Anglia Ruskin University

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a global university transforming lives through innovative, inclusive, and entrepreneurial education and research. We hold a Gold award for the quality of our education, awarded through the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), and are proud to be Times Higher Education University of the Year 2024. With campuses across the East of England – including our newest additions, ARU Peterborough and ARU Writtle – we combine academic excellence with a strong civic mission, working with partners to enhance the social, cultural, and economic wellbeing of our region. As one of the largest providers of Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care students in the East of England, and a national leader in degree apprenticeships, we are committed to ensuring outstanding educational outcomes and experiences for our diverse and vibrant student community.

We are now seeking to appoint a Director of Learning Development Services (LDS). Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), the Director will provide strategic leadership for LDS, which includes ARU Distance Learning, Degrees at Work, and associated educational partnerships. This is an exceptional opportunity to drive the development of high-quality, flexible, and innovative learning delivery across apprenticeships, distance learning, and continuing professional development. The postholder will play a central role in shaping ARU’s approach to lifelong learning, technology-enhanced education, and partnership growth, supporting our Education Strategy 2022–2027 and the University’s overarching mission of transforming lives through education.

The successful candidate will be an accomplished leader with experience of delivering large-scale educational programmes and partnerships in higher education or related sectors. They will bring strong commercial and strategic acumen, a deep understanding of the UK higher education and apprenticeship landscape, and the ability to lead diverse teams operating across complex regulatory environments. Excellent stakeholder management, creativity, and a commitment to ARU’s values – ambition, innovation, courage, community, integrity, and responsibility – will be essential.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Anglia Ruskin University on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details on how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference IADCF. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by 12 noon on Friday 16 January 2026.