Sam joined the University of Manchester 30 years ago following a career in sales and business management in the private sector.

She has held numerous leadership roles at the University including Head of the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences Research Office, Head of Research Operations for the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre and Head of Operations and Business Engagement.  Sam has been pivotal to the development and delivery of pan-Manchester strategies including the establishment and designation of the seven-partner Manchester Academic Health Science Centre.  She has led change management teams working at the University’s interface with its then six NHS partners, successfully breaking down organisational boundaries and harmonising cross-organisational policy and procedure. Working with NGOs, academic key opinion leaders and industry she has developed and implemented a governance framework and raised external funding of >£1m to establish a global collaboration endorsed by the WHO. 

In 2019, Sam was appointed as Head of School Operations (Natural Sciences) with responsibility for the leadership, management and strategic direction of professional services. The School is large, diverse and research intensive, comprising 8010 students, 350 professional services and 860 academic and research staff, with a turnover in excess of £150m.  

In partnership with the Vice Dean and Head of School, Sam develops and delivers the School strategy. She champions a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture, ensuring professional services priorities are aligned to the School’s strategic vision.      

Sam is Chair of the University’s Technical Review Board and sits on the Student Experience Programme Design Authority and Programme Delivery Group.