JOB DESCRIPTION 1. JOB TITLE: Executive Dean of Engineering and Technology 2. HRMS REFERENCE NUMBER: HRMS/12169 3. ROLE CODE: EXCDEAN 4. FACULTY: Engineering and Technology 5. ORGANISATION CHART: Reports to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) 6. JOB PURPOSE: To provide strategic leadership in the development of an Engineering and Technology provision and programmes which contribute to the fulfilment of the University s strategic priorities set for the Faculty. To take the lead in the development and delivery of excellence in teaching, research, scholarship and knowledge transfer/enterprise, so as to enhance the quality of the student experience. To operate within the policies, regulations and framework of the institution, ensuring the physical and human resources of the Faculty are effectively deployed and to manage the finances of the Faculty effectively. 7. BACKGROUND INFORMATION The post-holder will be responsible to the Senior Management Team for the development and implementation of the University s Engineering and Technology provision, strategies and policies including those which relate to Undergraduate and Postgraduate (research and taught) programmes. In addition, the post holder will, on a day to day basis, oversee the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. The role of the Executive Dean is to provide inspirational, innovative and enterprising academic leadership and to lead the strategic management of the Faculty to ensure that it achieves the highest academic standards and supports the achievement of the University s mission, vision and overall objectives. This is a major leadership role within the University with clear responsibility for promoting the quality of research, education and enterprise within the Faculty, combined with accountability for ensuring that it achieves its academic and financial objectives. The Faculty requires a particularly outward facing profile and the Executive Dean will play a major role in promoting communications and relationships between the Faculty and external organisations as well as fostering relationships internally within the University. 1
8. WORK PERFORMED AND/OR KEY RESULT AREAS: 8.1 Communicating Effectively To serve as a member of the University Senior Academic Leadership Team, participating in the formulation of academic strategy and policy. To provide sound, strategic advice to the University, its Senior Management Team and Deans of Faculty on national policies and initiatives and all matters relating to the maintenance and enhancement of quality and standards in respect of the University s Engineering and Technology provision. To ensure that the Vice-Chancellor, the University s Senior Management Team and the Senior Academic Leadership Team are kept up to date about developments at international, national and regional level relating to the University s Engineering and Technology provision. To be responsible for the development and implementation, across both the Faculty and University, of all relevant documentation associated with the work of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. Hold responsibility for Faculty business planning. To advise on appropriate opportunities for developing applications for research funding and contributing to discussions and decisions at a departmental or faculty level. To provide advice and support in the preparation and writing of bids. To develop proposals for Research and Knowledge Transfer grant applications and other proposals and applications for external funding. To prepare papers for publication in research journals. To be aware of and take into account in performing the responsibilities of the post, the requirements of diversity and equality in a large public organisation and to contribute positively to the University s implementation of diversity and equality legislation, equality schemes and best practice. 8.2 Leadership and Working Collaboratively To direct and manage the work of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology and all matters relating to the line management and deployment of its staff. To deputise for the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) as required. To manage the strategic direction of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. To effectively manage interaction between departments within the Faculty as a whole to ensure effective collaboration and teamwork towards the University s goals in relation to research, engineering and technology provision and the student experience, the admissions process and knowledge transfer. 2
8.3 Liaison and Networking To facilitate the dissemination and understanding of national (and international) policies and initiatives in respect of the engineering and technology provision, representing the University, as appropriate, on national, regional and sub-regional forums and networks. To develop and lead inter-faculty management groups to deploy funding and to develop the Faculty s range of knowledge transfer products and services. To maintain effective links with national and regional bodies involved in the management of research, the student experience, funding, engineering and technology provision and providing strategic advice on related matters. To represent the University on relevant national and sub-regional forums and networks, operating as Chair, where appropriate, to influence external developments and generate benefits for the University as a whole. To ensure effective liaison with senior members of the University s staff and with programme teams in matters relating to the Faculty and its provision. To be a member and, where appropriate, to chair relevant committees. To participate in, lead and develop as appropriate, internal and external networks and collaborative partnerships with other educational institutions or organisations to foster collaboration, share ideas and promote and implement best practice. To develop links with external contacts such as other educational bodies, employers, professional bodies and other providers of funding and research initiatives to foster collaboration and generate income as appropriate (for example the Engineering Council, Engineering Employers Federation, Statutory Regulatory Boards and other relevant professional bodies). 8.4 Delivering a High Quality Standard of Service To be responsible through the University Senior Management Team for the development, implementation and monitoring of issues relating to provision, admissions, student progress and development of the Faculty. To have oversight of quality assurance across the Faculty s academic programmes, consistent with the University s overall quality assurance system. To promote a culture of quality enhancement within the Faculty and to address any issues of quality which may arise from the teaching, research and income generating activities of the Faculty. To work with the service providers of the University in order to ensure that the quality of the staff and student experience is maintained at a high level in terms of physical infrastructure and resource provision. 3
