Student Number Planning Manager Fixed term (18 months)

The Role

We are looking for an experienced and analytical Student Number Planning Manager to join our team.

You will lead student number forecasting and in-year reporting, ensuring accurate information supports the University's planning and budgeting requirements. You will manage student recruitment targets and progression modelling, supporting the University's student income model and budget.

You will also manage a small team responsible for reporting on enrolment, progression and attrition against key performance indicators.

A key focus will be developing student number planning products and scenario modelling to help the University respond to changes in student demand, demographics and Government policy.

Working collaboratively with Academic Schools, Marketing, Recruitment and Communications, Finance and other professional services, you will provide expert advice on student numbers, enrolment, progression and planning data.

Main Activities and Responsibilities

• Lead a small team, ensuring accurate student number forecasts and reporting are delivered within agreed timescales and the University's budget timetable.
• Coordinate student recruitment targets and performance data, ensuring processes are documented and targets are presented for approval.
• Provide advice on student populations, enrolment numbers, progression calculations and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Analyse current and previous-year student data to identify trends and performance against key University indicators.
• Work with Marketing, Recruitment and Communications on recruitment target setting and with Finance on student fee income reporting.
• Oversee student number reports, dashboards and planning products, ensuring information is accurate and accessible.
• Develop scenario modelling to support planning and decision-making at University, School and academic department level.
• Assess the impact of changes to regulations, strategy, course provision and the external environment on student number modelling.
• Work collaboratively across the Planning and Performance Directorate and undertake other duties as required.

Essential Criteria

You will need to demonstrate:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant, preferably numerate, subject.
• Experience of developing forecasting models and analysing large, complex datasets.
• Experience of managing a small team.
• Advanced Excel and SQL and/or other data extraction and analysis tools.
• Experience of creating dashboards using Power BI or a similar tool.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with experience of working across different departments and managing upwards.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of delivering five-year student number forecasts within Higher Education.
• Experience of using or extracting data from the SITS student record system.
• Experience of negotiating and influencing colleagues and stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Apply Now

If you have experience in student number planning, forecasting and data analysis and want to contribute to strategic planning at Birmingham City University, we would like to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Jo Mellor, Head of Student Number Planning and Reporting, at Jo.Mellor@bcu.ac.uk.

Why Work for Us?

• Work-life balance – Generous leave and hybrid working, where role-dependent.
• Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress.
• Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
• Inclusive culture – A supportive and diverse environment where everyone belongs.

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