Dean of Professional Practice- Leadership Opportunity in New Zealand’s Higher Education Sector

England I $0.00 - $150,000.00 Annual I Full Time

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Dean of Professional Practice- Leadership Opportunity in New Zealand’s Higher Education Sector

Are you a senior academic leader in the UK seeking a new challenge and a lifestyle change? A transformative opportunity awaits you in New Zealand with a forward-thinking institution committed to reimagining the future of higher education and industry collaboration.

We are seeking an exceptional Dean or Senior Academic (Senior Lecturer to Junior Professor level) to lead a newly established Faculty of Higher Education and Professional Practice at a rapidly growing education provider. This is your chance to shape a new model of professional education that fuses academic excellence with real-world impact.

About the Role As the founding Dean (or senior academic leader), you will:

Build and lead a new faculty focused on applied learning and vocational excellence
Design innovative, work-integrated programmes aligned with global workforce trends
Establish a distinctive research profile in applied and professional practice
Foster deep, strategic partnerships with industry across sectors
Inspire and grow a team of academics and industry professionals

This role is ideal for individuals with a strong academic and professional background who are passionate about connecting education with employability. You will have the autonomy to shape faculty culture, curriculum, and research direction in a highly supportive and innovative environment.

About You We are looking for candidates who:

Hold a PhD in a relevant field (or equivalent professional standing)
Have a strong academic profile, with leadership in research or education innovation
Understand the importance of aligning higher education with industry needs
Are passionate about mentoring staff and students in a collaborative environment
Possess strong strategic thinking, innovation, and partnership-building skills

This role suits current Deans, Associate Deans, Programme Directors, or Senior Lecturers seeking the next step into a transformational leadership role.

Why Relocate to New Zealand?

A lifestyle that balances academic impact with personal well-being
A chance to live in one of the world’s most desirable and welcoming countries
A dynamic education sector focused on future-ready learning
Full relocation support and an inclusive, growth-oriented team culture

Confidential Enquiries Welcome For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, including full job details and relocation support, please apply today.

people2people is an equal opportunity employer.

Operating for over 20 years in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, people2people, Edge Recruitment, and Frog Recruitment are an award-winning recruitment group and HR solutions provider. As an inclusive workforce, we welcome everyone and encourage our employees, clients, and candidates to showcase their authentic selves.

Should you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, we encourage you to make a request by phoning the above-mentioned recruitment consultant to discuss. In response to these requests, we will collaborate closely with you to implement the appropriate adjustments.