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- Tasks: Help shape and implement strategies to enhance higher education for all students.
- Company: Join the Office for Students, the independent regulator of higher education in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension, flexible working, and 25 days annual leave plus public holidays.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Be intellectually curious, organised, and possess strong communication skills; project management experience is a plus.
- Other info: Applications are welcomed from diverse backgrounds; flexibility in work arrangements is encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 57000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol (The primary location is Bristol. There may be some travel to London)
Salary: £54,439 - £56,968
Benefits: Plus generous Civil Service defined benefit pension
The Office for Students (OfS) is the independent regulator of higher education in England – we regulate higher education on behalf of all students. Our mission is to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers.
About the role:
- Working with senior leaders, you’ll help develop, implement and adapt organisational strategy to ensure we achieve our objectives.
- You’ll gain experience across the OfS and shape thinking at the most senior levels of the organisation.
- This will involve:
- Supporting the development and delivery of our strategic objectives, including by embedding, updating and driving delivery of our strategic plans.
- Providing strategic support to teams across the organisation, tackling diverse challenges in a complex and changeable regulatory environment.
- Identifying emerging opportunities and risks, helping the organisation to see the bigger picture and adapt as the world changes around us.
- Managing the organisation’s Leadership Development Programme, shaping the organisation’s future and supporting high potential individuals to thrive.
The ideal candidate:
- Is intellectually curious and analytically rigorous.
- Is motivated to work in a dynamic environment and able to spin multiple plates.
- Enjoys being stretched and able to grasp complex ideas quickly.
- Has strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues across the organisation.
- Is highly organised and able to get stuff done, with experience of project or programme management.
- Is committed to continuing professional development and proactive in pursuing opportunities to improve.
- Is motivated to inspire others and nurture talent, creating a stretching but supportive environment that helps leadership development officers realise their potential.
Working for us:
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, sexual orientation and socio-economic background. Flexibility is important to the OfS, as we recognise that it 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 days in a typical week.
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.
Closing date for applications: 12:00 (midday) Thursday 17 April 2025
Interviews: From 6 May 2025
Strategy Manager employer: Office for Students
Contact Detail:
Office for Students Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategy Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Office for Students' mission and values. Understanding their commitment to enhancing student experiences will help you align your discussions during interviews with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the OfS. Engaging with them can provide insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends in higher education and regulatory changes. Being knowledgeable about the sector will allow you to demonstrate your analytical skills and strategic thinking during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects or programmes in dynamic environments. Highlighting your organisational skills and ability to adapt will resonate well with the requirements of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Strategy Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific needs of the Office for Students.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience, particularly in strategy development, project management, and communication. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on achievements that demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving skills.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Highlight your intellectual curiosity and ability to manage multiple projects, as well as your commitment to professional development and nurturing talent.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a role at this level.
How to prepare for a job interview at Office for Students
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Office for Students' mission and objectives. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their goal of enhancing the higher education experience for all students.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Strategy Manager, analytical rigor is key. Prepare examples from your past work where you've successfully tackled complex problems using quantitative methods or strategic thinking. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the challenges of the role.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
The role requires someone who can thrive in a dynamic environment. Share experiences where you've had to adapt quickly to changing circumstances or manage multiple projects simultaneously. This will highlight your ability to 'spin multiple plates' effectively.
✨Prepare for Leadership Discussions
Since you'll be working closely with senior leaders, be ready to discuss your approach to leadership development. Think about how you can inspire and nurture talent within the organisation, and prepare to share your vision for supporting high-potential individuals.
