North West University | View - PROFESSOR M000336

PROFESSOR M000336

Listing reference: nwu_004787

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 30 October 2026

Position summary

Industry: Education & Training

Job category: University and Academy

Location: Potchefstroom

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

About our company

NWU

Introduction

NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS) | NWU BUSINESS SCHOOL | POSITION NUMBER: M000336 | VACANCY: PROFESSOR — LEADERSHIP PEROMNES GRADE: A5 | EMPLOYMENT TYPE: PERMANENT APPOINTMENT

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
The NWU Business School invites applications for a Professor in Leadership to join a growing and ambitious business school committed to shaping executive minds in Africa.

The Professor will provide academic and scholarly leadership through postgraduate and executive education, high-impact research, master’s and doctoral supervision, and the mentoring and development of emerging scholars. The role will contribute to the School’s academic excellence, accreditation, internationalisation, strategic partnerships, resource mobilisation and societal impact.

The successful candidate will have an established programme of scholarship in areas such as leadership theory, responsible and ethical leadership, strategic and adaptive leadership, and leadership development. Through research, executive learning and engagement with business, government and society, the Professor will advance evidence-informed leadership practice relevant to African contexts while contributing to international scholarship and debate.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Teaching and Learning

Lead teaching in leadership, responsible leadership and leadership development on postgraduate and executive programmes, including the MBA and Postgraduate Diploma in Management.
Lead curriculum development, review and innovation in line with academic, industry and accreditation requirements.
Create engaging learning environments across face-to-face, blended, and online delivery modes.
Supervise MBA, master’s and doctoral research in leadership and related management fields to completion, supporting ethical research, timely progress and publication.
Lead contributions to quality assurance, assurance of learning and accreditation, using evidence to improve teaching and learning.

Research and Innovation

Lead a sustained research programme on leadership effectiveness, ethics, organisational change and leadership in African contexts.
Publish in accredited and internationally recognised academic journals.
Mentor emerging researchers and supervisors and build postgraduate research capacity.
Develop and lead national and international research collaborations and networks.
Pursue external research funding and grant opportunities.

Academic Leadership and Service

Provide Professor-level academic leadership and contribute to the School’s strategy and institutional development.
Contribute to programme development, curriculum enhancement, and strategic initiatives.
Participate in School, Faculty, and University committees and governance structures.
Mentor postgraduate students and emerging academics in teaching, research and supervision.
Contribute to accreditation, quality assurance, and institutional development activities.

Engagement and partnerships

Build and maintain partnerships with business leaders, government, professional bodies and leadership development partners, alongside international collaborators.
Contribute to executive education, consulting, and knowledge-transfer activities.
Participate in public scholarship, thought leadership, and media engagement.
Advance leadership development programmes, responsible leadership practice and institutional capacity through engagement and demonstrate societal impact.
Advance the School's internationalisation and partnership agenda.

Resource Mobilisation and Sustainability

Contribute to third-stream income generation through executive education, consulting, and customised programmes.
Identify and pursue opportunities for research funding, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships.
Support fundraising and resource mobilisation initiatives aligned with the School's strategic priorities.
Contribute to stakeholder engagement and business development activities.
Enhance the reputation, visibility, and sustainability of the NWU Business School.

Minimum requirements

A PhD (NQF level 10) in Leadership, Management or a closely related field, with demonstrated scholarly expertise in leadership.
Demonstrated academic leadership in programmes, research or institutional initiatives, including mentoring of emerging academics.
A minimum of ten (10) years of appropriate work experience of which five (5) years were in a higher education context, preferably within a business school.
A strong, sustained record of publications in accredited and internationally recognised journals relevant to the specialisation, with evidence of scholarly influence and research leadership.
Successful supervision of both master’s and doctoral candidates to completion.

ADDED ADVANTAGES & PREFERENCES

A minimum of five (5) years’ relevant industry-related experience.
Experience in organisational leadership, leadership development or management.
Executive education, consulting and professional practice are advantageous.
National Research Foundation (NRF) rating.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

Demonstrated excellence in postgraduate teaching, supervision and curriculum development in leadership and related management fields.
Advanced knowledge of leadership theory, responsible and adaptive leadership, and leadership development in diverse organisational contexts.
Experience in blended, online, and technology-enhanced learning environments.
Ability to build and maintain productive partnerships with industry, government, professional bodies, and international collaborators.
Ability to evaluate leadership practices and interventions using rigorous research methods and translate findings into executive learning. Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

Academic leadership and the ability to inspire and develop students and colleagues.
Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively in diverse environments.
Commitment to excellence, integrity, and ethical conduct.
Results-oriented, with strong planning, organisational, and execution capabilities.
Commitment to transformation, diversity, inclusion, and responsible leadership.

Remuneration: The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Prof Joseph Sekhampu on 018 299 4019

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Moratuwa Motsemme on 018 299 4958

CLOSING DATE: 30October 2026

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: 01 February 2027

Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official nwu vacancy website.

Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.