Director of The Productivity Institute

The University of Manchester's Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) seeks an exceptional academic leader to serve as Managing Director of The Productivity Institute. As we celebrate our 60th anniversary year, AMBS stands among the top 1% of business schools globally, with a reputation for pioneering research and real-world impact.

The Productivity Institute is a £32 million UK-wide research organisation, established in September 2020, that explores what productivity means for business, workers and communities. The Institute advances knowledge and informs significant decisions by governments and business leaders aimed at increasing productivity and raising living standards.

With ten institutional partners, nine productivity forums across the UK, approximately 40 co-investigators and over 140 affiliated researchers, we're tackling crucial economic and social challenges through world-class research and engagement. The Institute maintains strong connections with international academic communities, policymakers and organisations across government, business and civil society.

As we enter Phase /27-2031/32), the Institute will focus more strongly on how large societal transformations require organisational agility and resilience; the role of places in realising inclusive and sustainable growth; and implementing a systems-based approach to connect and coordinate across multiple stakeholders.

The successful candidate will bring considerable academic standing in productivity or related fields, demonstrated excellence in strategic leadership and stakeholder management, and strong international networks. We need a collaborative leader who can unite diverse academic disciplines whilst building meaningful partnerships with business and policy communities. Critical themes include technology and productivity, regional economic development, sustainable growth, and the changing nature of work.

Join us in shaping the UK's productivity agenda in an institution that combines academic excellence with real-world impact. Together, we can help create an era of sustained and inclusive productivity growth that raises living standards across society.

Application is by submission of a curriculum vitae and a covering letter of application, addressing the job description and person specification. Applications will need to be submitted via the acting recruitment agency Perrett and Laver. This can be found through the following link:

Details of how to apply

For an informal and confidential discussion about the role (7709), please contact Alex Hurlow on or via email at

The closing date for applications is 09:00 GMT on Thursday 15th January 2026.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

AMBS is committed to creating an environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion, or nationality.

Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, please contact Esther Elbro on

If you have comments that would support us to improve access to documentation, or our application processes more generally, please do not hesitate to contact us via

What will you get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to

Any CV's submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Alex Hurlow

Email:

General enquiries:

Email:

Technical support:

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.