Strategic Planning Analyst – Insight & Forecasting

Heriot-Watt University; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Heriot-Watt University is seeking a Planning Analyst to develop and embed the university’s integrated planning capability. The role provides analysis, forecasts and management information to support priority setting, affordability and governance across the institution.

The post involves building planning artefacts, dashboards and reports, working with stakeholders to improve data quality and deliver evidence-based recommendations for senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Degree qualification or equivalent relevant professional experience in planning, performance, strategy or related discipline.
• Experience in planning, performance, portfolio, PMO or similar environments in a complex organisation.
• Experience supporting financial planning, forecasting, reporting or resource allocation processes.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret data and provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear insights and reports for senior stakeholders.
• Experience producing governance materials and presentations for senior stakeholders.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across organisational boundaries.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, especially Excel and Power BI.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain integrated planning artefacts to support university-wide planning and decision-making.
• Analyse planning, financial, performance and change portfolio data to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
• Support development of forecasting and scenario modelling capabilities.
• Contribute to the design and improvement of the future planning model for ongoing operations.
• Create management information, forecasts and dashboards combining financial and operational measures for executives.
• Support planning cycles through analysis of submissions, impacts and risks.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather inputs, challenge assumptions and improve data quality.
• Develop planning standards, templates and guidance to promote governance.
• Conduct capacity, workforce and affordability analysis to inform investment decisions.
• Provide planning insight and recommendations for governance forums and executive reporting.

Skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Communication

Excel

Power BI

Microsoft 365

Problem solving

Education

Degree qualification or equivalent

Tools

Power BI

Excel

SharePoint

Teams

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Heriot-Watt University is seeking a Planning Analyst to develop and embed the university’s integrated planning capability. The role provides analysis, forecasts and management information to support priority setting, affordability and governance across the institution.

The post involves building planning artefacts, dashboards and reports, working with stakeholders to improve data quality and deliver evidence-based recommendations for senior leadership.