Durham University
Senior Modelling and Forecasting Officer
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The Role and the Department
The Strategy, Planning and Insight Office aims to be an indispensable partner in driving forward Durham University’s positioning and performance, supporting decisions on our strategy, academic business model, critical initiatives, plans and investments. As the insight hub for the University, we bring together management information, business intelligence, market insight, sector intelligence, risk analysis, horizon scanning, forecasting and modelling expertise. We seek to be at the forefront of professional practice in strategic analysis and planning, providing exceptional service in strengthening the reputation, quality and financial sustainability of the University.
The purpose of the Senior Modelling and Forecasting role is to deliver analytical and planning work across multiple areas of the team’s functions. In particular you will support the key models and processes such Student Number and Tuition Fee forecasting, as well as Research Income predictions. Through this you will provide strategic inputs into the Integrated Planning Process and you will be instrumental in delivering key analysis and insights.
You will also contribute to the team’s work in Business Intelligence, data analysis and reporting. We currently use Power BI and Alteryx; you will use these tools and support our customers to engage with the outputs we produce.
The team interacts with a wide range of other staff in the University, including members of the University Executive Committee (UEC), Research & Innovation Services, Recruitment & Admissions and Marketing & Communications, to support the development and delivery of strategy. We are a customer-focussed and outward-looking team, with opportunities to be involved in many diverse areas of the University’s work.
What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification
When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.
Your application should cover the following criteria:
Essential Criteria
Qualifications/Experience
- Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).
- Professional practitioner with knowledge and expertise in the delivery and development of services and activities within the organisation.
- Experience of implementing policies and procedures, and supporting change and service improvements.
- Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior colleagues.
- Experience of participating in internal or external networks to share and discuss good practice, develop strong and productive working relationships and positively influence the University’s reputation.
Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
- Accuracy, numeracy and the ability to analyse, interpret, contextualise and explain complex information and data sets to a variety of audiences.
- Advanced skills in data analysis, interpretation and application (e.g. benchmarking, forecasting, market trend analysis, statistical techniques)
- Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
- Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, business systems.
- Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition.
- Knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines.
- Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.
- Highly organised, able to successfully manage a varied workload to tight deadlines
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Desirable Criteria
- Knowledge and experience of the Higher Education sector and recent policy developments
- Experience of using a data visualisation platform such as Power BI or Tableau to create effective and engaging reports
- Experience of using an analytics platform such as Alteryx
How to Apply
To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria. Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).
While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.
Submitting your application
We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.
What you need to submit
• A CV: and • A supporting statement or covering letter which outlines how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification.
Contact details
For a chat about the role or any further information please contact Richard Wistow, Senior Planning and Forecasting Manager, at richard.wistow@durham.ac.uk
Typical Role Requirements
Service Delivery/Development
· Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University’s values.
· Review and look for ways to improve systems and procedures that are relevant to your area of work in line with the University’s frameworks and regulations.
· Provide specialist advice and guidance relating to your professional area of expertise, in line with the University’s policies, regulations and values.
· Manage the delivery of support for modelling and forecasting linked to integrated planning across the University to a high standard.
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· Provide the best possible service by continually reviewing what is required from stakeholders engaged with integrated planning and contribute to ideas and service improvements, including improved modelling and business intelligence reports.
· Provide specialist knowledge and support when interpreting and analysing complex data and information sources.
· Look for ways to improve data, models, business intelligence reports and the processes required to produce them across all areas of your work.
· Analyse internal and external performance and/or market data about areas of the University, benchmark against competitors where appropriate and make recommendations for future strategic developments.
· Develop, use and maintain data workflows and key data analysis, reporting and communication processes and systems.
· Identify any learning needs that should be met by the Strategy, Planning and Insight Office and design activities and arrange any training.
Planning and Organisation
· Contribute to operational leadership teams to influence the type and level of services that are provided by the Strategy, Planning and Insight Office.
· Contribute to progressing the strategic and operational priorities of your the Strategy, Planning and Insight Office.
· Seek feedback from the key stakeholders] so that our forecasting service is being adapted to meet customer expectations and to plan future requirements.
· Analyse data on the usage of business intelligence products related to planning and forecasting to recommend areas for future improvement.
· Meet the development needs of your stakeholders, providing training when required.
· Manage budgets and expenditure including buying (and returning) goods and services.
Communication/Liaison
· Provide advice and share guidance with your stakeholders to ensure that the University’s policies, procedures and regulations are complied with.
· Use your operational expertise to lead and participate in business meetings, working groups and sub-committees.
· Coordinate and organise committees and other business meetings and deal with any related complaints.
· Update policies and procedures in response to any internal or external changes.
· Use your expertise to provide training or guidance to other stakeholders.
· Create positive working relationships, including internal and external networks, using your networks to increase your knowledge and skills and swap information with peers.
· Any other reasonable duties.
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Privacy Notice which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.
Durham University is a UKVI sponsor. Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK should note that not all roles are eligible. Further information on visa requirements and eligibility can be found on the UKVI website.
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