Job profile

Permanent, 37 hours per week

Make a measurable difference to our graduates’ futures.

We’re looking for an inspiring and data‑savvy leader to head up our Careers & Employability activities—driving strategy, innovation and partnerships that translate into outstanding graduate outcomes across the University.

Where this role sits

You’ll join the Student Services Directorate, a collaborative team comprising six specialist departments: Active Hud (Sports), Wellbeing, Disability, Student Engagement & Attendance Monitoring, Business Support, and Careers. Together, around 100 colleagues champion student success, engagement and belonging across Huddersfield.

What you’ll lead

You will lead a team of around 35 colleagues across Careers & Employability, the Global Professional Award (GPA), and Placements—galvanising staff, systems and partnerships to deliver high‑quality careers education, bespoke guidance, and impactful work‑based opportunities.

What you’ll do

• Set and deliver strategy that improves Graduate Outcomes and associated KPIs, aligning provision with labour‑market need and academic priorities.
• Use evidence brilliantly—turning Graduate Outcomes data and labour‑market intelligence into actionable plans, targeted interventions and clear reporting for senior stakeholders.
• Lead digital innovation in careers delivery; oversee platforms and workflows as system owner for Target Connect and InPlace, ensuring accessible student experiences.
• Strengthen external relationships—deepening employer engagement locally, nationally and internationally, and contributing through sector networks such as AGCAS, WYCA and Yorkshire Universities.
• Safeguard compliance & mitigate risk across placements and attendance (UKVI, PSRB, DBS).
• Champion inclusion and student partnership—embedding EDI and co‑creation so our provision is accessible, responsive and high‑impact for every student.
• Play a key part in the Directorate’s leadership team, working closely with the Director of Student Services and peers across all departments to enhance the overall student experience.

What we’re looking for

• A credible leader in HE careers/employability with a track record of delivering service improvement.
• Strength in people leadership, budget and project management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Confident with data and insight, turning analysis into decisions that move metrics.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to co‑creating services with students.

Why Huddersfield?

• Real scope to shape strategy and practice across a high‑profile, University‑wide agenda.
• A supportive, collaborative Directorate with strong employer and civic partnerships in West Yorkshire and beyond.
• Investment in your professional growth and the tools you need to innovate.

We offer an excellent employment package including hybrid working, blending a mix of remote and on-campus working (dependent on work duties).

The University is deeply committed to equality and diversity for all its students and staff.  We seek to be diverse and inclusive, supporting individuals and groups to fulfil their potential and nurture a sense of belonging.  We strive to be an accessible, inclusive employer, removing barriers for all.  Find out more about our approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, including our commitments and accreditations as a Disability Confident Leader, Stonewall Gold Award holder and Top 100 Employer, Athena SWAN Bronze Award holder and Race Equality Charter Bronze Award holder. 

Informal enquiries welcome to Matt Mills, Director of Student Services via email m.mills@hud.ac.uk 

If you are a current student at the University, you are welcome to apply for part-time roles of 16 hours or less per week, unless you are a part-time postgraduate student, in which case you can also apply for full time roles, subject to any visa requirements.

For more information, please download the recruitment pack.