Strategic Planner - Data Analysis (REF) - 0705-26

Lancaster University; Lancashire; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancaster University is seeking a Strategic Planner – Data Analysis (REF) to join the Planning and Analytics team on a full-time, fixed-term basis with hybrid working. The role focuses on data modelling, analysis and delivering dashboards to support REF2029 and university research priorities.

You will develop user-focused insights and maintain BI dashboards, with expertise in Tableau and ETL tools. Strong communication and collaboration across faculties are essential.

Qualifications

• Expertise in BI, analytics and reporting essential.
• Experience in developing user-focused analytics solutions and dashboards.
• Experience with higher education data a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide data modelling, analysis and insight to support REF submission.
• Develop and maintain critical dashboards and reports for the BI programme.
• Develop user-focused, benchmarked insights and evidence-based recommendations.

Skills

Data analysis

Data modelling

Reporting

Tools

Tableau

Alteryx

Job description

Strategic Planner - Data Analysis (REF)

Planning and Analytics

Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK

Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (Full-Time/Fixed-Term)

Closing Date: Friday 04 September 2026

Interview Date: Tuesday 15 September 2026

Reference: 0705-26

This is an exciting opportunity to join a team providing strategic insight and analytics at Lancaster University, with this role directly supporting the successful delivery of the institution’s research priorities.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an individual for the role of Strategic Planner – Data Analysis (REF) to join our dynamic Business Intelligence team. You will

• Provide data modelling, analysis and insight to support the university’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) submission.
• Play a key role in shaping and delivering the University’s Business Intelligence (BI) programme, developing and maintaining critical dashboards and reports.
• Develop user focussed, meaningfully benchmarked insights and evidence-based recommendations.

About You

Expertise in BI, and well‑developed analytical and reporting skills are essential. You will be familiar with the process of developing and deploying user‑focused and innovative analytics solutions, including data transformation and visualisation. You will have experience of providing accurate and timely management information. Experience with higher education data and datasets is not essential but would be advantageous. Time and support will be provided for training the appointee on REF2029 requirements and therefore prior knowledge, although desirable, is not required.

You will be proactive and driven, with experience working in an analytical role, passionate about data, interactive dashboards and visualisations. Specifically, proficiency in software such as Tableau (our current tool) or similar BI tools is essential, while working knowledge of Alteryx (or other tools for ETL) would be desirable. We are also looking for excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to form effective relationships with a range of colleagues as well as with external contacts.

You will have experience working both independently and contributing effectively to a team. The role requires excellent communication skills with demonstrable experience in liaising with colleagues at different levels and across different professions to understand their data needs.

Contract

This post is offered on a full-time, fixed-term basis with an end date of 31/12/2028, with a hybrid working pattern. We are happy to talk about flexible working opportunities.

Contact

To find out more about this opportunity, please contact Gemma Halliwell, Business Intelligence and Statutory Returns Manager with any questions, or for an informal discussion about the role ([e-mail])

Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.

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