At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and analytics, ensuring alignment with the University Strategy.
- Company: Join the University of Southampton, a top 100 global research institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, generous holiday allowance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in higher education while collaborating with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic planning and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
The University of Southampton is a research‑intensive institution ranked in the top 100 globally, offering an inclusive and diverse working environment and a commitment to equal opportunity.
The Head of Strategic Planning provides expert advice to faculties and senior stakeholders, ensuring local plans align with the University Strategy. The role oversees the annual planning cycle, student number planning, KPI reporting and related activities, working in partnership across the University.
- Line‑manage a team of four and collaborate with Senior Strategic Planning Managers.
- Serve as the faculty planning partner for one faculty, coordinating institutional strategic planning and ensuring alignment with the University Strategy.
- Develop, monitor and review performance frameworks and KPIs, using evidence‑informed insight to assess progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis, including sector benchmarking, to support decision‑making.
- Collaborate with Finance, Faculty Operations and Professional Services to design processes, develop business cases and investment proposals.
- Support strategic reviews, strategy renewal, and monitor policy, funding and regulatory developments.
Qualifications & Skills
- Experience in strategic planning within a complex higher‑education environment.
- Strong judgement, analytical capability and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to varied audiences.
- Ability to build relationships with senior academic leaders and Professional Services colleagues.
- Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel.
- Genuine interest in higher education and commitment to the University’s inclusive culture.
Benefits
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
- Competitive holiday allowance with additional closure days.
- Flexible, hybrid working.
Head of Strategic Planning in Southampton employer: University of Southampton
The University of Southampton is an exceptional employer, renowned for its inclusive and diverse working environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a research-intensive institution, it offers employees the opportunity to engage in meaningful work that directly impacts the future of higher education, alongside competitive benefits such as a defined benefit pension scheme and flexible hybrid working arrangements. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, staff can thrive in their careers while contributing to a globally ranked university.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Planning in Southampton
✨Dive Into Corporate Strategy Communities
Get yourself involved in online communities or forums focused on corporate strategy. Places like LinkedIn groups or specific Slack channels can hook you up with industry insights, trends, and many potential job leads. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts or ask questions; it’ll boost your visibility!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Events
Keep an eye out for corporate strategy conferences or networking events in your area (or online!). These gatherings are gold mines for meeting hiring managers and making impactful connections. Plus, having a few good conversations can lead to job referrals at companies like University of Southampton!
✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills
Create content that showcases your knowledge of corporate strategy—think reports, blogs, or even video discussions. Sharing these on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium can demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out to employers looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply for the Head of Strategic Planning position at University of Southampton via our website! This shows your genuine interest, and who knows, you might just land that interview in a matter of days. Keep your application focused on how you can add value to their strategy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Planning in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at University of Southampton.
Tailor Your Narrative:Don’t just send us a generic application! Personalise your cover letter by connecting your experiences and aspirations to University of Southampton’s mission and goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely understand what we do; share how your vision aligns with ours and what you can bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Academic Credentials:In your CV, make sure to showcase your academic background, especially if you have qualifications in business, economics, or analytics. We appreciate candidates who can back up their skills with relevant degrees or certifications, so don’t be shy about flaunting those achievements!
Utilise Professional Language:While we want you to be yourself, remember that corporate strategy roles demand a level of professionalism in communication. Use clear and concise language in your application materials, ensuring that your ideas come across as well-structured and sophisticated. It’s all about making a great impression right from the written application stage!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Southampton
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarity with strategic frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s Five Forces can set you apart. We should be ready to discuss how we’d apply these tools to real-world business situations — maybe even relating them to University of Southampton. This shows we’re not just theory-happy but can articulate our practical application.
✨Engage in Strategic Conversations
In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at University of Southampton. This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether through internships or projects, we should highlight any experience that relates to corporate strategy. Have specific examples ready to talk about how we’ve contributed to strategic growth or improvements. It's about showcasing our unique journey and how it will bring value to University of Southampton.
