Birmingham City University
Market Research and Insight Officer
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Department: Marketing & Communications Department
Location: Joseph Priestley Building
Salary: £38,050 to £44,131 per annum
Permanent: Yes
Post Type: Full Time
Release Date: 25 June 2026
Closing Date: 23:59 BST on Wednesday, 15 July 2026
Reference: M126021
About Birmingham City University
At Birmingham City University, we are a diverse and inclusive learning community of over 31,400 students from more than 120 countries. Our mission is to become an exemplar anchor institution, creating and sharing knowledge for a better and more inclusive society. We excel in:
- Transformational educational experiences
- Support for world-class research
- A collaborative and supportive working culture
Ranked among the UK’s Top 250 employers (Financial Times & Statista), we prioritise a values-driven workplace where colleagues feel challenged and empowered. Our student demographic mirrors Birmingham’s diversity, including a significant representation from minoritised ethnic groups and the West Midlands. We focus on challenging deficit narratives and celebrating strengths within these communities.
Role Summary
We are seeking a Market Research and Insight Officer for our Marketing, Recruitment & Communications Department, specialising in the Market Insight Team. This role is vital for shaping how BCU understands its markets, audiences and competitive landscape to drive:
- Student recruitment decisions
- Marketing strategies
- Academic planning
You will deliver insight-driven analysis through qualitative and quantitative research, collaboration with cross-departmental teams, and insights that fuel strategic decisions around student engagement, demand forecasting, and recruitment trends.
Key Responsibilities
Research & Analysis
- Design and deliver qualitative and quantitative research projects to support:
- Student recruitment strategies
- Marketing initiatives
- Academic programming
- Develop reports on:
- Application trend trends
- Audience insight
- Market intelligence
- Turn findings into clear, actionable recommendations
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Primary & Secondary Research
- Conduct:
- Surveys
- Focus groups
- Interviews (internal and external)
- Manage partnerships with external research agencies (if needed)
Communication & Storytelling
- Transform complex data into engaging insights via reports, presentations and visualisations
- Present findings to stakeholders (recruitment teams, academics, and senior management)
Essential Requirements
- Proven experience in end-to-end research methodologies:
- Quantitative and qualitative approaches
- Exceptional analytical skills, including:
-Ability to interpret complexity from data
- ability to synthesize insights for strategic direction
- Strong ability to communicate insights:
- Reports
- Presentations
- Data visualisations
- Experience influencing decision-making via evidence-based recommendations
- Strong organisational skills with ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities
- Knowledge of higher education sector trends, particularly student decision-making factors
- Familiarity with market research methods and audience segmentation tools
Desirable Requirements
- Experience in higher education, public, or regulated sectors
- Proficiency in statistical analysis software, audit tools, or survey platforms such as
- Qualtrics
- SmartSurvey
- Snap Surveys
- Experience creating:
- Audience personas
- Universities’ revised journey mapping
- Targeted segmentation models
- Experience in managing and coordinating research externally and locally
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Why Apply?
This role offers a unique opportunity to directly impact the marketing and recruitment strategy of Birmingham City University. If you’re motivated by driving data-informed decision-making in education, join a dynamic department that values impactful research and team collaboration.
Further Information
- Email: Contact Matt Willis (Head of Market Insight)
- University Map: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/map
Note: Appointees will typically work through BCU Support Services Ltd, but prior applicants in the Local Government Pension Scheme have the option to apply directly to the University upon re-entry.
Why Work for Birmingham City University?
- Work-Life Balance: Generous employee benefits and hybrid working arrangements (tailored to job requirements).
- Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth, mentorship and skill development.
- Inclusive Culture: Greater focus on equal representation, diversity, and belonging in all employment functions.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
Our commitment includes:
- Ensuring representative, respectful working environment that supports academic freedom
- Regular review of policies to promote inclusivity and excellence
- Collaboration to amplify diverse voices and perspectives across all activities.
Disability Confident Employer
BCU is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. Applicants with disabilities, who meet the essential criteria, are guaranteed an interview.
How to Apply
- Linked Job Description: [Share this faith to a friend]
- Apply Now: [BCU Career Portal](apply. link)
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