Harper Adams is the University for food production and technology, animal health and wellbeing, and their contribution to sustainable, living environments. In 2026, we are celebrating 125 years since our foundation. More ambitious than ever, we are ranked 87th in the world for Agriculture and Forestry in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and among the UK’s top 40 institutions in the Complete University Guide 2027.
We are creating a new Faculty of Veterinary Sciences comprising three Schools: Animal Sciences; Veterinary Nursing and Physiotherapy; and the Harper and Keele Veterinary School. We are seeking its first Dean to bring these complementary areas together, establish a clear identity for the Faculty and create the conditions for growth.
Veterinary Sciences will be one of two thematic Faculties, sitting alongside Agriculture, Land, Property and Environment. A third Faculty, Business, Engineering and Technology, will provide interdisciplinary capability across both. The boundaries will remain deliberately permeable: animal health and welfare are closely connected to agriculture, food production, public health, technology and the environment.
The Dean will develop a compelling academic direction across disciplines with different histories and professional contexts; strengthen student recruitment and outcomes; and build the education, research, partnerships and knowledge exchange through which the Faculty can extend its influence.
We are seeking a strategic academic leader with the imagination and ambition to shape a new Faculty and the practical leadership to deliver sustainable growth. You will bring significant senior leadership experience and evidence of leading people, strategy, transformation and delivery. You will have the credibility to work across academic and professional disciplines and the ability to create shared purpose among colleagues and partners.
Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, you will join the Vice-Chancellor’s Delivery Board and play a central role in the future of Harper Adams.
The deadline for receipt of applications is midnight on Monday 21st December 2026.
Please send applications to harperadams@networkedpeople.com.
Applications must include a full CV and a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and details of how your knowledge, skills and experience match the person specification (no more than two pages).