Director of Planning, Insights & Improvement

Are you a strategic leader with the ability to effectively navigate continuous change?  Do you have proven experience in strategic planning, data analytics, and performance improvement within a higher education or complex organisational environment?

The University of Kent is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Planning, Insights & Improvement to join our leadership team. This pivotal role will shape the strategic direction of the University by identifying key short and long-term challenges, leveraging data insights, and driving improvement across the institution in an increasingly competitive and financially challenging landscape.

As Director of Planning, Insights & Improvement your key responsibilities will include:

Ensure the University is fully informed and able to respond to sector issues and other changes.Lead the development and implementation of a robust annual planning process.Manage a portfolio of strategic projects.Lead the creation of strategic insights using data analytics, forecasting, and performance measurement. Oversee the improvement of data governance, reporting, and business intelligence processes.

Success in this role requires:

Strong leadership skills with the ability to work collaboratively and influence senior stakeholders across various departments.Expertise in scenario planning, forecasting, and developing insights to inform long-term strategy and decision-makingExperience in overseeing data governance, business intelligence, and management information systems to ensure data supports strategic goalsAbility to foster a culture of teamwork by breaking down silos, and promoting cross-functional synergies, shared decision-making, and inclusive engagement.

What we can offer in return:

As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:

Hybrid working options allowing a flexible blend of office and home working (to be agreed in line with business needs) 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributionsCorporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health

For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent

We are ambitious for our people, our communities and the region we serve – join us in making the world a better place. Visit our website for more on who we are: http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/

Please see the links below to view the candidate brief and to apply for this post. For further information regarding the application process, please contact E.L.Milton@kent.ac.uk quoting reference number CSF-1066-25.

Closing Date: 11 May 2025

Section: Senior Management