Interim Head of Portfolio Development

The opportunity

This is an opportunity to play a central role in shaping the future academic portfolio of Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges of Arts (CCW), part of University of the Arts London.

Working at the intersection of academic strategy, market insight and educational development, you’ll help turn emerging ideas and opportunities into viable new courses and educational initiatives that support UAL’s long-term ambitions.

Reporting to both the Dean of Academic Strategy CCW and the Director of Operations CCW, you’ll work closely with senior academic and professional colleagues to provide the evidence, insight and coordination needed to inform portfolio development decisions.

You’ll interrogate market and planning data, identify emerging opportunities and risks, develop business cases and performance analysis, and support new provision through the University’s planning and approval processes. You’ll also help ensure portfolio development reflects UAL’s wider commitments to social purpose, climate action and anti-racism.

Ideally, you’ll be starting this role in January 2027.

Your profile

You’ll bring strong analytical and strategic skills, with proven experience of using data, sector intelligence and market insight to inform planning and decision-making. You’ll be confident producing clear, evidence-based recommendations for senior audiences and building productive relationships across a complex organisation and with external partners.

An understanding of the creative economy and experience working with relevant professional or sector bodies will be important, alongside excellent communication, collaboration and organisational skills. You’ll be comfortable managing competing priorities, bringing people together across functions and finding practical solutions to complex challenges.

To apply please click the apply button.

Closing date: 21 October 2026.

Interview date: 11 November 2026.

Should you have any questions about the role, please contact Paul Springer, Dean of Academic Strategy p.springer@arts.ac.uk

Should you have any questions about the application process or require reasonable adjustments for your application, please contact Adrienne Marsh, Resourcing Advisor at CCW.staffrecruit@arts.ac.uk

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.

As a University, we are ranked second in the world for Art and Design. We are formed of 6 Colleges with unique histories and identities: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. UAL also has 4 Institutes, 5 Research Centres, 1 Pre-Degree School and 2 subsidiary companies delivering specialist activities.

We are a global University, welcoming over 22,000 students and 6,000 staff from 130 countries. We aim to be a university where people can be themselves and feel supported to reach their full potential. That’s why we are proud to hold a Bronze Award from the Race Equality Charter (REC), are members of the Business Disability Forum and Employers for Carers, and maintain our status as a Disability Confident Scheme and Living Wage employer.

Application process

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Thus, you will need to create an account and submit an application through our job board. As part of this, you will need to provide a supporting statement/answer some competency questions to demonstrate your suitability. Our recruitment process involves: Application, Shortlisting, Interview and Assessment, Offer, Onboarding.

We understand the benefits of using AI in work. But, if you are thinking of using it to submit an application, we ask you to think about what value it adds. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

If we receive a high volume of applications, the closing day date might close early. We aim to communicate any changes to the closing date with at least 24 hours’ notice. If you have any general questions or have accessibility needs, please refer to our Contact us page.

Please read through our FAQs before applying and Recruitment Process before applying.

Start your application

Candidates are advised to submit applications early.