At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform complex data into actionable insights that shape strategic decisions.
- Company: Join the University of Derby, a top-rated institution committed to excellence and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, wellbeing support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Fixed-term role until April 2027, with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in higher education by guiding strategic priorities with your analytical skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in data analysis and higher education planning, with strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better. The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
About the College/Department
Strategic Insights and Planning support senior leadership by analysing data, identifying trends, providing BI reports and helping shape the institution’s long-term direction. The team collaborate closely with academic departments, professional services, and external bodies such as the Office for Students to ensure informed decision‑making and provide statutory returns. We combine expertise in policy analysis, business intelligence, finance, and higher education to provide evidence-based recommendations. SIP is structured into four teams: Strategic Planning; Strategic Insights, Student Returns and the Change and Portfolio Management Office.
About the Role
This role sits at the heart of the University’s evidence‑based decision‑making, transforming complex information into insight that shapes strategic direction. You will work across rich internal and external data sources to blend, manipulate and analyse datasets, applying robust statistical techniques to create clear, visually compelling data reports. Alongside technical analysis, you will undertake contextualised impact assessments of papers, sector reports and emerging intelligence, distilling key messages into concise briefings that inform senior stakeholders. A key part of the role is developing a strong understanding of external benchmarking frameworks, including OfS measures and performance across comparator and aspirational institutions. You will proactively conduct deep‑dive analyses to identify future risks and opportunities, shaping proposals that support long‑term planning. You will also review and interpret data issued by sector bodies. Ultimately, you will help advance the University’s strategic priorities by connecting disparate data sources, strengthening reporting capability, and delivering high‑quality intelligence that enables confident, informed decision‑making across the institution. This is a fixed‑term contract role due to end in early April 2027.
About You
You will bring a strong blend of analytical capability, sector awareness and confidence working with senior stakeholders. With experience in a higher‑education planning environment, you are comfortable partnering directly with executive leaders and translating complex evidence into clear, actionable insight. You have a solid track record in data blending, data management and data visualisation, and you thrive when working with multiple, intricate datasets. Your ability to turn detailed analysis into straightforward visuals and narratives for non‑technical audiences sets you apart. You are confident in the interpretation of complex data and in presenting your findings in a way that informs decision‑making. You take ownership of your work, delivering outcomes independently and managing projects with clarity, accountability and a focus on impact.
Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata). Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family‑friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme. Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers. Discounted onsite gym. Holiday purchase. Cycle to Work scheme. A flexible working environment. A commitment to personal and professional development.
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Chris Gascoyne, Head of Strategic Insights via c.gascoyne@derby.ac.uk. For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk. The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK. Please visit our website for more information. The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.
Senior Strategic Analyst employer: University of Derby
The University of Derby is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to making a positive impact through innovative research and teaching excellence. With a focus on staff wellbeing and professional development, employees enjoy a supportive and inclusive culture, generous annual leave, and access to a range of wellbeing benefits. Located in a vibrant region, the university offers a dynamic work environment where you can thrive and contribute to meaningful change in higher education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Strategic Analyst
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the University of Derby inside out! Research their values, recent projects, and strategic goals. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend university events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which can be a game-changer in landing that role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to data analysis and strategic insights. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your analytical skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at the University of Derby.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Strategic Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Analytical Skills:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your analytical capabilities. We want to see how you can blend and manipulate data to create compelling insights, just like the role requires!
Tailor Your Experience:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your experience to match the job description. We’re looking for someone with a solid track record in higher education planning, so make that shine through.
Keep It Clear and Concise:Remember, clarity is key! Present your findings and experiences in a straightforward manner. We appreciate applications that are easy to read and get straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:Finally, don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Derby
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
As a Senior Strategic Analyst, you'll be working with complex datasets. Make sure you brush up on your data blending and visualisation skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've transformed data into actionable insights in previous roles.
✨Understand the University’s Strategic Priorities
Familiarise yourself with the University of Derby's mission and strategic goals. This will help you align your answers with their objectives during the interview. Think about how your analytical skills can contribute to their commitment to excellence and sustainable living.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle real-world challenges. Prepare examples where you've conducted deep-dive analyses or made recommendations based on your findings. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Since you'll be working closely with senior stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex information to non-technical audiences. Highlight instances where your insights have influenced decision-making and how you build relationships with executive leaders.
