Transformation Project Consultant (0191-26) – 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
Our Provost – Learning and Teaching department drives forward the University’s ambition to provide excellence and opportunities for all students; building on Derby’s long-standing reputation for teaching excellence, ensuring the development of sector-leading exible, integrated learning that aligns to the needs of learners, not just now but in the future.
About the Role
The University of Derby is undertaking a significant programme of academic transformation in response to national policy reform, regulatory change, labour-market challenge and evolving learner expectations. Central to this work is the staged implementation of Block Delivery, underpinned by research-led and industry-integrated curricula, alongside the development of innovative, Civic-facing models that enhance graduate outcomes, workforce wellbeing and community impact. This role provides senior academic project leadership to support the rollout of Block Delivery at Level 7 and the preparation for future implementation at undergraduate level, ensuring consistency, academic rigour and effective governance during a period of major curricula change. The postholder will bring academic credibility and validation expertise to programme teams, supporting delivery at pace while safeguarding standards, reputation and regulatory compliance.
In parallel, the role provides strategic academic leadership to the development of the Work Health Hub and Health Bus Derbyshire strategies and activity, positioning these initiatives within a coherent Human Sustainability agenda that connects workplace wellbeing, Civic engagement, applied education and research.
This is a 12 month fixed term contract, 22.5 hours per week
About You
We are seeking an accomplished and strategic academic leader with significant experience of senior leadership within higher education and a strong track record of delivering academic excellence. You will bring extensive expertise in postgraduate curriculum design, validation, quality assurance and enhancement, alongside a deep understanding of academic governance and the regulatory landscape.
With a relevant doctoral qualification (or equivalent professional experience at a senior leadership level), you will have successfully led complex institutional initiatives, chaired academic governance and validation activities, and influenced change across academic and professional service teams. You will be adept at translating institutional strategy and Academic Board priorities into effective academic practice, ensuring the highest standards of quality and student experience.
An exceptional communicator and relationship builder, you will possess the credibility to engage and influence senior academic stakeholders, professional bodies and regulatory partners. You will combine sound judgement, strong analytical skills and a collaborative leadership style to manage complex challenges, identify and mitigate risk, and deliver strategic outcomes at pace while maintaining academic integrity and coherence.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 42 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
- Discounted onsite gym
- Access to employer-funded Private Health Insurance
- Holiday purchase
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Professor Neil Fowler, Provost – Learning and Teaching via N.Fowler@derby.ac.uk
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk
Important Information
This role is eligible for sponsorship by the University, however, your individual circumstances must meet the criteria set out by UKVI; this includes meeting the English Language requirement and earning a salary that meets the highest of either the going rate for the SOC code or the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route (£41,700 per annum, as of 22nd July 2025).
If the role is eligible, but the offered salary is less that the going rate for the role, you may still be able to apply for a Skilled Worker visa if:
- Your job is on the Immigration Skills List
- You’re under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training
- You have a PhD level qualification that’s relevant to your job
- You have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education
Please note that the University cannot confirm your eligibility for sponsorship until an offer is made and your individual circumstances have been considered.
For more information, visit our website.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.
Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here
Closing Date: 20 Jul 2026
Area: Senior Management
Salary: £69,947 to £87,434 per annum pro rata (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £100,549 per annum pro rata).
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