Tender

Executive Search Process for Vice-Chancellor role and Chief Executive Role (with option to extend for other Executive Search processes)

UNIVERSITY OF WINCHESTER

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

06 Feb 2026 at 19:44

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Winchester is conducting a tender process for an Executive Search Firm to manage the search for a new Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer. This open competition is under the industry category of recruitment services, with a tender title "Executive Search Process for Vice-Chancellor role and Chief Executive Role (with option to extend for other Executive Search processes)". Key activities required include attraction, search, longlisting/shortlisting, and selection, with an option for additional services such as selection psychometrics. The procurement process, categorized under services with an estimated gross value of GBP 192,000, is open for submissions until 12 Noon on 6th March 2026, with an enquiry period ending on 27th February 2026. The procurement covers the regions of Hampshire (UKJ) and the South West (UKK) of the United Kingdom.

This tender provides a significant opportunity for businesses proficient in executive search within higher education, particularly those with a track record of inclusivity and diverse talent acquisition at the C-Suite level. Businesses capable of demonstrating competitive pricing, clear financial structuring, and a strong value proposition will find this opportunity advantageous. The contract offers a potential extension for future Executive Search processes, expanding the horizon of engagement and partnership with the University of Winchester. Suitability for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is also considered, enhancing the potential for diverse business participation tailored to meet the University's strategic requirements.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Executive Search Process for Vice-Chancellor role and Chief Executive Role (with option to extend for other Executive Search processes)

Notice Description

The current Vice-Chancellor confirmed an intention to retire from Higher Education in January 2026 and will leave the University in the summer. As such, the University is now seeking to appoint an Executive Search Firm to run the end-to-end search process for a new Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer. To include attraction, search, longlisting/ shortlisting and selection activities as minimum requirements. Other value-add services as may be required, e.g. selection psychometrics etc. Full details can be found at: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/winchester Return Date: 12 Noon 6th March 2026

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: Single activity contract, with option for the University to extend by 3 years from date of appointment for other Executive Search processes.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-064ab1
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/011189-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

CPV Codes

79600000 - Recruitment services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£160,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£160,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
6 Feb 20263 days ago
Submission Deadline
6 Mar 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
29 Mar 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF WINCHESTER
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
andrew.gannon@winchester.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
HAMPSHIRE
Postcode
SO22 4NR
Post Town
Southampton
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ3 Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ36 Central Hampshire
Delivery Location
TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England)
Local Authority
Winchester
Electoral Ward
St Paul
Westminster Constituency
Winchester

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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