Principal

Aspen People; Folda; On-site; GBP 135,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Scotland is seeking a Principal and Chief Executive to provide strategic and operational leadership. The role involves ensuring the College's financial sustainability and public value delivery. Ideal candidates will have a strong leadership background in academic settings, the ability to inspire teams, and deep understanding of the education sector. This position is set in a vibrant community offering quality life and professional opportunities.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in senior academic or sector-related leadership.
• Deep understanding of curriculum development and educational policy.
• Strong experience in financial management and business strategy.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the College to ensure success.
• Align College strategy with UHI priorities.
• Lead transformation and innovation to enhance learning outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Interpersonal skills

Financial acumen

Education

Advanced degree in education or related field

Job description

UHI Perth

Principal and Chief Executive

£135,000

www.aspenpeople.co.uk/uhiperth/

About Us

UHI Perth is committed to supporting learners of all ages and backgrounds to gain skills, achieve qualifications, and progress into fulfilling careers. As a key partner within the University of the Highlands and Islands, we play an active role in delivering regional and national skills priorities. Based in the heart of Scotland, our Perth campus sits within a vibrant city offering a rich cultural heritage and an exceptional quality of life, combining professional opportunity with year-round outdoor adventure and community life.

About the Role

This is a senior leadership opportunity to shape the future of UHI Perth. The postholder will provide strategic, academic, and operational leadership for the College, ensuring financial sustainability, high performance, and the delivery of public value. Working closely with staff, students, the Board of Management, and partners across UHI, you will lead transformation and innovation, align College strategy with wider UHI priorities, and ensure outstanding learning, teaching, and student outcomes across the tertiary landscape.

About You

You will be an accomplished, values-driven leader with a strong track record in senior academic or sector-related leadership. A strategic thinker with sound business and financial acumen, you will bring deep understanding of curriculum development, educational policy, and the challenges facing further and higher education. With excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, you will inspire teams, foster a culture of respect and continuous improvement, build strong external partnerships, and lead confidently through change to deliver sustainable success for students, staff, and the wider community.

For more information click here: www.aspenpeople.co.uk/uhiperth/

If you have any queries or wish to discuss the role further please contact: Katharine Price, Gillian Blackadder or Donogh O’Brien at Aspen People on 0141 212 7555

Recruitment dates:

Closing: midnight on Monday 16th February 2026

Interviews: TBC to be held on or around w/c 2nd March 2026