The University of Winchester is seeking an Executive Search Firm to manage the end-to-end recruitment process for its new Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, with the option to extend for other executive search activities. The work includes attraction, search, longlisting, shortlisting, and selection, with additional services such as psychometric testing if required. The estimated contract value is £192,000 including VAT, running from 30 March 2026 to 31 December 2026, with a potential three-year extension. This opportunity is suitable for contractors experienced in executive-level recruitment, diversity-focused talent attraction, and high-quality search and selection services.

Key Dates

• Enquiry deadline: 27 February 2026, 6:00pm

• Tender submission deadline: 6 March 2026, 12:00pm

• Estimated contract start: 30 March 2026

• Estimated contract end: 31 December 2026

• Contract duration: Approximately 9 months, with option to extend up to 3 additional years

Scope of Works

• End-to-end executive search for Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer

• Candidate attraction, sourcing, and longlisting/shortlisting

• Support for selection activities, including interviews and optional psychometric testing

• Potential extension to manage other executive search processes

• Compliance with legal, regulatory, and equality obligations

• Strong engagement with the University to ensure effective and transparent search process

Ideal Contractor

• Experienced in executive-level recruitment and search, particularly at C-suite or equivalent

• Proven ability to access diverse talent pools and deliver inclusive search processes

• Strong track record in end-to-end search delivery, candidate assessment, and selection support

• Able to provide a named consultant or single point of contact to manage the process efficiently

• SMEs can apply, as explicitly stated in the tender

• Familiarity with higher education or public sector recruitment is advantageous