To work collaboratively with specialist marketing staff and with the International Office to develop strategies and initiatives to recruit international students and develop international collaborations, as appropriate. 8.5 Effective Decision Making To take decisions affecting the development and implementation of policy and strategy as they relate to the Faculty s provision. To work collaboratively to confirm and approve appointments of supervisory teams and examiners for students. To work collaboratively with the Executive Deans of other faculties. To make collaborative decisions, for example as a member of interview panels for staff. As a member of the University Senior Academic Leadership Team, to advise the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) and members of the Senior Management Team on matters relating to the University s engineering and technology activities. Providing specialist advice to Faculty and University meetings as appropriate, to promulgate opportunities and regulatory frameworks. 8.6 Planning and Organising Resources To be responsible for all operational and strategic planning and objective setting, budget management and staff management for the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. To ensure the effective management of budgets through senior colleagues in their management team. To formulate strategic plans and overall policy initiatives for student services in order to inform the work of the University Senior Academic Leadership Team. To provide detailed plans and reports to HEFCE relating to the Faculty s development agenda, including the organisation, the collection and the presentation of relevant data. To be responsible for the implementation, monitoring and achievement of the Faculty business plan. To oversee the development of Faculty strategies for teaching and learning, quality enhancement, research and income generation. To ensure effective governance at the University and compliance with the financial regulations. 8.7 Innovation and Improvement (Effective Problem Solving) To balance the Faculty budget and resources against the needs and plans of the University as a whole. 4
To identify opportunities for applying for funding and other initiatives where the University may have a good chance of securing successful outcomes. To prepare effective and creative funding applications and to identify new sources of possible funding for research students. To negotiate with external funding bodies on the terms and conditions under which grants and contracts may be accepted by the University. To take responsibility for the strategic management of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology and the resolution of any associated problems, taking into account the strategic implications for the University as a whole. To lead on institution-wide initiatives and strategic initiatives, adjusting solutions in these areas to meet the needs of the University. 8.8 Analysis and Research To devise and implement relevant management standards and performance monitoring measures. To lead on the development of research activity within the Faculty and undertake research leading to publishable outcomes as required. To collect, evaluate and report on trends relevant to the strategic objectives of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology including grant and contract application levels and success rates, Undergraduate and Postgraduate student applications and progress. 8.9 Sensory and Physical Demands The post holder operates a PC and printer with access to the central University network and administrative database. 8.10 Work Environment The post holder will work in his/her own dedicated office with the requirement of regular attendances at meetings on any of the University s off-campus sites or locations. To be responsible for the health and safety of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology and related provision. To actively promote and implement a culture of responsiveness to students needs within the context of the institution s policies relating to students. 8.11 Pastoral Care and Welfare To respond appropriately to pastoral issues within the Faculty team, following University procedures e.g. sickness absence management, capability procedures etc., providing on-going support and guidance as required and referring matters via the appropriate channels. 5
8.12 Team Development To induct, train and conduct performance and development reviews for staff as required. To work with senior management colleagues to ensure that the staff development is planned and delivered to meet the overall needs of the Faculty. 8.13 Teaching and Learning Support To brief Faculty Management Groups on relevant strategy and developments. To provide supervision for PhD students. To design research projects. To develop innovative and effective approaches to enhancing the learning experience and the curriculum; originate content and methodology to teach students both during specific or specialised lectures. To prepare and deliver lectures, tutorials and seminars in an appropriate academic area, advising on modifications in the light of experience and changing needs. Monitor performance, give feedback and guidance as well as challenging thinking and fostering debate; encourage the development of intellectual reasoning and rigour. Demonstrate distinctive and effective innovation in curriculum development. To contribute to student inductions, providing standard information about the Faculty as required. 8.14 Knowledge and Experience The Executive Dean must have sufficient expertise to lead or challenge thinking in their areas of expertise and act as a source of expertise in this area. qualifications: PhD, Doctoral Qualification or Professorship. Postgraduate qualification in a relevant branch of Engineering. Membership of appropriate academic and professional networks. Specific Experience: Significant experience in a higher education institution involving teaching, curriculum management and development, research or consultancy or related income generation activities. Financial management experience Evidence of effective strategic planning and implementation together with experience in a leadership and management role. Evidence of successful academic leadership. Experience of generating external income for research, consultancy or training. Experience of managing staff is required, with team work a crucial component. Experience of successful management of an Engineering and Technology provision, preferably within a Higher Education setting. 6
