JOB DESCRIPTION
__________________________________________________________________
JOB TITLE
Planning Officer
SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT
Vice-Chancellor’s Office
POST HOLDER
Vacant
REPORTS TO
Head of Planning and Business Intelligence
GRADE
O&A 4
RESPONSIBLE FOR
The post holder will contribute to effective strategic
planning within Glyndwr by assisting the Head of
Planning and Business Intelligence through the
provision of effective data analysis and reporting,
using the University’s own business systems and
sector-wide data sets and publications. The post
holder will also assist with data analysis and
administration relating to the University’s statutory
reporting requirements and provision of data to
third parties. The role will involve user support and
development of the University’s Business
Intelligence
software,
Qlikview
and
the
use/creation of a variety of ad-hoc reports using
Microsoft Access, Excel and Word.
JOB CONTEXT
A highly motivated and enthusiastic person is sought to join our new Planning and
Business Intelligence team. This small team supports the University's planning and
data requirements and works closely with Senior Management and staff from across
the university to ensure decision making is informed by accurate and timely business
intelligence. The post will also involve close working with colleagues in Student Data
Services in ensuring a “joined up approach” and accuracy of information.
As Assistant Planning Officer you will be responsible for the generation, analysis and
maintenance of standard and ad hoc datasets covering a wide-range of sources but
predominantly drawn from the Student Records System. You will combine the ability
to undertake analysis and generate insights from available data with excellent
communication and data presentation skills. You will maintaining and developing the
reporting tools used to interface with data sources and for helping colleagues more
widely use such tools to undertake their own analyses. Enthusiasm for, and skills in,
working with data will be key attributes in filling this post.
Job Code: 000189
Planning Officer
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Dimensions
Student Numbers: approximately 3,300 full-time and 5,500 part-time students, with
over 500,000 credits, 5,300 student FTE
Student-related income: approximately £30m per annum, including current HEFCW
income of £13m
Approximately 400 separate programmes, delivered over 1,300 modules
Job Purpose
The Officer will provide support for a wide range of management information
requirements and the analysis and reporting of data in relation to the University’s
strategic, financial and academic planning activities. This will be for internal planning
purposes and to assist in meeting external reporting requirements. The range of data
and associated modelling, analysis and reporting is considerable.This post is critical in
assisting the Head of Planning and Business Intelligence by provide timely, accurate
and robust reports that will help develop and support the growth of Glyndwr University
as well as provide the information required by external bodies.
Using common tools such as Excel and Access, as well as more bespoke systems
such as Qlikview, the post holder will be expected to run and maintain existing models
as well as develop new ones. Working to the Head of Planning and Business
Intelligence the post-holder will, never-the-less, have the opportunity to demonstrate
their initiative in working with data and contributing to the wider role of the Planning
and Business Intelligence office.
A.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
Under the guidance of the Head of Planning and Business Intelligence the main
responsibilities will therefore be as follows:
A1
Assist in the use of management information, providing data analysis and
interpretation that builds towards a suite of agreed KPIs across the university, and
supports the provision of timely and accurate performance reports as required for
Board of Governors, Vice Chancellor’s Board and Heads of Schools.
A2
To undertake timely and accurate production of all major student-related
statutory returns, working to understand the impact of such data on the university’s
position in external publications including league tables.
A3
To support work on student number and income forecasting and modelling both
at University and academic School level with accurate analysis and reporting of data
drawn from the university’s student record and finance systems, and to maintain a
good understanding of the comparative position of other universities and of relevant
population trends through the interrogation and interpretation of external datasets.
Job Code: 000189
Planning Officer
JOB DESCRIPTION
A4
To support university colleagues more widely in developing their understanding
of underpinning performance data through the development of expertise in data
visualization, presentation and communication.
A5
To provide a service to stakeholders and act as a key contact between the
central University administration and academic areas, and to respond to basic
queries regarding ad-hoc management information provision.
A6
Provide support to the Planning and Business Intelligence function by helping
identify opportunities for developing and applying data analysis.
A7
To trouble-shoot basic data quality issues within the University’s business
intelligence software, Qlikview.
A8
To provide reports and information on other planning and business
intelligence matters as required and assist in the general operations of the Planning
and Business Intelligence Office.
A9
To undertake other duties as required by the line manager.
B.
PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
B1.
Act in a professional manner at all times and maintain confidentiality of
information.
B2.
Maintain an appropriate awareness of and work effectively within the policies
and procedures of the University participating in appropriate processes, e.g.
Appraisal, Continuing Professional Development, etc.
B3.
Act in support of the University's Health, Safety and Environment Policy by
working safely and following the procedures and codes of practice derived to
protect you and others.
C.
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITIES
C1.
To represent the University, its interests, status and reputation, through
effective communication and liaison with colleagues at partner institutions and
organisations
C2.
To support the preparation of data, reports and statistical information required
by the Board of Governors, senior academic staff, senior operational managers
and external agencies commensurate with areas of responsibilities.
This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of changing needs
of the University and to provide appropriate development opportunities.
Job Code: 000189
Planning Officer
JOB DESCRIPTION
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

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Education to degree standard or having appropriate equivalent professional
qualification
Experience of, and well-developed and applied skills in, large scale data
manipulation and mining, as well as data analysis and reporting, (in an
educational setting would be preferred although not essential and previous use
of Qlikview would be an advantage)
Good knowledge of relational databases structures and excellent data
analysis skills, as well as advanced experience in the use of Excel and
Access.
Skills and knowledge of tools and techniques for business intelligence and
reporting, including Web-based publication of data
Experience of planning-related administration and data reporting in Higher
Education would be preferred although is not essential
Personal Skills and Attributes
 Highly enthusiastic and motivated, especially with regard to working with data
 Able to manage a busy and varied workload
 Demonstrate experience of working as part of a team and to work with staff at
all levels
 Well-developed problem solving skills particularly in relation to data
 Work independently and innovatively to identify and address complex issues,
applying professional specialist knowledge where appropriate
 The ability to work flexibly and to prioritise and manage a wide range of duties
and responsibilities while maintaining a quality service
 Ability to present and communicate data analysis clearly and effectively
Job Code: 000189
Planning Officer