Visionary Vice-Chancellor & Principal - Higher Ed Leader

Edge Executive Search Group; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 3,500,000 - 4,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Edge Executive Search Group is aiding a prominent South African University of Technology in Bloemfontein to appoint a Vice-Chancellor and Principal. The role demands strategic, executive leadership across all university functions, strong governance, and a track record of institutional renewal and sustainability.

The successful candidate will balance academic credibility with commercial and financial discipline, and will drive transformation, stakeholder engagement, fundraising and strategic

Qualifications

• Earned doctoral-level qualification from a recognised higher education institution.
• Extensive leadership experience at executive/senior management level.
• Proven track record in academic leadership and governance.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and executive leadership across all university functions, translating strategy into measurable outcomes.
• Lead development and monitoring of institutional strategy and performance plans.
• Provide authoritative academic leadership through Senate and drive teaching, research and student success.
• Strengthen the university’s identity through applied research, innovation and industry partnerships.
• Lead institutional renewal and transformational initiatives, including resource realignment and performance improvement.
• Drive financial sustainability through prudent resource allocation, diversification and partnerships.
• Fulfil Accounting Officer responsibilities with sound financial management and risk controls.
• Build and lead a high-performing executive team with strong succession planning.
• Maintain an ethical, inclusive and high-performance institutional culture.
• Represent the university nationally and internationally, strengthening reputation and partnerships.

Skills

Academic leadership

Strategic leadership

Governance

Stakeholder management

Education

Doctoral degree

Job description

Edge Executive Search Group is aiding a prominent South African University of Technology in Bloemfontein to appoint a Vice-Chancellor and Principal. The role demands strategic, executive leadership across all university functions, strong governance, and a track record of institutional renewal and sustainability.

The successful candidate will balance academic credibility with commercial and financial discipline, and will drive transformation, stakeholder engagement, fundraising and strategic