Job description & person
specification
Last updated:
July 2015
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post title:
Senior Market Intelligence Analyst (University Portfolio )
Academic Unit/Service:
Institutional Research
Professional Service:
Strategy, Planning and Analytics
Career pathway:
Management, Specialist and Administrative (MSA)
*ERE category:
N/A
Posts responsible to:
Head of Institutional Research (MSA Level 6)
Posts responsible for:
N/A
Post base:
Office-based
Level:
4 (1 FTE)
Job purpose This is a key post in the Institutional Research team, part of the Strategy, Planning & Analytics department,
which is responsible for providing research and analysis to colleagues across the University.
Institutional Research is responsible for undertaking research in support of the university’s business planning
processes. The 6 functions of IR are: Data Accessibility, Market Research, Market Intelligence, Student
Experience and Management Information, Horizon Scanning and Predictive Modelling and Portfolio
Development in order to support university decision making senior level of the university
The post-holder’s key areas of responsibility are:




Research relating to educational portfolio development reporting and presenting this analysis in
accessible formats for a variety of audiences ranging from senior management groups to faculty and
Professional Services.;
Undertaking analysis in support of the university reputation especially in relation to league tables
Undertaking market intelligence research, especially pertaining to competitors
Horizon scanning activities in relation to new course development
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
% Time
1.
30%
Overseeing and conducting research into portfolio development.. Assessing the university
portfolio in line with the university strategy for overall balance, potential, and
development including related activities e.g. Programme validation, Academic Business
Reviews, highlighting duplication of courses/modules where relevant.
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
% Time
2.
Providing analysis and optimisation of the University’s league table performance
20%
3.
Conducting and reporting horizon scanning focussed on trends related to new course
development and taking account of the strengths of the current portfolio
20%
4.
Providing sound & authoritative institutional research and evaluation services (bespoke
20%
quantitative and qualitative research e.g. competitor analysis, league table analysis, market
analysis, benchmarking
5.
Driving the portfolio forward by working in partnership with relevant stakeholders to
develop new courses that are attractive to prospective students. Advising stakeholders of
current/future markets and competitors.
10%
In addition the post holder will provide support to colleagues conducting research (primary
and secondary) contributing to the design, delivery and analysis of the research.
Internal and external relationships (including nature and purpose of relationships)
Direct links with the University Academic Executive, Deans, Associate Deans, Head of Academic Units, Faculty
Operating Officers and Directors of Professional Services will be common. In addition, the day-to-day “clients”
are often colleagues from Professional Services – frequently Communications & Marketing, Student Services,
the International Office and Student & Academic Administration.
Attendance and membership at various University committees and working groups is an essential part of the
role, either to contribute towards discussions or report findings.
There will be external links with HESA, UCAS, HE league table providers, and colleagues at other universities.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Criteria
Essential
Qualifications,
knowledge &
experience
Relevant UK honours degree with
data analysis /market research
content or equivalent professional
qualifications / experience
Desirable
How to be
assessed
Application/
interview
Application/
interview
A high level of numeracy coupled
with experience of producing and
analysing statistical data from
multiple electronic sources.
Application/
interview
Experience of writing/presenting
reports in an accessible format for
a variety of different audiences
Knowledge of the HE sector
Knowledge of HE league tables
Application/
interview
Experience of producing and
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analysing data within a marketing
or HE environment.
Application/
interview
Planning &
organising
Organisational ability and ability to
work to strict deadlines and manage
several projects at one time.
Application/
interview
Problem solving
& initiative
Strong ‘critical thinking’ and
analytical skills
Application/
interview
Shows initiative and demonstrates a
“can do” approach
Application/
interview
Able to anticipate and deal with
problems
Application/
interview
Ability to work independently or as
part of a team
Application/
interview
Strong leadership abilities
Application/
interview
High level of written and verbal
communication skills including the
ability to present complex numerical
information in a concise and userfriendly way.
Application/
interview
Management &
teamwork
Communicating
& influencing
Ability to build good relationship
with a wide range of colleagues
across the organisation.
Other skills &
behaviours
Attention to detail
Computer literacy including the
ability to obtain and manipulate data
using report writing and database
packages, including Microsoft Excel
and Microsoft Access.
Application/
interview
Application/
interview
Application/
interview
Customer focused
Shows flexibility in approach and
willing to take on new roles and
responsibilities
Maintain the integrity and
confidentiality of all university data
and information at all times.
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Application/
interview
Application/
interview
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interview
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JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS
OFFICE-BASED POST
If this post is an office-based job with routine office hazards (eg: use of VDU) no further information needs to
be supplied.
NON-OFFICE BASED POST
If this post has some hazards other than routine office (eg: more than use of VDU) please complete the
analysis below.
## - HR will send a full PEHQ to all applicants for this position.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Occasionally
Frequently
Constantly
(<30% of time)
(30-60% of time)
(> 60% of time)
Outside work
Extremes of temperature (eg: fridge/ furnace)
## Potential for exposure to body fluids
## Noise (greater than 80 dba - 8 hrs twa)
## Exposure to hazardous substances (eg: solvents, liquids, dust, fumes,
biohazards). Specify below:

Frequent hand washing
Ionising radiation
EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/MACHINES USED
## Food handling
## Driving university vehicles(eg: car/van/LGV/PCV)
## Use of latex gloves (prohibited unless specific clinical necessity)
## Vibrating tools (eg: strimmers, hammer drill, lawnmowers)
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Load manual handling
Repetitive crouching/kneeling/stooping
Repetitive pulling/pushing
Repetitive lifting
Standing for prolonged periods
Repetitive climbing (ie: steps, stools, ladders, stairs)
Fine motor grips (eg: pipetting)
Gross motor grips
Repetitive reaching below shoulder height
Repetitive reaching at shoulder height
Repetitive reaching above shoulder height
PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES
Face to face contact with public
Lone working
## Shift work/night work/on call duties
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