University of Derby
Subject Lead for Built Environment
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Subject Lead for Built Environment
Subject Lead – Built Environment
School of Engineering and Built Environment University of Derby, College of Science and Engineering
About the College/Department
The University of Derby’s College of Science and Engineering is a leading hub for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines, driving innovation across digitisation, decarbonisation, AI, data science, environmental sciences, engineering, and psychology.
Our interdisciplinary approach brings together scientific expertise, technological innovation, and creative practice to tackle real-world problems through applied research, industry partnerships, and hands-on learning.
The School of Engineering and Built Environment is home to a dynamic community of academics and students, specialising in engineering, architecture, construction, and related disciplines. Our faculty operates from a state-of-the-art STEM annex in Markeaton Street, equipped with advanced intelligent instrumentation, smart sensors, robotics, renewable energy research, and manufacturing technologies.
About the Role
We are seeking an outstanding, visionary academic leader to serve as Subject Lead for Built Environment within our new Senior Management Team.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic academic leadership, ensuring excellence in teaching, research, and industry engagement within the Built Environment discipline.
- Work collaboratively with the Head of School, fellow Subject Leads, and central university functions to deliver corporate ambitions while maintaining a stimulating, inclusive, and high-performing team.
- Foster external partnerships with industry leaders in construction, infrastructure, and rail, leveraging Derby’s reputation in zero-carbon innovation.
- Exercise delegated leadership, including line management of academic staff, setting academic direction, and promoting a positive, high-performing culture.
- Lead strategic growth initiatives, including industry collaboration, research development, and curriculum innovation to enhance the Subject’s global impact.
- Align with University values and ensure exceptional student experiences and graduate outcomes through active teaching, research, and scholarly engagement.
- Conduct horizon scanning, performance benchmarking, and external engagement to embed the Built Environment Subject as a leader in sustainability and technical excellence.
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This is a unique opportunity for a strategically minded leader to shape a School delivering high-impact STEM solutions across education and research.
Interviews: Tuesday 18th and/or Wednesday 19th August 2026 Associate Professor/Professorial title eligibility: Considered with this role.
About You
We are looking for a forward-thinking, inspirational academic leader with:
- Proven success in shaping high-performing teams across teaching, research, and applied industry engagement.
- Deep expertise in the Built Environment, with an understanding of its evolving role in sustainability, infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
- Strong leadership experience in higher education, including academic governance, budget management, and strategic planning.
- Excellent commercial acumen, with a focus on external funding, curiculum innovation, and knowledge exchange.
- Refereed research contributions (preferably REF-aligned), demonstrating *scholarly excellence.
- Commitment to institutional values—inclusivity, ambition, and social mobility—fostering a supportive, high-engagement team culture.
- Strong interpersonal and networking skills, ensuring effective internal and external stakeholder relations.
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Benefits
- 42 days’ annual leave (pro-rata), including bank holidays and concessionary days.
- Staff discount scheme (high-street retailers, sports facilities, and more).
- Teacher’s Pension Scheme.
- Flexible working environment with family-friendly policies and generous sick leave entitlements.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for holistic wellbeing support.
- Onsite gym discount and cycle-to-work scheme.
- Holiday purchase and employer-funded Private Health Insurance.
- Professional development opportunities.
Key Contact
For informal enquiries: Professor Nasser Sherkat, Head of School of Engineering and Built Environment 📧 n.sherkat@derby.ac.uk
For application/compliance inquiries: 📧 recruitment@derby.ac.uk
Important Concering Visas (Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility)
This role is sponsorship-eligible under the University’s scheme, but individual applicants must meet UKVI criteria, including:
- Measured English language proficiency.
- Salary meeting either:
- The highest of the going rate for the SOC code, or
- The minimum threshold for Skilled Worker route (£41,700 per annum, effective July 2025).
Additional visa exemptions may apply if:
- You are under 26 and studying/recently graduated, or in professional training.
- You hold a PhD qualification relevant to the role.
- Your position is a postdoctoral research role.
- Your job title is on the Immigration Skills List.
Sponsorship cannot be confirmed until an offer is made.
Safeguarding Statement
The University of Derby is fully committed to safeguarding all staff, students, and children. For more information, visit our Safeguarding Policy.
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