Deputy Dean of the Derby Institute of Hunan University of Technology (DIHUT) (0199-26) - Derby, DE22 1GB

Deputy Dean of the Derby Institute of Hunan University of Technology (DIHUT) (0199-26) - Derby, DE22 1GB

About the University

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. 

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department

The University of Derby is seeking an exceptional and ambitious academic leader to join us as Deputy Dean of the Derby Institute of Hunan University of Technology (DIHUT), our newly established Joint Education Institute in China.

DIHUT has been created through a strategic partnership between the University of Derby and Hunan University of Technology, a leading application-focused university in Hunan Province with more than 35,000 students and strong connections to the region’s advanced engineering and technology industries. 

Located in Zhuzhou, one of China’s leading centres for high-speed rail, advanced manufacturing and green transportation technologies, DIHUT offers students an international learning experience through innovative dual-award programmes in Information Technology and Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Students benefit from curricula that combine the University of Derby’s TEF Gold teaching excellence with Hunan University of Technology’s strong industry engagement and research strengths. Students will enrol this September, with the University of Derby's awards fully taught in English and delivered in-country by University of Derby academics.

About the Role

This exciting senior leadership role offers the opportunity to lead a pioneering Joint Education Institute in China, driving academic excellence, innovation and growth across a portfolio of dual award programmes. Working closely with senior leaders from both the University of Derby and Hunan University of Technology, you will provide strategic direction and academic leadership, ensuring an outstanding student experience, high-quality provision and a strong culture of collaboration, scholarship and impact.

As a visible and influential academic leader, you will oversee curriculum development, quality assurance, staff development, partnership management and operational performance, while supporting research, innovation and internationalisation. You will be responsible for delivering key institutional objectives, including student performance and success, regulatory compliance, academic quality, financial sustainability and the continued growth and reputation of DIHUT. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on an ambitious international partnership while helping to shape the University’s global future.

Please note this is an 18 month Fixed Term Contract.

As part of the recruitment process, we are able to offer the conferment of a Professorial title if one is not already held.

In order to meet the Professorial criteria, you will need to demonstrate proven achievement against two criteria:

Significant achievement in at least one of either

• Research or
• Professional Practice or
• Teaching & learning

and must also demonstrate

High level of achievement in relation to both

• Professional Standing and
• Senior leadership

As well as completing our online application form, please provide the following documentation:

• An up to date current curriculum vitae;
• A supporting covering letter outlining your suitability to the underlying role requirement, and;
• The names of two employment referees (including ideally, the last line manager).

In addition, in order to meet the Professorial criteria, you will need to provide:

• A written statement evidencing how you meet the criteria for the award of the title of Professor;
• Details of four appropriately qualified referees (of at least Professor status) in relation to the Professorial title.

You can upload these documents whilst completing your online application.

Further information can be found in the conferment pack.

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Please note that the details provided in your application may be shared with your referees, by submitting your application you are providing your consent.

About You

We are seeking an exceptional academic leader with a proven track record of leading and delivering success in higher education, ideally within transnational education and international partnership environments. The successful candidate will bring substantial experience of strategic leadership, academic quality assurance, curriculum development and team management, together with a deep understanding of the UK higher education sector and the ability to work effectively across cultures. They will have experience of leading high-performing teams, delivering outstanding learning, teaching and assessment outcomes, and driving continuous improvement through the effective use of performance metrics, quality frameworks and enhancement activities.

Experience of working with international partners, particularly within China or comparable global education settings, will be highly advantageous.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and influential leader who can build strong relationships across cultures, inspire high-performing teams and translate strategy into measurable results. You will possess excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and organisational skills, together with the commercial awareness to manage resources, deliver growth and achieve ambitious targets. With an established profile in scholarship or research, aligned to one of the dual awards, and a commitment to inclusivity, innovation and continuous improvement, you will play a key role in shaping the future success and reputation of DIHUT. 

The post holder will be be required to reside in China during term-time; Chinese language skills would be desirable, not essential.

As the role is based in China, it is therefore essential that you will be able to secure the appropriate work permit and residence permit as a condition of employment.  

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 42 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• Generous Pension Contributions
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Holiday purchase
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Dr Sophie Carr, Deputy Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at [email protected]

For enquiries regarding your application or immigration, please contact the recruitment team via [email protected]

Closing Date: 07 Sep 2026

Area: Senior Management

Salary: £69,947 to £87,434 per annum
(for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £100,549 per annum).