At a Glance
- Tasks: Create impactful dashboards and transform complex data into clear insights.
- Company: Higher education institution focused on enhancing reporting quality.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, immediate start, and a short-term contract.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities to showcase your design flair.
- Why this job: Make a difference in education by delivering high-quality visual analytics.
- Qualifications: Experience with BI tools and strong data visualisation skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Business Intelligence (BI) Specialist to support a higher‑education institution in elevating the quality, clarity, and professionalism of its reporting dashboards. This short‑term contract is ideal for someone who can quickly understand organisational data needs and deliver high‑impact visual analytics with minimal onboarding.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and refine clean, modern, and user‑friendly dashboards for internal stakeholders across academic and professional services teams.
- Translate complex datasets into clear, actionable insights that support strategic and operational decision‑making.
- Review existing dashboards and reporting assets, identifying opportunities for improvement in structure, visual design, and data storytelling.
- Ensure dashboards follow institutional branding, accessibility standards, and best‑practice BI principles.
- Collaborate with data owners, analysts, and senior stakeholders to gather requirements and validate outputs.
- Optimise data models, queries, and data flows to ensure dashboards are performant and reliable.
- Provide light documentation or handover notes to support continuity after the contract ends.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience delivering BI dashboards within higher education or similarly complex, data‑rich environments.
- Strong proficiency in at least one major BI tool (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Qlik, Google Sheets).
- Demonstrable ability to produce polished, professional‑grade visualisations with excellent attention to detail.
- Strong understanding of data modelling, DAX/SQL, and data transformation workflows.
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver high‑quality outputs at pace.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non‑technical audiences.
Desirable
- Experience working with student, research, finance, or operational datasets in HE.
- Familiarity with HE sector reporting frameworks (HESA, OfS, internal KPIs).
- Understanding of data governance and accessibility standards.
What We're Looking For
A proactive, design‑minded BI professional who can hit the ground running and immediately add value. Someone who cares about clarity, consistency, and user experience as much as technical accuracy.
BI Specialist employer: Burman Recruitment
Join a dynamic higher education institution as a BI Specialist, where you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact through your expertise in data visualisation and analytics. Our hybrid work culture promotes flexibility and collaboration, allowing you to thrive in a supportive environment that values innovation and professional growth. With a focus on clarity and user experience, you'll be part of a team dedicated to enhancing decision-making processes while enjoying the benefits of working in a vibrant academic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land BI Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the higher education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for BI roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best BI dashboards and visualisations. This will not only demonstrate your expertise but also give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your communication skills. Be ready to explain complex data concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to collaborate with non-technical stakeholders. Practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic BI Specialist roles waiting for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace BI Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with BI dashboards, especially in higher education. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since we’re looking for someone with strong proficiency in BI tools like Power BI or Tableau, be sure to mention any specific projects where you’ve used these tools. Include examples of how you’ve transformed complex data into clear insights.
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! Use a friendly tone in your cover letter to show us you’re not just a great fit technically, but also a great fit for our team culture.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure it gets to the right people quickly, and you can easily keep track of your application status. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Burman Recruitment
✨Know Your BI Tools Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the major BI tools mentioned in the job description, like Power BI or Tableau. Be ready to discuss your experience with these tools and how you've used them to create impactful dashboards in the past.
✨Showcase Your Data Storytelling Skills
Prepare examples of how you've translated complex datasets into clear insights. Think about specific projects where your visualisations made a difference in decision-making, and be ready to explain your thought process during the interview.
✨Understand the Higher Education Landscape
Brush up on the unique challenges and reporting frameworks within higher education. Familiarity with HESA or OfS can set you apart, so be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the needs of the sector.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. Since you'll be working with non-technical stakeholders, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively will show that you can bridge the gap between data and decision-making.
