’s Executive Support function. You will lead key institutional projects, working closely with the Vice-Chancellor, senior leaders, governing bodies, external partners and funding organisations, supporting major institutional priorities and helping to navigate emerging opportunities and challenges.

Join Lancaster University and play a central role in enabling ambitious leadership, effective decision-making and the successful delivery of our strategic priorities.

Applications should comprise:

- a short professional curriculum vitae
- a supporting statement/covering letter (maximum two A4 pages, Arial 11pt, normal margins)

Your supporting statement/covering letter should provide clear, evidence-based examples demonstrating how you meet the specifics outlined in the person specification.

To arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact Becky Kay b.kay1@lancaster.ac.uk Executive Assistant to Susan Mitchell (Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer)

Closing Date: 22 Jun 2026

Department: Professional/Senior Management

Our ambition is to be sustainable, academically excellent and recognised as one of the leading universities in the world. Our success is driven by our people, and as we continue to evolve in an increasingly complex higher education landscape, the Chief People Officer will be central to shaping a culture in which colleagues can thrive and perform at their best.

To build on this strong foundation, we are seeking to appoint an outstanding Chief People Officer (CPO). Reporting to the Registrar, Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, and as a member of the University Strategic Leadership Team, the CPO will play a crucial leadership role at a time of significant change for Lancaster and the wider higher education landscape, with staff experience at the heart of the University’s priorities.

The CPO will provide strategic leadership across the full people, organisational development and transformation agenda. Working closely with the Vice-Chancellor and senior leadership team, you will shape and deliver a progressive and forward-looking People and Culture Plan aligned to the University’s priorities, ensuring Lancaster has the capability, culture and workforce profile required for long-term success.

We are seeking a strategic and values-driven leader with experience operating at Executive or Board level in a complex organisation. You will bring a strong track record of leading large-scale organisational change, building high-performing teams, and delivering both strategic and operational excellence. You will be confident navigating employee relations and trade union engagement, and able to build trusted relationships and influence across a wide range of stakeholders. With excellent judgement, emotional intelligence and communication skills, you will be adept at operating in a collegial and intellectually dynamic environment.

While experience in higher education is advantageous, we welcome candidates from related sectors who can demonstrate delivery of organisation-wide transformation and cultural change.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a globally recognised university at a pivotal moment, shaping the environment in which its people can thrive and enabling Lancaster to deliver its long-term vision. 

For further information, including details of how to apply, please visit: www.odgers.com/96117

Closing date: Friday 26th June at 5.30pm 
Final interviews: Thursday 17th September

 Lancaster University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of the community.

Closing Date: 26 Jun 2026

Department: Professional/Senior Management

As Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), you will join Lancaster University’s executive team at a significant moment in the institution’s development, shaping the strategic direction of education across the University. Working closely with the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and colleagues across the institution, you will drive educational quality, performance and innovation, providing leadership across teaching and learning, student outcomes, TEF, curriculum development, digital and AI-enabled education, and the wider student experience across undergraduate and postgraduate provision. 

Lancaster is proud of its academic excellence, collegiate culture and global outlook. We are consistently ranked among the UK’s top universities and we are committed to delivering transformational education while responding confidently to the changing higher education landscape.

We are seeking an outstanding leader with professorial standing, significant senior experiences in empowering high performing team and a proven ability to deliver strategic educational change. You will bring a deep understanding of the higher education landscape, strong partnership-building skills, and a commitment to inclusive, research-informed and future-focused education within a complex institutional environment.

You will play a central role in shaping Lancaster’s future direction and educational progression. This role is offered on the senior salary framework for an initial four-year term, overlaying a substantive academic appointment.

Candidates are invited to explore the opportunity further before submitting an application by visiting our dedicated microsite https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/jobs/pro-vice-chancellor-education/

Applications should comprise:

• A short professional curriculum vitae
• A supporting statement/covering letter (maximum two A4 pages, Arial 11pt, normal margins)

Your supporting statement/covering letter should provide clear, evidence-based examples demonstrating how you meet the specifics outlined in the person specification.

Join Lancaster University and help shape an educational experience that is progressive, inclusive and internationally recognised for excellence.

Closing Date: 10 Jun 2026

Department: Professional/Senior Management