Senior Analyst

Job Location:

Milton Keynes, Remote/Hybrid

Department:
Strategic Opportunities and Insight

Closing Date: 29 January 2026

Weekly

Working Hours:

37

Contract Type:
Permanent

Fixed Term

Contract:

End Date:
Not Applicable

Welsh Language:
Not Applicable

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education. Find out more about us and our mission by watching this short video (you will be taken to You Tube by clicking this link).

We’re looking for a Senior Analyst who enjoys working with complex data, solving analytical problems, and turning evidence into meaningful recommendations for senior leaders. This role sits at the centre of the University’s strategic thinking, with the opportunity to influence major decisions through high-quality analysis and forecasting.

You’ll work on a wide range of high-profile strategic projects — from supporting new student number forecasts to leading market and competitor analysis. It’s a great fit for someone who is confident working with large datasets, curious about what the data really means, and motivated by the challenge of helping the University navigate a shifting external environment.

• Deliver robust quantitative and qualitative analysis on key institutional questions, drawing clear findings and implications for senior audiences.
• Lead elements of our relationship with JISC and the Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA), including data purchasing, processing and analysis that feed into major institutional processes.
• Support the development of market-led new student number forecasts, working with external suppliers and collaborating closely with other teams across the University.
• Challenge and refine assumptions from across the University to ensure forecasts and scenarios are credible and well-evidenced before being presented to senior bodies such as PCG, VCE, Council, Finance Committee and Senate.
• Take a leading role in market and competitor analysis, identifying areas for further investigation.
• Develop clear, well-structured presentation materials for senior audiences that communicate insights succinctly and persuasively.
• Shape data-driven messages for external use in partnership with the Government and External Affairs team.
• Build strong working relationships across the University and occasionally deputise for senior team members, acting as a constructive, trusted voice — including when offering challenge.

In addition to the above, the full list of key responsibilities for the role can be found in the full job description here .

• A demonstrable track record of strategic analysis and of using quantitative data to support decision-making.
• Ability to identify strategic questions, form hypotheses and structure analysis clearly using recognised frameworks.
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, Power Pivot, lookup functions, large datasets, etc.) and experience with analytical/statistical tools such as Tableau or SAS; coding skills are a plus.
• Strong financial, numerical and statistical analysis capabilities, alongside a solid understanding of qualitative methods.
• Confidence in developing high-quality slides and presenting complex insights succinctly.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence effectively across a large, complex organisation.
• Comfortable working independently or in a team, managing deadlines and handling sensitive information with discretion.
• An interest in social justice and alignment with the University’s mission.

In addition to the above, the full list of key skills and experience required for the role can be found in the full job description here .

This role offers the chance to work on diverse, high-impact projects that sit at the heart of the University’s planning and strategy. You’ll join a supportive team that values analytical rigour, intellectual curiosity and constructive challenge. If you’re motivated by turning data into actionable insight — and want to apply those…