Associate Director - Planning Portfolio & Insights

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to drive the development and performance of NTU’s course portfolio, influencing all aspects of our academic offer to ensure courses align with NTU’s strategic objectives, delivering great outcomes for our students. You will lead the University’s portfolio planning processes, overseeing annual strategic reviews and ensuring that courses are distinctive, competitive and deliver maximum return on investment.

A key focus will be providing high-quality data, insights and analysis to inform decision-making at all levels, from School to University Executive Team. You will lead the annual planning cycle including the development and delivery of student number plans aligned with University objectives. You will ensure that statutory and regulatory returns to bodies such as the OfS, HESA and DfE are completed accurately and on time. The role also involves monitoring trends, competitor behaviour and market developments to guide strategic priorities and performance.

As a senior leader, you will manage and motivate teams across Planning, Insight and Returns, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture. You will also develop business cases, manage budgets, and build strong relationships internally and externally to ensure NTU remains at the forefront of the sector.

For more details, please take a look at the role profile. We'll still consider applications even if you don't meet every single one of the requirements, so don't be put off if you don't match them perfectly.

Interview date: W/C 12th January 2026

About Us

Nottingham Trent University is a successful and ambitious university that is recognised for its innovation and inclusivity and being bold enough to do things differently.

Our Finance team plays a critical role in supporting NTU's long-term financial sustainability. From managing financial records and transactions to identifying risks and developing financial strategies, our team oversees the health, transparency and effectiveness of NTU's resources.

As a member of our team, you'll contribute to the financial stability and success of NTU. Join us and gain valuable experience in handling complex financial matters, collaborating with diverse stakeholders and making a meaningful impact on the work of the university.

For any informal queries about the role or the Finance team, please contact James Lacey (Chief Financial Officer) at james.lacey@ntu.ac.uk.

Join Us

• Hybrid working - we encourage and offer a mixture of office working and working from home. You're empowered to define how you work best for the benefits of your stakeholders.
• Flexibility - take ownership over how you get your work done. We're open to different working patterns and approaches.
• 35 days annual leave, plus statutory bank holidays and 5 university closure days pro rata.
• Annual Health Insurance or Private Medical Insurance
• Salary Sacrifice Retirement Savings Plan with life assurance and income protection. Available to colleagues who choose to opt out of the contractual pension scheme. Minimum colleague contributions of 0% matched with minimum NTU contributions of 8%.
• Range of health and wellbeing services, including a Health Cash Plan, voluntary benefits, discounts, and savings for all colleagues.
• Access to a wealth of formal and informal professional development opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career.

Come and be part of our success. Apply today. 

Safe and Inclusive

At NTU, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our students and colleagues. By championing positive wellbeing, we promote an environment where all can thrive and reach their full potential. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring and we encourage people from underrepresented communities and backgrounds to apply to join our team.

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Whilst this role is currently eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route, we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position, or for more information visit the Government Skilled Worker visa support page.

This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and successful applicants will be asked to declare any unspent criminal convictions.