Data Analyst - People

Cranfield University; Cranfield; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Cranfield University is seeking a Data Analyst - People to deliver workforce analytics, statutory reporting and strategic people insights that inform decision-making across the university.

You will analyse people data, identify trends and support workforce planning, equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives, collaborating with HR, IT and payroll to maintain data quality and governance.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline.
• Significant experience in people analytics and workforce reporting.
• Experience with HR systems and data governance is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Deliver workforce analytics and statutory reporting.
• Conduct sector benchmarking activities including HESA returns.
• Provide data-driven insights to support workforce planning and diversity initiatives.
• Collaborate with People & Culture, Payroll and IT to ensure data quality.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Data analysis

Report design

Dashboards

Advanced Excel

Presentation of findings

Education

Degree level in a relevant discipline

Tools

Power BI

Unit4 Agresso HR

Excel

Job description

Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £38,655 to £42,942 per annum

Location: Cranfield, Bedfordshire

We welcome applications from analytical, curious and collaborative individuals who are passionate about using data and insight to support evidence-based decision-making. This is an exciting opportunity to join our People & Culture team and play a key role in delivering workforce analytics, statutory reporting and strategic people insights across Cranfield University.

About the Role

We are recruiting for a Data Analyst - People to provide high-quality workforce data, analysis and reporting that supports operational and strategic decision-making across Cranfield University. Working within the People & Culture team, you will analyse and interpret people-related data, identify trends, monitor key workforce metrics and provide insights that support workforce planning, organisational effectiveness and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.

The role is responsible for delivering workforce analytics, statutory reporting and sector benchmarking activities, including HESA staff returns, pay gap reporting, Freedom of Information requests and workforce data for initiatives such as Athena Swan and other strategic projects. You will work closely with colleagues across People & Culture, Payroll, IT and the wider University to ensure high standards of data quality, governance and reporting, while contributing to the continuous improvement of reporting processes and data-driven decision-making.

About You

You will be educated to degree level in a relevant discipline, or have equivalent experience in data analytics, business analysis or a related field. You will have significant experience of people analytics, workforce reporting and data analysis, ideally within the Higher Education sector. Experience of producing statutory returns and benchmarking submissions, including HESA and UCEA returns, would be advantageous.

You will be highly analytical, with the ability to manipulate and interpret complex datasets and present findings clearly to a range of audiences. You will have advanced Excel skills, experience of designing reports and dashboards, and a strong understanding of data quality and governance principles. Experience of HR systems, workforce data management and Power BI is desirable, while knowledge of Unit4 Agresso HR would be an advantage. Most importantly, you will be able to turn data into meaningful insights that support evidence-based decision-making across the University.

About Us

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield's world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.

Our Values and Commitments

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.

We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer.We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.

Working Arrangements

Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 11 November 2026