Vice-Chancellor

University of Bradford; Bradford; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent civic university in Bradford is seeking an exceptional Vice-Chancellor to lead transformational change and drive innovation. The role encompasses redefining modern university responsibilities and ensuring long-term sustainability. Ideal candidates are committed to inclusion, social mobility, and effective leadership. The position offers a unique opportunity to impact both the local and broader community significantly.

Qualifications

• Authentic, ethical, people-focused and visible leadership.
• Deep commitment to inclusion and social mobility.
• Ability to lead transformational change and inspire confidence.

Responsibilities

• Lead in redefining the role of a modern university.
• Deliver the University’s strategy across key pillars.
• Strengthen the University’s national and international profile.

Job description

Overview

The University of Bradford is seeking an exceptional leader to become its next Vice-Chancellor. This is a pivotal moment for the University, for Bradford and for the wider region. Together, we’re shaping a future built on innovation, inclusion, and collaboration, with the University playing a central role in driving economic growth, social impact and opportunity. As a civic university rooted in Bradford, we are proud to serve as a regional anchor, driving inclusive growth, supporting local communities and working in deep partnership across sectors.

Our diverse and talented community, combined with our global outlook, enables us to deliver real-world impact through research, innovation and education that strengthens the local economy and transforms lives.

Responsibilities

• Lead us in making bold choices to redefine the role of a modern university, amplify research and innovation, and unlock opportunities for students from all walks of life.
• Deliver the University’s strategy across four pillars: putting students first, widening access, growing our reputation for impactful research, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
• Lead with imagination, pace and accountability, building trust and morale across the community.
• Strengthen the University’s position as the University of and for Bradford, while enhancing its profile nationally and internationally.
• Work with partners across business, government and education to maximise civic and economic impact and ensure financial resilience and agility in a changing higher education environment.

Qualifications and profile

• Authentic, ethical, people-focused and visible leadership grounded in credibility, business acumen and financial insight.
• Deep commitment to inclusion, social mobility and Bradford’s unique context.
• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion as central to teaching, research, culture and partnerships.
• Ability to lead transformational change, inspire confidence and deliver results that secure the future.

Additional information

• This role is open to leadership talent from across higher education and related sectors. What matters most is your ability to lead transformational change, inspire confidence and deliver results.
• Bradford is the UK City of Culture 2025 and is known for having one of the youngest and most diverse populations in the country. Our university is central to its story of shaping opportunity, driving innovation and supporting health, business and communities.
• Joining us now means leading a university that matters deeply to its city and region and shaping conversations on the national and global stage.
• It is a chance to lead a university that changes lives, opens doors and creates opportunity in Bradford and beyond.

For further details, including how to apply, please visit: www.andersonquigley.com/bradford

Closing date: noon on Friday 17 October 2025.

We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds and are fully committed to supporting all our employees so that they feel able to be their whole selves at work. We particularly welcome applications from black and minority ethnic, disabled and LGBTQ+ candidates.