Head of Business Planning & Insights

Solent University Southamptom; Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Solent University is seeking a Head of Business Planning & Insights to lead strategic development and performance monitoring. This role involves delivering evidence-based insights to guide decision-making and track progress against the university's ambitious goals for 2035.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in leading planning and insight functions.
• Experience managing high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, performance monitoring, and management information.
• Track and report progress against strategic objectives.

Skills

Data Literacy

Analytical Thinking

Communication

Job description

Southampton Solent University is a modern, ambitious institution with bold plans for the future. Rooted in the practical side of higher education, we empower our students with the confidence, connections, and skills to turn knowledge into meaningful careers and real-world impact. Our community is vibrant, inclusive and innovative, guided by six core values – respect, ownership, inclusivity, engagement, integrity, and teamwork – which shape our culture and drive our progress.

We are now seeking an exceptional individual to join us as Head of Business Planning & Insights – a critical and high-profile role at the heart of the University’s strategic development and performance. Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, you will lead a specialist team delivering planning, performance monitoring, and management information across the University. Your remit will span horizon scanning, institutional analytics, and strategic reporting, providing evidence-based insight that enable our senior leaders to make informed decisions and deliver on our ambitions.

This role is central to the successful delivery of Solent’s Strategy 2035 – our vision to transform lives through applied learning, impactful research and innovation, and inclusive growth. As Head of Business Planning & Insights, you will play a leading role in tracking and reporting progress against our strategic objectives. These include growing a diverse student population that reflects our city-region; expanding the flexibility and reach of our educational offer; achieving global recognition for our world-leading practice-led research; and reshaping our campus to foster vibrant, interdisciplinary communities. You will ensure our performance measures are robust, meaningful and aligned to these goals, enabling a culture of continuous improvement and strategic accountability.

We are looking for a forward-thinking and highly analytical individual with a proven track record of leading planning and insight functions within a complex organisation. While experience in higher education is welcome, we are open to candidates from across sectors who bring strong data literacy, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to communicate insight with clarity and influence. You will also have demonstrable experience in managing high-performing teams and working across diverse stakeholder groups in environments with competing priorities.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a university that is ambitious, values-driven, and committed to creating real change. For more information on this exciting role please visit www.andersonquigley.com/solent-bpi

Closing date for applications is midday, Wednesday 11 June 2025.

Solent University is an equal opportunities employer and positively welcomes applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented at this level.