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About the Role
We’re looking for a Senior Analyst who enjoys working with complex data, solving analytical problems, and turning evidence into meaningful recommendations for senior leaders. This role sits at the centre of the University’s strategic thinking, with the opportunity to influence major decisions through high-quality analysis and forecasting.
You’ll work on a wide range of high-profile strategic projects — from supporting new student number forecasts to leading market and competitor analysis. It’s a great fit for someone who is confident working with large datasets, curious about what the data really means, and motivated by the challenge of helping the University navigate a shifting external environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver robust quantitative and qualitative analysis on key institutional questions, drawing clear findings and implications for senior audiences.
- Lead elements of our relationship with JISC and the Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA), including data purchasing, processing and analysis that feed into major institutional processes.
- Support the development of market-led new student number forecasts, working with external suppliers and collaborating closely with other teams across the University.
- Challenge and refine assumptions from across the University to ensure forecasts and scenarios are credible and well-evidenced before being presented to senior bodies such as PCG, VCE, Council, Finance Committee and Senate.
- Take a leading role in market and competitor analysis, identifying areas for further investigation.
- Develop clear, well-structured presentation materials for senior audiences that communicate insights succinctly and persuasively.
- Shape data-driven messages for external use in partnership with the Government and External Affairs team.
- Build strong working relationships across the University and occasionally deputise for senior team members, acting as a constructive, trusted voice — including when offering challenge.
In addition to the above, the full list of key responsibilities for the role can be found in the full job description here.
About You
- A demonstrable track record of strategic analysis and of using quantitative data to support decision-making.
- Ability to identify strategic questions, form hypotheses and structure analysis clearly using recognised frameworks.
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, PowerPivot, lookup functions, large datasets, etc.) and experience with analytical/statistical tools such as Tableau or SAS; coding skills are a plus.
- Strong financial, numerical and statistical analysis capabilities, alongside a solid understanding of qualitative methods.
- Confidence in developing high-quality slides and presenting complex insights succinctly.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence effectively across a large, complex organisation.
- Comfortable working independently or in a team, managing deadlines and handling sensitive information with discretion.
- An interest in social justice and alignment with the University’s mission.
In addition to the above, the full list of key skills and experience required for the role can be found in the full job description here.
Why Join Us
This role offers the chance to work on diverse, high-impact projects that sit at the heart of the University’s planning and strategy. You’ll join a supportive team that values analytical rigour, intellectual curiosity and constructive challenge. If you’re motivated by turning data into actionable insight — and want to apply those skills in an organisation with a meaningful social mission — we’d be delighted to receive your application.
Support with your application
If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.
What's in it for you?
At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).
Flexible working
We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.
It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We’d expect this to be at least once per week.
Next steps in the Recruitment process
We anticipate that there will be a two stage interview process for this role with the first stage taking place on-site at our Milton Keynes campus during the week commencing 9 February 2026. Any candidates that are successful in the first round of interviews will then be invited to a second stage interview which will take place online via Microsoft Teams later on in February.
Early closing date notification
We may close this job advert earlier than the published closing date where a satisfactory number of applications are received. We would therefore encourage early applications.
How to apply
To apply for this role please submit the following documents:
- CV
- A personal statement of up to 1000 words. You should set out in your statement why you are interested in the role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the requirments for this role as detailed within the full job description.
You can view your progress and application communications when you are logged into our recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive associated email updates.
