Planning and Insight Manager

We have an exciting opportunity within the Strategic Planning Office to support the University's annual planning cycle and to provide insights to inform the delivery of the University's Strategic vision. We are looking for an excellent communicator, who can disseminate complex information appropriate to their audience, who can negotiate and influence people at all levels.

About the Role:

You will contribute to the University's annual planning process by supporting the collection of student number targets and working with stakeholders to apply the data to key activities such as recruitment and financial forecasts.

You will be responsible for writing and analysing management information, data and reports to identify trends and inform decision making. You will also work with colleagues to understand the implications of insight drawn from the data and how the data can be applied to improve our student offer.

Typically, you will:

• Manage data processes particularly in relation the collection and monitoring of student number targets.
• Apply appropriate analytical techniques to effectively identify data trends and communicate the information ensuring that outputs are widely used.
• Develop strong working relationships with senior managers in both academic and central service areas to develop evaluation frameworks and apply the evaluation findings to shape the delivery of projects.

The ideal candidate:

• Ability to balance competing demands and manage expectations, bearing in mind the needs of the customer and operational priorities
• Experience in developing and operating successful information analysis operations in an organisation of comparable size and complexity, including: Undertaking complex data gathering/information retrieval;
• Constructing complex multi-layered spreadsheets;
• Integrating different databases to provide consolidated management information;
• Analysing complex data sets to provide conclusions and solution;

About the team:

Planning supports the delivery of institutional strategy through oversight of the planning process, monitoring and analysing institutional performance, assessing risk and supporting strategy developments. We provide analysis and insight to support policy development.

Working for MMU:

MMU offer a fantastic range of benefits to employees, including a central location, which is excellent for commuters, a generous annual leave allowance (35 days, plus Christmas Closure, plus Bank Holidays), and a very competitive pension scheme. You will also get access to retail discounts, an Employee Assistance Program, cycle to work scheme, plus many more rewards and benefits.

How to apply:

Applications are strictly via our application portal.

For informal enquiries about this vacancy, please contact Dan Swain (Head of Planning) on

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.