Head of Department - Department of Law

Birmingham City University is a diverse and inclusive learning community of over 31,400 students from more than 120 countries. We aim to become an exemplar anchor institution, creating and sharing knowledge for a better and more inclusive society. We are committed to providing a transformational educational experience, supporting world-class research, and fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment for our staff.

We are seeking an experienced, ambitious and inspirational academic leader to join Birmingham City University as Head of Department of Law. Reporting to the Dean of School, you will provide strategic, academic and operational leadership for the Department, playing a pivotal role in delivering the University's Strategy 2030 and driving excellence across learning and teaching, student experience, research and innovation, enterprise and knowledge exchange.

As Head of Department, you will work closely with the Dean of School to shape the strategic direction and future development of the Department. You will be accountable for delivering key Departmental performance measures, including B3, TEF, REF and KEF, and ensuring that the Department contributes strongly to the University's wider strategic ambitions.

Key areas of responsibility include:

- Providing strategic and operational leadership to ensure the Department meets and exceeds its key performance indicators.
- Leading the implementation of School and University plans across learning and teaching, student experience, research and innovation, internationalisation, enterprise and knowledge exchange.
- Developing a strong culture of collegiality, accountability, ambition and professional excellence.
- Leading, managing and developing colleagues across the Department, including recruitment, induction, mentoring, performance management, professional development and career progression.
- Effectively managing the Department's people, financial and physical resources, ensuring these are aligned with strategic priorities and delivered within agreed budgets.
- Supporting curriculum and programme development and ensuring high-quality teaching, learning and assessment.
- Using staff and student feedback, performance data and management information to identify opportunities for improvement and enhance the student and staff experience.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with relevant external organisations, professional bodies, industry, government and other stakeholders.
- Promoting and supporting research, scholarship, innovation, enterprise and knowledge exchange activity.
- Ensuring effective workload allocation and the appropriate use of academic workload planning processes.
- Championing equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring an environment in which all staff and students can thrive.
- Promoting high standards of health, safety and wellbeing across the Department.
- Representing the School and University on relevant internal and external committees, networks and working groups.
- Contributing to cross-School and University-wide strategic projects and initiatives.
- Maintaining an appropriate academic and external profile through teaching, research, scholarship and engagement with professional and disciplinary networks.

About You:

We are looking for an accomplished academic leader who can demonstrate a sustained record of successful leadership and academic achievement within higher education. You will have the credibility, vision and interpersonal skills to inspire colleagues, build strong relationships and deliver meaningful change.

You will bring:

- Proven success in delivering excellent academic outcomes in a leadership role.
- A strong track record of leading academic practice and academic development to enhance the student learning experience.
- The ability to provide clear, inclusive and effective leadership, fostering collegiality, ambition, productivity and accountability.
- Experience of leading and developing people, including recruitment, performance management, mentoring and professional development.
- Experience of budgetary management, resource allocation, curriculum and programme development.
- A strong understanding of contemporary approaches to teaching, learning and assessment, student engagement, employability and the effective use of learning technologies.
- A sound understanding of the UK higher education regulatory environment, including the OfS, DfE, Home Office and UKVI, together with relevant professional, statutory and regulatory requirements.
- A demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion across teaching, education and the student experience.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and team-working skills.
- The ability to work collaboratively across organisational boundaries and contribute effectively to University-wide strategic initiatives.
- A commitment to continuing professional development and to supporting the development and career progression of colleagues.

Desirable Experience:

- A doctoral qualification in Law or a relevant discipline.
- Principal Fellowship of Advance HE under the UK Professional Standards Framework.
- Professorial status, or eligibility for professorial appointment.
- An active research profile with evidence of external contribution to the discipline and knowledge creation.
- Experience of successful collaboration between higher education, industry, commerce, research organisations and professional bodies.
- Experience of external examining.
- Involvement with external quality assurance agencies.
- Knowledge of the wider UK higher education research and policy environment, including the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

Benefits:

- Work–life balance: Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent).
- Career development: Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
- Reward and wellbeing: Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
- Inclusive culture: A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.