At a Glance
- Tasks: Support strategic planning and business processes at the University of Bristol.
- Company: Join a prestigious university with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, competitive salary, and a chance to influence university strategy.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and insight into university operations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future direction of a leading university.
- Qualifications: Experience in data analysis, communication, and engaging with senior leaders.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
We are recruiting a Senior Planning Officer on a 12-month fixed term basis to cover maternity leave for the substantive postholder. The role sits within the Strategic Planning and Business Intelligence team, whose function is to support business and strategic planning across the University. It does this by managing the annual business planning cycle, the Integrated Planning Process; managing several institution-wide business processes; and provides a range of custom and routine insights and management information.
The Strategic Planning and Business Intelligence team are a high-profile central team who work closely with the University Executive Board, Faculties and Divisions. This vacancy is a great opportunity to both learn; to see the big picture and understand how the University works at the top level, and to make a difference; to contribute to the future direction of the University. Ideally, we are looking for someone to start in early October 2026, this maternity cover position is expected to conclude in October 2027 or upon the earlier return of the post holder.
What will you be doing?
- As the Science and Engineering planning business partner, you will support the faculty in their business planning and through the University-wide Integrated Planning Process; building faculty-specific knowledge, interpreting and explaining complex management information to support and influence the creation of well-evidenced plans and provide an informed local perspective into planning activity.
- You will coordinate and service planning meetings as part of the annual planning process through the management of agendas, coordination of papers, note-taking and follow-up of actions as appropriate, and presenting or explaining analysis and key issues to support decision-making.
- You will also be responsible for the coordination of the Key University Risk reporting process. This will involve liaising with a variety of colleagues, writing detailed reports for UEB, Audit and Risk Committee and Board of Trustees, and contributing to the development and review of the University’s risk management framework.
- As a key member of the Strategic Planning and Business Intelligence team, you will also lead or contribute to other planning tasks.
You should apply if:
- You have experience in conducting and coordinating organisation-wide processes.
- You have experience of understanding, analysing and interpreting data from a range of sources, to generate clear and actionable insights that influence strategic planning.
- You have experience of engaging with senior leaders and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships.
- You have experience working in a high-pressure, dynamic environment where priorities and information are still evolving.
- You have experience of working independently and devising and developing solutions to significant problems.
- You are interested in gaining a broad view of University strategy, process and operations and a fascinating insight into the activities of academic faculties and professional service divisions.
Full-time
Senior Planning Officer in London employer: University of Bristol
The University of Bristol offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for its Pensions Officer role, where employees benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements and a strong emphasis on professional development. With a commitment to excellent customer service and collaboration, staff are encouraged to grow their expertise in pension administration while contributing to the well-being of around 10,000 colleagues. The Finance Services division fosters a culture of teamwork and continuous learning, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Officer in London
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like University of Bristol. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at University of Bristol.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at University of Bristol.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at University of Bristol and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bristol
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like University of Bristol will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to University of Bristol.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at University of Bristol.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at University of Bristol. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
