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- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and analytics for a prestigious university during an exciting merger.
- Company: Renowned London university with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of higher education through strategic leadership.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in strategic planning and advanced analytical skills required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in a complex environment.
The predicted salary is between 77000 - 110000 £ per year.
For a prestigious University in London, we are recruiting the Executive Director of Strategic Planning initially until December 2026 on a Fixed Contract. Reporting to the CFO, the Executive Director of Strategic Planning will lead the integrated annual planning process, aligning resources and activities with the University's strategic priorities. This role will play a pivotal part in ensuring operational readiness and long-term strategic success as the University moves forward with an exciting merger.
Main Duties:
- Lead the integrated annual planning process, aligning resources and activities with the University's strategic priorities.
- Provide advanced analytics and actionable insights to inform decision-making, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and guide strategic direction.
- Accountable for all university statutory returns and for maintaining integrity and governance of Academic Workload Plan Management.
- Oversee critical operational tools, ensuring governance and integrity across the University’s strategic and academic planning processes.
- Key lead in an exciting merger, partnering both strategic planning offices to identify and manage integration plans for Day 1 readiness and immediate operational effectiveness.
- Co-leadership role with CIO to deliver Data & Reporting Transformation project to set data governance standards and reporting platform for multiple data sets.
- Lead on the development and implementation of annual planning processes.
- Support senior leadership team in the implementation of strategic plans including allocation of resources.
- Support the leadership team with strategy formulation via expert knowledge and analysis, MI and KPIs.
- Lead and develop business intelligence including data analysis, visualisation, and predictive analytics.
- Develop first-class management information, competitor analysis, market insight, horizon scanning and scenario planning.
- Oversee the preparation of all statutory strategic planning returns to external bodies to ensure compliance with HESA Data Futures and Office for Students requirements.
- Lead, motivate and manage a team of highly performing staff.
Person Specification:
- An exceptional leader with a proven track record in strategic planning, insightful analytics and value driven monitoring of strategic KPIs, within a complex environment.
- Advanced analytical skills and an in-depth understanding of the Higher Education sector (desired).
- Ability to manage high-level strategic projects, work collaboratively across departments, and drive change will be essential for success in this role.
- Proven track record of bringing the best out of their staff and creating an environment in which they can thrive.
- Experience of leading and implementing complex strategic projects.
- Leading business planning at a strategic level.
- Production of first-class management information reporting with presentation to committees and senior leadership.
- Experience of delivering planning and performance provision to support strategic decision making.
- Proven leadership skills and ability to influence a range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Advanced Excel, Tableau, and dashboard development.
Director of Strategic Planning in City of London employer: Pro-Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
Pro-Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Strategic Planning in City of London
✨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 opportunities. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the university's strategic priorities and recent developments. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals, especially regarding the merger and operational readiness.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for strategic planning and how you can lead a multi-functional team. Use examples from your past experiences to showcase your leadership skills and analytical prowess.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Strategic Planning in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Strategic Planning role. Highlight your experience in strategic planning and analytics, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in strategic planning and how they relate to the job description. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves advanced analytics, make sure to highlight your analytical skills in both your CV and cover letter. Mention any tools you’ve used, like Excel or Tableau, and how you’ve applied them to drive strategic decisions. We love data-driven insights!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pro-Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Strategic Planning Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the principles of strategic planning, especially within the higher education sector. Brush up on the latest trends and challenges facing universities today, as this will show your potential employer that you’re not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific scenarios related to strategic planning and mergers. Think about past experiences where you’ve led projects or teams through change. Prepare clear examples that highlight your leadership skills and ability to drive results.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since the role requires advanced analytics, be ready to discuss your experience with data analysis tools like Excel and Tableau. Bring examples of how you've used data to inform decision-making and improve performance. This will demonstrate your capability to provide actionable insights.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their strategic priorities and the merger process. This shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their success.
