Planning and Strategy Data Analyst

Contractual hours: 35

Job category/type: ALC

Job description

1 year Fixed Term Contract 

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website. We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website UK Visas and Immigration Website.

We are recruiting for a Planning & Strategy Data Analyst to join the Planning and Reporting team within the University’s Planning and Strategy Office. Planning and Reporting have a wide range of responsibilities for data that support and enhance the University’s decision-making processes, as well as fulfilling our statutory obligations to government.

You’ll be working in a friendly, supportive team that is enthusiastic and knowledgeable about what we do. Our ideal candidate is highly numerate, comfortable dealing with large datasets, handy with a spreadsheet and able to communicate complex concepts to a varied audience.

• You don’t need to have previous experience of using the specific software and databases that we use (although familiarity with SQL, Tableau Prep, Power BI, SITS and Excel would be a plus);
• You do need to be great with data and have a logical, enquiring mind along with an aptitude and enthusiasm for learning new technical skills;
• You will have previous experience working within Higher Education or a public sector organisation,
• You will be confident and competent in processes that span the full data journey from extraction to insight;
• You will be able work on your own, willing to collaborate within and beyond the team and able to use your initiative to improve and enhance our data processes;
• You will be able to communicate the insights you generate and use the feedback from stakeholders to improve what we do;
• You will be patient with data management work and have good attention to detail;
• You will have a degree (or equivalent experience), ideally in a numerate discipline, and experience in handling data.

While some hybrid working is likely to be available, in line with business needs, please note that the usual place of work will be the University’s Whiteknights Campus.

• We will be shortlisting based on your application form and a written supporting statement.
• We may close recruitment for this vacancy before the stated date if a large volume of applications are received.

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

Contact Name: Nathan Helsby

Contact Job Title: Strategic Planning Manager                

Contact Email address: n.e.helsby@reading.ac.uk 

Alternative Contact Name: James Carpenter

Alternative Contact Job Title: T&L Data Manager

Alternative Contact Email address: j.carpenter@reading.ac.uk

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Closing date: 23:59 6th July 2026

Interview date: 22nd July 2026

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