About Birmingham City University
At Birmingham City University, we are a diverse and inclusive learning community of over 31,400 students from more than 120 countries. We aim to become an exemplar anchor institution, creating and sharing knowledge for a better and more inclusive society. We are committed to providing a transformational educational experience, supporting world-class research, and fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment for our staff.
Recognised as one of the UK’s Top 250 employers (Financial Times & Statista), we pride ourselves on being a place where colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to grow their careers while contributing to the success of our students and communities.
Our student demographic reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of Birmingham itself, with a significant proportion of students from minoritised ethnic backgrounds and the majority of our home students coming from the West Midlands. This diversity is a strength, and it calls for a workforce that is equipped to challenge deficit narratives and thinking — those assumptions that position students from underrepresented groups as lacking rather than recognising their assets, strengths and potential.
By embracing this perspective, we aim to create an environment where all students and colleagues can thrive, and where our work contributes positively to the social, cultural and economic life of Birmingham and beyond.
Role Summary
We are seeking a Market Insight and Data Analyst to join our Marketing, Recruitment & Communications Department (Market Insight team), playing a key role in shaping how the University uses data to understand and respond to its markets, audiences and performance.
In this role, you will deliver analysis and insight that directly supports student recruitment strategy, marketing performance and academic planning. You’ll work with large, complex datasets – including UCAS, HESA and internal recruitment data – to identify trends, forecast outcomes and uncover opportunities, translating data into clear, actionable insight. Working closely with colleagues across recruitment, admissions and marketing, you’ll help ensure decision-making is driven by robust analysis and a strong understanding of market dynamics.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyse and interpret large, complex datasets (e.g. UCAS, HESA and internal data) to identify trends, patterns and actionable insights
- Develop forecasting models and scenario analysis to support recruitment planning and performance monitoring
- Build and maintain dashboards and reporting (e.g. Power BI), ensuring data is accurate, accessible and meaningful for stakeholders
- Apply data-driven insight to support targeting strategies, campaign evaluation and student recruitment activity
Essential Requirements
- Degree or equivalent experience in a quantitative, analytical or data-focused discipline
- Experience analysing large, complex datasets and producing robust analytical outputs
- Strong SQL skills for querying and manipulating relational data
- Experience using programming or scripting languages (e.g. Python, R or similar)
- Experience developing dashboards and data visualisation (e.g. Power BI or similar tools)
- Ability to integrate multiple data sources to generate clear, actionable insight
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, selecting appropriate techniques to address challenges
- Ability to communicate complex analytical insight clearly to non-specialist audiences
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs to deadlines
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Desirable Requirements
- Experience of data analysis within higher education or a similar sector
- Familiarity with sector datasets such as UCAS, HESA or OfS
- Understanding of the student recruitment and admissions lifecycle
- Experience of forecasting, modelling or predictive analytics
- Experience automating reporting or analytical workflows
Further Information
If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of Marketing, Recruitment and Communications, we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Matt Willis, Head of Market Insight at matt.willis@bcu.ac.uk.
Why not explore our campuses using our interactive map: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/about-us/corporate-information/environment-sustainability/map
The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company, BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to re-enter the scheme may do so and will be employed directly by the University.
Why work for us
- Work–life balance – Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent).
- Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
- Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
- Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.
Disability Confident Employer
Birmingham City University is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview.
Closing Date: 15 Jul 2026
Department: Admin/Support Service
Salary: £38,050 to £44,131 per annum
Permanent