Information Analyst

The Open University UK; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Open University in Milton Keynes is recruiting an Information Analyst to support forecasting and planning for student numbers. You will develop statistical forecast models, generate monthly forecasts, and prepare clear outputs for internal and external stakeholders.

You will work with data teams to ensure data integrity and contribute to 5-year planning, weekly reports, and ad hoc analyses, while collaborating across departments to support decision-making.

Qualifications

• A degree or equivalent with a strong maths/statistics element.
• Highly numerate, analytical and able to build statistical models and data reports.
• Experience extracting and interrogating large datasets using SQL, SAS, Python or equivalent.
• Ability to build production-grade dashboards in Power BI.
• Strong Excel, PowerPoint and Word skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder influence.
• Attention to detail and rigorous data handling.
• Understanding of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion metrics.
• Collaborative and able to work with diverse teams.
• Experience with Microsoft Fabric or Azure cloud data solutions.
• Experience in Higher/Further Education planning environment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver monthly institutional student number forecast process with clear assumptions and forecasts.
• Analyze student number data to improve forecast accuracy and insights.
• Maintain and develop statistical forecasting models and processes.
• Provide guidance to stakeholders on forecast outputs and build cross-team networks.
• Produce forecast outputs, commentary and visualisations for stakeholders.
• Work with data teams to maintain data architecture and policies.
• Support annual 5-year student number planning and weekly reports.
• Undertake analytical work translating complex data into actionable insights.

Skills

Statistical modeling

Data visualization

SQL/SAS/Python data querying

Excel

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Independent working

Azure data solutions

Education

Relevant degree with strong maths/statistics element

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

SQL

SAS

Python

Excel

Job description

Job Location: Milton Keynes, Remote/Hybrid

Department: Student Number Planning and Forecasting

Closing Date: 15 November 2026

Weekly Working Hours: 37

Contract Type: Permanent

Fixed Term Contract: End Date: Not Applicable

Welsh Language: Not Applicable

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About the Role

The Student Number Planning and Performance team lead the development of the University’s institutional future student registration targets, forecast its expected student intake in the current academic year and report student recruitment performance to internal and external stakeholders.

The work of the team collectively informs the University’s financial and operational capacity planning processes, as well as contributing to the University’s internal and external statements of expected business performance. This Information Analyst role will provide support across the team with a focus on providing forecasting support.

Working as part of the team, the Information Analyst will be responsible for supporting the generation of the student registration forecasts for the current academic year. As such, they will utilise and develop our statistical forecast models to accurately predict and forecast the size and shape of student populations and maintain the business integrity of the models in support of the University’s strategic, tactical and operational agenda.

The Information Analyst will also maintain and develop the systems and data infrastructure as necessary to ensure that critical student number planning, forecasting and reporting outputs continue to be delivered as the University transitions to new systems, data and analytic solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Working with the Senior Information Manager, take day-to-day responsibility for the delivery of the monthly institutional student number forecast process, ensuring that key assumptions, methodological judgements and final forecast positions are appropriately reviewed and agreed.
• Conduct robust analyses of student number related data and information across a range of sources to inform the student number planning, forecasting and reporting processes, and to evaluate the performance of the forecasting models and thereby improve forecast accuracy, business insight, and process efficiency.
• Operate, maintain and develop the statistical forecasting models and associated processes, implementing agreed methodological and business decisions and ensuring that models appropriately reflect changes in student behaviour, funding arrangements and operational processes.
• Provide appropriate expertise, advice and guidance in supporting stakeholders across the University reliant on forecast outputs for their business processes and develop a reciprocal network amongst peers to support the collegiate approach to the work of the team that utilises relevant expertise across the University.
• Produce forecast outputs, commentary and visualisations that clearly explain movements, assumptions, risks, opportunities and uncertainty to relevant stakeholders.
• Work with the University’s data teams to ensure that the integrity of the systems and data architecture, data sources, data policies, and data definitions that underpin the team’s processes are appropriately developed and maintained.
• Support the generation of the annual student number plan for future years (5-year forecasting) and associated outputs for the current academic year, and as required to generate the weekly Student Number Report and associated outputs.
• As required, undertake analytical work in response to emerging institutional questions and priorities, translating complex student data into clear conclusions and actionable insight.

About You

• A relevant degree or equivalent higher education qualification in a subject with a strong mathematics or statistics element, or work experience at a comparable level.
• Highly numerate, analytical and logical, with experience in building statistical models and data reports using statistical software, and data visualisations using interactive visualisation software such as Tableau, Power BI, etc.
• Proven experience in extracting, manipulating, and interrogating large and complex datasets using SQL, SAS, Python or equivalent and building production-grade dashboards in Power BI.
• High level of expertise in using Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both oral and written, with an ability to translate complex arguments/proposals in a meaningful way to inform and influence stakeholders.
• Demonstration and application of attention to detail in both language and data.
• An understanding of why Equality, Diversity and Inclusion metrics are institutionally significant.
• Excellent collaboration skills, ability to develop effective working relationships within the team, department and across the organisation, including academic, technical, administrative, and senior colleagues.
• Employs methodical working practices and manages competing priorities effectively, utilising sound judgement to manage situations without compromising service quality.
• Able to work independently, to business-critical deadlines, and respond to change in a flexible and positive manner.
• A strong commitment to excellence in working with a diverse student population.
• Experience with Microsoft Fabric OR traditional Azure cloud data solutions.
• Experience of working within a Higher or Further Education planning environment.

What's in it for you?

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We’d expect this to be approximately one day per week (mainly on Wednesdays with some Tuesdays or Thursdays) and ad hoc as required.

Next steps in the Recruitment process

We anticipate that face-to-face interviews for this role will be taking place onsite at our Milton Keynes campus during the week commencing 30 November 2026.

Early closing date notification

While most roles will remain open until the advertised closing date, applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis. In some cases, vacancies may close earlier if a sufficient number of suitable applications have been received and equality impacts have been appropriately considered. All roles will remain advertised for a minimum of one week before any early closure is implemented.

If you have started an application or were in the process of applying when the advert closed, we encourage you to get in touch. We are committed to understanding individual circumstances and can offer further support where needed, including reasonable adjustments for applicants with protected characteristics.

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength.We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.