At a Glance
- Tasks: Support strategic planning and business processes across the University.
- Company: Join a high-profile team at a leading University.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time role, and valuable experience in higher education.
- Other info: Gain insights into university operations and enjoy a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future direction of the University.
- Qualifications: Experience in data analysis, communication, and engaging with senior leaders.
The predicted salary is between 43482 - 50253 £ per year.
The role involves recruiting a Senior Planning Officer on a 12-month fixed term basis to cover maternity leave for the substantive postholder. The position is within the Strategic Planning and Business Intelligence team, which supports business and strategic planning across the University by managing the annual business planning cycle, the Integrated Planning Process, and providing insights and management information.
The team works closely with the University Executive Board, Faculties, and Divisions. This vacancy offers an opportunity to learn about the University’s operations at a high level and contribute to its future direction.
Ideally, the candidate should start in early October 2026, with the position 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, support the faculty in their business planning and through the University-wide Integrated Planning Process; build faculty-specific knowledge, interpret and explain complex management information to support and influence the creation of well-evidenced plans.
- Coordinate and service planning meetings as part of the annual planning process, manage agendas, coordinate papers, take notes, follow up on actions, and present analysis to support decision-making.
- Coordinate the Key University Risk reporting process, liaising with colleagues, writing detailed reports for UEB, Audit and Risk Committee, and contributing to the development and review of the University’s risk management framework.
- Lead or contribute to other planning tasks as a key member of the Strategic Planning and Business Intelligence team.
You should apply if:
- You have experience in conducting and coordinating organisation-wide processes.
- You can understand, analyse, and interpret data from various sources to generate clear and actionable insights that influence strategic planning.
- You have experience engaging with senior leaders and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- You have experience working in a high-pressure, dynamic environment where priorities and information are evolving.
- You can work independently and devise solutions to significant problems.
- You are interested in gaining a broad view of University strategy, process, and operations.
Additional information:
- Contract type: Fixed-term Maternity Cover for 12 months or the earlier return of the postholder.
- Work pattern: Full time.
- Grade: J.
- Salary: £43,482 - £50,253 per annum.
- School/Unit: Strategic Planning and Transformation.
This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 03/09/2026. For informal queries, please contact Zoe Fogarty (zoe.fogarty@bristol.ac.uk) or Matt Shute (matthew.shute@bristol.ac.uk).
We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision, and values.
Senior Planning Officer employer: University of Bristol
Join our award-winning university health service as a Nurse Practitioner, where you will be part of a close-knit and supportive primary care team dedicated to the well-being of our diverse student population. Enjoy a collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth, with opportunities to engage in evidence-based patient care in a beautiful, purpose-built practice. We value your expertise and enthusiasm for working with young people, offering a fulfilling environment that prioritises both personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Officer
✨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
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.
