Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Direct Delivery)

Application Deadline: 28 May 2026 Department: Chancelry Location: Bath or London Compensation: Spot salary - circa £81,000

Description

Bath Spa University is seeking an outstanding senior leader to join us as Associate Pro Vice‑Chancellor (Direct Delivery), with responsibility for the leadership, performance and future development of our direct delivery provision.

This is a significant institutional role, combining strategic leadership with hands‑on operational oversight, and offering the opportunity to shape vibrant, inclusive learning communities across one or more University sites.

About the Role

The Associate Pro Vice‑Chancellor (Direct Delivery) will have end‑to‑end accountability for the University’s direct delivery sites. Working in close partnership with academic Schools and central Professional Services, you will translate Bath Spa University’s strategic priorities into high‑quality, sustainable delivery in complex, multi‑intake environments.

As the University’s senior representative on the ground, you will lead the performance, growth and day‑to‑day operation of direct delivery provision, ensuring that academic delivery, professional services, systems, culture and student support operate as a coherent whole. You will be responsible for operational excellence, business continuity and staff wellbeing, while creating inclusive and engaging environments that support diverse student journeys and outcomes.

The role plays a central part in shaping Bath Spa University’s evolving multi‑site delivery model. You will align local operations with institutional strategy, policy and governance frameworks, while leading growth, innovation and continuous improvement at site level. As a member of the institutional leadership community, you will also feed local insight, risk and opportunity into University‑wide decision‑making.

This role is fundamental to realising Bath Spa University’s ambition to be ‘One University’ in practice, delivering consistency, quality and care wherever and however students study.

About You

You will be an experienced and authoritative senior leader with a strong track record in higher education or a similarly complex, regulated environment. You will bring experience of leading across multi‑site or distributed delivery models and be confident operating with delegated authority within clear institutional frameworks.

You will have a deep understanding of academic quality, student experience, governance and regulatory compliance, alongside strong operational judgement and the ability to manage complex systems, resources and interdependencies. You will be a collaborative leader, skilled at working across academic and professional services boundaries, building strong relationships and reducing siloed working.

Committed to inclusion and student success, you will have experience of shaping learning environments that improve engagement, belonging and outcomes for diverse cohorts. You will combine strategic thinking with decisive, people‑centred leadership, demonstrating resilience, integrity and sound judgement in fast‑moving and evolving contexts.

A higher degree or equivalent senior professional experience is required, with a doctorate or formal leadership development desirable.

Additional Information

As part of the application process for this role, you will be asked to submit a short video on a topic related to the role. You will receive a link with instructions within two working days of applying for the role.

Some travel will be required for this role.

Staff Benefits

We offer a wide range of great benefits at BSU, including Generous pension scheme (Local Government Pension Scheme/Teacher's Pension Scheme). This is a defined benefit pension scheme which pays members a secure income for life, post-retirement Enhanced paid leave - 41 - 46 days depending on the role (Full Time) - more details here: https://apphub.bathspa.ac.uk/StaffBenefits Family friendly policies including hybrid working, flexible work environment, on-site nursery, and a sector-leading enhanced maternity scheme Employee Assistance Programme which offers access to on-demand GP appointments, wellbeing support and advice, and access to counselling Transport schemes including Electric Vehicle Scheme and Cycle to Work Wide range of discounts and financial benefits, accessed through and easy-to-use app For further details about all our staff benefits, have a look at our rewards page: https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/work-at-bath-spa/rewards-and-benefits/

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.