Chief Academic Officer / Head of Department

Designation: Chief Academic Officer (CAO) / Head of DepartmentLocation: Bengaluru, Karnataka – On-CampusEmployment Type: Full-time, RegularCompensation: Upto 24LpaPosition OverviewThe Chief Academic Officer (CAO) will be the single-point accountable leader for academic quality, statutory compliance, faculty governance, research, industry engagement, laboratory utilisation, OEM partnerships and academic-commercial outcomes across Mentric’s academic vertical.The role combines academic leadership with deep industry and technology exposure. Unlike a conventional academic leadership position, this role operates within an OEM-backed, laboratory-embedded and certification-linked education model.The CAO will work closely with academic regulators, university authorities, global OEM partners, technology companies and industry employers to ensure that programmes remain academically rigorous, industry-relevant and aligned with current technologies.The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong capability across two equally important dimensions:Academic & Institutional Leadership – Professor-level academic credentials, research, Ph.D. supervision, accreditation, curriculum development, faculty management and academic governance.Industry & Technology Leadership – Practical or leadership experience in industrial automation, AI, robotics, IIoT, building automation, smart manufacturing or related technology environments.ExperienceMinimum 10 years of combined teaching, research and industry experience.Minimum 3 years of experience at Associate Professor level or above.Minimum 3 years of industry, consulting or corporate leadership experience.Strong evidence of academic administration, institutional leadership or programme ownership.Research & Ph.D. SupervisionMinimum 10 research publications in SCI, Scopus or UGC-CARE listed journals.Demonstrated Ph.D. supervision experience, with:At least two research scholars successfully guided as Supervisor/Co-Supervisor; orCurrent recognised Ph.D. guide status with an approved university.Key ResponsibilitiesLead academic planning, curriculum development and quality across all programmes.Ensure AICTE, university, NBA/NAAC and other statutory compliance.Manage faculty recruitment, performance, development and academic governance.Drive industry-aligned learning through AI, Robotics, Automation, IIoT and Building Technologies.Manage OEM partnerships, laboratory utilisation and technology integration.Lead research, publications, Ph.D. supervision and funded research initiatives.Drive industry collaborations, internships, placements and corporate training.Manage academic budgets, resources and operational performance.Monitor student outcomes, faculty competency and programme effectiveness.Contribute to institutional growth, Centre of Excellence initiatives and strategic partnerships.