Other Required Attributes: Understanding of the principles and practice of policy and strategy development, implementation and evaluation. An understanding of the higher education context and HMG s policies in the UK in relation to government, regional development and HEFCE policy and funding strategies and requirements. Successful publication of original research results and engagement with research grant and contract research income generation. Successful management of research grants. Successful supervision of PhD students. Recognition and a reputation as an authority in a specialist field within Engineering and Technology. Ability to plan, manage and implement change effectively. Ability to lead and manage projects to agreed deadlines. Ability to analyse complex problems and generate effective solutions. Excellent communication and people management skills. Effective leadership skills. Effective financial management skills. A track record of strategic thinking and policy development. 8.15 General To undertake any other duties commensurate with your grade and/or hours of work as may reasonably be required of you. To take responsibility for upholding and complying with the University s Diversity and Equality Policies and for behaving in a manner that is consistent with fair and equal treatment for all. To comply with all of the University s Health and Safety Policies 7
PERSON SPECIFICATION Job Title: Executive Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology Criteria / Desirable Method of identification Qualifications: PhD, Doctoral qualification or Professorship Postgraduate qualification in a relevant engineering discipline Membership of appropriate academic and professional networks Proven Experience: Significant experience in a higher education institution involving teaching, curriculum management and development, research or consultancy or related income generation activities. Experience of successful management of an engineering and technology provision, preferably within a higher education setting Evidence of effective strategic planning and implementation Experience in a leadership and management role Experience of leading and managing projects to deadline Evidence of successful academic leadership Experience of generating external income for research, consultancy or training. Delivering academic and service excellence: Strategic planning and managerial leadership of learning, teaching and research Successful publication or original research results Possess an understanding of the higher education context and HMG s policies in the UK in relation to government, regional development and HEFCE policy and funding strategies and requirements. Ability to analyse complex problems and generate effective solutions. Managing Resources: Evidence of effective financial management Experience of managing staff, with team work a crucial component Effective delivery against institutional and individual performance objectives Possess a thorough understanding of institutional management systems and the wider higher education environment, including equal opportunity and diversity issues Working together: Effective interpersonal skills to interact with, engage and inspire staff, students and others Ability to plan, manage and implement change effectively Evidence of successful supervision of PhD students. Organisational and stakeholder awareness: Proven ability to attract research grants, contracts and research income generation Recognition and a reputation as an authority in a specialist field within engineering and technology. Desirable Desirable Desirable Application form and certificates Application form, interview and presentation Application form, interview and presentation Application form and interview Application form and interview Application form and interview Requirements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Applicants who have not clearly demonstrated in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be rejected at the shortlisting stage. Desirable Requirements are those that would be useful for the post holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements. Method of identification is where the selection panel will match the candidate s skills and abilities to the required criteria outlined (i.e. application form, interview, test) 8
UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY EXECUTIVE DEAN SALARY SCALE University Scale E5, points 59 61, 71,489-75,834 per annum plus Sponsored Chair. HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT 35 days per annum (pro-rata during the commencement and cessation years). Two extra statutory days during the Christmas period. RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT It is a requirement of this post that within 12 months of appointment, the post-holder should live within a 30 mile radius or within a one hour travelling time by public transport from the location where the post will be based. DBS CHECKS The successful applicant will have to undergo a DBS check before an appointment can be made. MEDICAL EXAMINATION Successful candidates will be required to complete an occupational health questionnaire, and will also be required to undergo a medical examination. ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATES Short-listed candidates will be asked to bring to interview, proof of qualification as outlined on the Job Description and Person Specification provided. Upon appointment, copies of essential certificates will be required by HRM Services. PENSION SCHEME The University is an admitted body to the Teachers Pension Scheme. All academic staff are eligible for membership of the scheme, and upon appointment, will be asked to indicate whether or not they wish to join the scheme. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES The University has a policy of equal opportunity aimed at treating all applicants for employment fairly. SMOKING POLICY The University operates a No-Smoking policy. PROBATIONARY PERIOD A nine months' probationary period applies to all University posts. CLOSING DATE Completed application forms should be returned to HRM Services, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ, no later than Thursday 9 th May 2013 at 12 noon, quoting reference number HRMS/12169. Interviews will be held during May 2013. 9