Head of School – School of Foundation

University of Southampton Malaysia; Iskandar Puteri; On-site; MYR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international university in Iskandar Puteri seeks a dynamic Head of School for the School of Foundation. This role requires strategic leadership to enhance academic excellence and manage educational programmes. Applicants should possess a PhD and extensive teaching experience, with a focus on curriculum development and pedagogical innovation. The position offers the chance to shape foundation education in a globally recognized institution. Applications are open until 18 December 2025.

Benefits

Commitment to equality of opportunity

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Extensive experience teaching at foundation or undergraduate level.
• Demonstrated academic leadership, including managing teams.
• Knowledge of Malaysian higher education regulatory framework.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, academic, and operational leadership.
• Develop school-wide strategies aligned with growth objectives.
• Oversee assessment integrity and quality improvement.

Skills

Leadership skills

Excellent communication

Stakeholder engagement

Curriculum development

Pedagogical innovation

Education

PhD or equivalent professional qualification

Job description

The University of Southampton Malaysia (UoSM) is the only international branch campus of the University of Southampton (UoS), a founding member of the UK’s prestigious Russell Group and consistently ranked among the world’s top 100 universities.

UoSM offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programmes in Business, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a globalised workforce. Our state‑of‑the‑art campus in Iskandar Puteri features specialised laboratories, business and analytics suites, creative learning spaces, and a 10,000 sq. ft library, all designed to foster academic excellence and an exceptional student experience.

Job Description

The Head of School provides strategic, academic, and operational leadership for the School of Foundation in alignment with UoSM’s growth strategy and the University of Southampton’s global mission. The post holder will lead the School’s academic excellence, financial sustainability, and reputation through innovative teaching, scholarly development, industry engagement, and strong team leadership.

As a key member of the senior academic leadership team, the Head of School is expected to foster a culture of collegiality, innovation, and excellence, positioning the School as a premier foundation‑level education provider in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Responsibilities

1) Strategic Leadership

Develop and implement school‑wide strategies aligned with UoSM’s growth objectives and UoS priorities.

Identify new programme and pathway opportunities based on market demand and emerging trends.

Strengthen partnerships with industry, government, and educational institutions to enhance visibility and student progression opportunities.

Lead budget planning and resource allocation for sustainable delivery of academic programmes.

Collaborate with Finance and Academic Provost to develop and execute sustainable financial models.

Drive new revenue opportunities including executive education and pathway programmes.

3) Teaching, Learning & Quality Assurance

Lead pedagogical innovation, including technology‑enhanced learning and experiential learning.

Uphold UK academic standards while ensuring compliance with Malaysian regulatory frameworks (MQA, MOHE).

Oversee assessment integrity, programme reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Ensure a high‑quality student experience, including progression and satisfaction outcomes.

4) Research & Scholarly Development

Foster a scholarly culture that promotes pedagogical research in foundation education and higher education transition.

Provide inspirational leadership to academic teams.

Manage performance, workload allocation, and staff development.

Promote a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, wellbeing, and collegiality.

Requirements

We are seeking a dynamic academic leader with:

• A PhD or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant discipline
• Extensive experience teaching at the foundation or undergraduate level, with a proven track record of curriculum development and pedagogical innovation.
• Demonstrated academic leadership experience, including managing teams, staff development, and performance oversight.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder‑engagement skills.
• Knowledge of the Malaysian higher education regulatory framework and international education context.
• Proven ability to build collaborations with industry partners, government agencies, and professional bodies.
• Experience with pedagogical innovation, scholarly outputs, or involvement in professional bodies will be an added advantage.

Application Submission

If you are enthusiastic about shaping the future of foundation education at a globally recognised institution, we welcome your application.

Please submit ONE (1) PDF document containing:

• Cover Letter (addressing key responsibilities and requirements)
• Updated CV

Applications must be submitted via the LinkedIn / Jobstreet application portal.

Application Deadline: 18 December 2025
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The University is committed to equality of opportunity, diversity, and inclusion.