Planning and Performance Department

Planning and Performance Department

InformationAnalyst

Additional Information for Applicants

The Planning and Performance Department (PPD) works closely with the Vice Chancellor’s Office (VCO). It consists of a team of analysts and specialists in planning, HE policy and Business Intelligence. This team provides an expert technical resource to manage, manipulate, analyse, disseminate and interpret internal and external information to inform planning, performance monitoring and strategic decision making.

Working under the line management leadership of the Head of Planning, and working with members of the VCO, Executive Deans and Directors of Services, this role is critical to securing and maximising income from funding councils and tuition fees and to providing information to senior management.

The University is funded by a variety of different Funding Bodies, each with its own highly complex and distinct funding policies and philosophies. These include HEFCE, the National College for Teaching and Leadership and the NHS / Royal Centre for Defence Medicine. The student number planning process embraces some 23,000 students in four faculties.Income from Funding Council Grants accounted for over £18m in 2014/15; student fees and education contracts over £150m.

Departmental structure

Each member of the team is the nominated key point of contact responsible for at least one of the academic faculties and/or professional service departments within the University. Liaison activities may vary but would expect to include: facilitating enquires directed toward the team; developing an understanding of stakeholder requirements; representing the department at relevant meetings; providing advice and guidance on PPD activities and providing relevant project support as required.

Specific requirements of the role

The required candidate will have a background in data analysis and possess high levels of relevant analytical, research, interpretation and communication skills.

They will have an excellent understanding of the tools and techniques relevant to data analysis for performance improvement and a proven ability to incorporate relevant contextual information to provide robust evidence to support strategic decision making. They will possess graduate level analytical skills in a relevant discipline, have gained relevant experience within a large or complex organisation and have the ability both to work effectively on their own and as part of a team.

An understanding of the principles of Business Intelligence and their practical application is required.In addition, an understanding of Higher Education (including current and emerging policy and environment; government and political structures) would be required.

They will be able to apply these proactively across a wide range of complex and specialist issues to provide both clarity and to identify strategic implications. In all cases they will be able to present and defend their conclusions and recommendations concisely and clearly to both expert and lay audiences, to effect action and improvement. Such recommendations may be referred to the highest level within the University.

November 2016