Head of Regulatory Analytics in Stoke Gifford

The Office for Students (OfS) exists to ensure that English higher education offers the best experience and the best value - for students, for taxpayers, for the economy and for the public good. We have high ambitions and offer great opportunities to get involved in bringing that vision to life.

This role will play a pivotal part in the transformation of the Data function within the OfS; it will also form a key part of the Senior Leadership team of the Data function, providing leadership to the data analytics team, optimising processes to maximise the value of the analytics function to the organisation.

Providing strategic leadership to a team of analysts, modelling the OfS behaviours and values to ensure analytical and AI best practices are implemented and there is a standardised operational approach. Enabling the data team to respond to changes in the regulatory environment and OfS business priorities, whilst developing long term strategic priorities in the analytics space.

In conjunction with the rest of the data Senior Management team creating a high performance, continuous improvement culture across Data. Ensuring the team has expert knowledge about higher education data and how it can be exploited for regulatory purposes. Driving towards the outcomes and objectives in the OfS’s business plan.

Working in partnership with regulation directorate colleagues to understand and identify opportunities for the exploitation of data and AI, and ensure the team designs and delivers a high-quality data service for providers and the OfS. Effectively oversee and manage resource across a portfolio of stakeholders to ensure OfS resources are used effectively and efficiently.

Continually improving systems and processes to support the OfS’s strategy and data strategy. Providing challenge and coaching to the wider organisation to ensure decision making is data led, and use of modern technologies and working practices are maximised. Lead engagement with a subset of relevant third-party higher education stakeholders, internally and externally, to ensure data needs are met.

Summary of essential experience required for the role:

• A strong background in analytics ideally within multiple organisations, able to really understand the value data can bring to organisations and able to continually challenge the status quo.
• Extremely strong leadership and people development skills.
• An ongoing commitment to personal development and data landscape awareness.
• Awareness of the modern data stack and associated methodologies.
• Excellent knowledge of modern data ops and agile working practices.
• Ability to produce forward plans, written papers and briefs in an understandable format for non-specialists.
• Ability to provide strategic oversight on data analytics and AI to the Chief Data Officer, the Executive Committee and Regulation directorate.
• Experience of working with SQL and Python.

The OfS regulates the higher education sector on behalf of all students. We value diversity and the wealth of perspectives, experience and ideas that it brings to our work, and we strive to embed equality of opportunity in everything we do. We recruit based on fair and open competition and welcome applications from candidates regardless of age, disability, race and ethnicity, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

At the OfS, we recognise that flexibility can enable people to work more effectively. A set of organisation-wide principles shape our approach to flexible and hybrid working, which our teams then use as guidance on how they deliver their business goals. This would usually mean working from the office for two or three days in a typical week. To attract the widest possible field of qualified applicants, flexible working, for example job share and part time working, apply to this role.

In addition, our Total Reward Framework offers a range of benefits to suit your way of life. These include comprehensive learning and development, annual leave starting at 25 days per year (plus public holidays), access to the highly regarded Civil Service pension scheme and a variety of health benefits.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive learning and development
• Annual leave starting at 25 days per year (plus public holidays)
• Access to the highly regarded Civil Service pension scheme
• Health benefits

Closing date for applications: Noon Monday 12 January 2026

Interview dates: From 26 January 2026

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Job function: Education

Industry: Higher Education