Are you passionate about turning complex workforce data into meaningful insight that drives real organisational change?
Join us as a Senior Data & Insight Analyst and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of workforce planning, EDI, and evidence‑based decision making across the University.
About the Role
The Senior Data & Insight Analyst will bring advanced analysis, modelling and performance measurement to support institutional priorities within People Services. Sitting within the People Analytics and Insight team, the role will manage and deliver high-quality workforce data insight, embedding an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) lens across people analytics products. The post holder will be responsible for leading end-to-end analytics and insight projects, from defining scope with stakeholders through to delivering clear, actionable outputs that inform decision-making and drive positive organisational change.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage a portfolio of workforce data and insight products, ensuring delivery aligns with organisational priorities and statutory requirements.
* Lead the design and delivery of advanced analytics and performance measurement, embedding EDI considerations across all people data and insight work.
* Work with stakeholders across the University to define analytical requirements, translating complex questions into clear analytical frameworks.
* Provide subject matter expertise on the use, handling and interpretation of sensitive personal and EDI-related data.
* Lead and mentor analysts, providing technical guidance, quality assurance and professional development support.
* Line manage Data & Insight Analysts within the People Analytics and Insight team, including workload planning and performance development.
* Develop coherent analytical frameworks that deliver actionable insights to support workforce planning, inclusion and organisational performance.
* Carry out robust analysis using complex quantitative and qualitative datasets, interpreting findings to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
* Translate analytical outputs into clear and persuasive narratives for a range of technical and non‑technical audiences.
* Develop and maintain dashboards and reports using business intelligence tools to support evidence‑based decision making.
* Provide training, guidance and documentation to enable effective use of people data, reports and dashboards.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including EDI leads, governance groups and professional networks.
About You
* Degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience) in a numerate or analytical discipline.
* Proven experience in workforce or people data analysis within a complex organisation.
* Strong understanding of EDI principles, legislation and best practice as applied to data and analytics.
* Proven ability to understand complex business questions and take a lead role in the development of a coherent analytical framework which delivers insight into performance.
* Experience of taking a lead role in analysing complex data from a wide range of sources including both qualitative and quantitative data, applying or drawing on statistical techniques where appropriate, and interpreting outputs to make recommendations which drive improved performance.
* Ability to tell simple and persuasive stories to present complex pieces of analysis to a variety of stakeholders, including both technical and non‑technical audiences.
* Advanced skills in data visualization, dashboard design and development (using Power BI or equivalent).
* Excellent team working skills, with the ability to manage other analysts to deliver required outputs to given deadlines and to make and implement effective decisions in this context.
* Able to work independently, prioritise workload, work well under pressure and respond to change in a flexible and positive manner.
* Strong practical ability to manipulate, analyse and model, large and complex datasets (using SQL, M‑Query, or equivalent), and to take a lead role in advising and developing other analysts in these skills.
Support with your application
If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.
Why Join The Open University?
At The Open University, we are pioneers in accessible education and strategic innovation. You’ll be part of a collaborative and impactful analytics team, shaping how people insights influence strategic decisions across the institution. This is your opportunity to champion data‑driven culture, support meaningful EDI outcomes, and help drive organisational performance at scale.
Our benefits include:
* 33 days annual leave, on top of bank holidays and a three‑day Christmas closure period.
* Access to a leading pension scheme for UK higher education with generous employer contributions.
* Staff Fee Waivers for OU study, meaning you could earn a degree for free.
* Hybrid working, with limited requirement to attend the office in‑person, with agile working and family friendly policies.
* Discounts, wellbeing support, and development opportunities.
Ready to make an impact?
Apply now and contribute to a people‑centred, insight‑driven culture and help shape the future of workforce planning and inclusion across the University playing a key role in supporting our teams, our culture, and our long‑term strategic goals.
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