At a Glance
- 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 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 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. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the university's strategic priorities and recent developments, especially around the merger. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with the role of Director of Strategic Planning. Highlight your leadership skills and analytical prowess to demonstrate your fit for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Strategic Planning in 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, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your advanced analytical skills during the interview. Bring examples of how you've used data to inform decision-making or improve performance in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific KPIs you've monitored and how they influenced strategic direction.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
This role requires exceptional leadership, so come prepared with stories that showcase your ability to lead teams and drive change. Think about times when you’ve motivated staff or managed complex projects, and be ready to explain your approach to fostering a thriving work environment.
✨Understand the Merger Context
Since this position involves leading during an exciting merger, it’s crucial to understand the implications of such changes. Research the university’s current strategic priorities and be prepared to discuss how you would ensure operational readiness and integration success from Day 1.