Queen Margaret University
Strategic Planning Manager
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Help shape how Queen Margaret University turns strategy into action.
We are looking for a Strategic Planning Manager to join our Strategy and Policy Development (StratPol) team and take a leading role in planning and performance across the University.
This is a varied and influential role at the heart of institutional decision-making. Working with senior leaders, Academic Schools and Professional Services, you will help translate QMU's strategic priorities into effective plans, forecasts and measures of performance and turn complex evidence into clear insight and recommendations.
You will coordinate the University's integrated planning process and lead student number planning and forecasting, and play a key role in strategic performance reporting, academic portfolio analysis and fee-setting. Your work will directly inform decisions about priorities, resources, student recruitment and the future shape of the University.
There is also real scope to improve how we work. You will help develop our planning models, analytical processes, automation and business intelligence, making it easier for colleagues and senior leaders to understand performance and make evidence-based decisions.
You will line-manage a Strategic Planning Analyst and work with colleagues across Finance, Admissions, Recruitment, academic areas and other professional services. You will also have opportunities to present your work to senior University committees and represent QMU through external professional networks.
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Who are we looking for?
You will be someone who enjoys combining strategic problem solving with analysis: able to make sense of complex information and see what matters and communicate it clearly. You will have experience of planning, forecasting, performance, analysis or a related area in a complex organisation, together with the confidence to build relationships and work with senior colleagues.
You may already work in higher education, but this is not essential. We are also interested in candidates who have developed strong planning, forecasting, performance or analytical experience in another complex organisation.
Experience of data analysis, automation or business intelligence tools would be highly desirable. You might have used Alteryx, Power BI, Tableau or other comparable tools, but we are particularly interested in your ability to use data and insight to improve decision-making. What matters most is your ability to use evidence effectively and your enthusiasm for improving how data supports decision-making.
QMU is at an important point in the implementation of its strategy and the development of its approach to integrated planning and organisational change. This is therefore an opportunity not simply to operate established processes, but to help shape how strategic planning and performance management develop across the University.
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Application Details
The closing date for this position is 23.59 on 7 October 2026. Please note, this vacancy may close earlier than the stated closing date if we receive a high volume of applications.
Should you wish to apply for the vacancy please visit our vacancies page download the job description and complete an application online.
If you have any queries regarding the application process or require special assistance, please contact Human Resources by email at recruitment@qmu.ac.uk
This role may meet the minimum requirements set by UKVI to enable sponsorship of migrant workers.
Queen Margaret University is committed to equality of opportunity for all by providing a supportive, flexible and inclusive working environment, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. Please have a look at our Diversity, Wellbeing and Inclusion Calendar
We are proud to hold an Athena SWAN Bronze Award which recognises the advancement of gender equality at QMU. Find out more about Athena SWAN here
We are a Disability Confident Employer, should you require any specific arrangements during the recruitment process please contact Human Resources on recruitment@qmu.ac.uk
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