This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the information you will need to provide with the application.

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1 Further Particulars This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the information you will need to provide with the application. 1. Role details Vacancy reference: OUW/BDU BA Job title: Business Analyst Reports to: Business Analysis Manager Salary: Competitive Terms and conditions: OUW T & Cs Grade: Hay Banding Duration of post: Permanent Working hours: 37 Location: Walton Hall Closing date: midday on 17 October 2014 Type of application form accepted: OU Short Application, CV & Covering letter Number of referees required: 3 Unit recruitment contact: BDU Staffing Administrator Page 1 of 5

2 2. Summary of duties Role Details 1. The Open University has ambitious plans to diversify and grow its income streams and to achieve the associated growth in the number of its students worldwide. As a member of the Business Development Unit s (BDU) Business Analysis team, the Business Analyst is responsible for conducting insightful analysis to support the development and growth of the BDU s three business lines. 2. We believe that analysis, and the insights yielded from analysis, should play a pivotal role in informing strategic and operational decisions and driving up the performance of the BDU s business lines. 3. The position provides immense challenge and variety that will suit an ambitious self-starter with proven analytical skills and experience. Key Responsibilities 1. Undertake / contribute analysis and provide accompanying strategic insight to senior stakeholders to feed into and inform updates or presentations to the Board or Leadership Teams. 2. Contribute research and analysis to inform the development of the BDU s strategy and annual plan and the strategies and plans for each of the Unit s 3 business lines. 3. Support the continuous development and improvement of the analytical tools and best practice methodologies to support the application of analysis in a commercial context. 4. Support any ad hoc requests for management information or analytical projects as directed by the Business Analysis Manager. 5. Continue to strengthen frameworks for monitoring business performance and develop appropriate KPIs. Support the development of the BDU s data capabilities to enable the reporting of relevant metrics and KPIs in an efficient and automated manner. 6. Liaise with relevant stakeholders including the Information Office and Finance to input into the University s annual student number planning process and monthly student number forecasting process and prepare and report financial forecasts for International Students on a quarterly basis. 7. Develop and manage appropriate relationships and partnerships with organisations both within the University (e.g. the BDU s business lines, Marketing, IT, Information Office and Finance) and outside of the University (e.g. contact centre operators, marketing agents, media agencies and consultancies). Page 2 of 5

3 . Person specification Essential Knowledge/Experience/Skills The person appointed will have: Strong academic qualifications in a relevant subject area (e.g. Business & Finance, Science, Engineering or other numerate degree subject). Exceptional analytical skills. Advanced Excel skills and experience working with large and complex datasets is essential. Commercial acumen combined with strong customer focus. Professional interest in insight and analysis. Strong performance drive, focus on delivery, and the ability to make things happen. High quality standards with a robust attention to detail. Self-confidence to work with stakeholders from across the University and OUW, and at times challenge their ideas and thinking. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with a natural ability to engage with diverse audiences and to explain complex analysis in an easy to understand way. Self-starting skills and the ability to adapt and operate in a new and changing environment. A desire to learn and develop within a growing team. Desirable Knowledge/Experience/Skills The person appointed will ideally also have: Experience with SAS (Enterprise Guide) and Tableau. Experience of working in a marketing/sales focussed environment. Relevant experience of business model development gained from a commercial or consultancy environment. 4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working n/a Page 3 of 5

4 5. About the unit/department Open University Worldwide It is essential The Open University continues to become less dependent on government funding. To do this it manages a balancing act: supporting teaching, learning and open access as well as funding and developing top level research. Competition for students, staff and funding is intense and global, and students expectations have risen sharply as learners increasingly view themselves as consumers of education. The demand for top class facilities and services is growing, as are expectations for flexible learning patterns and qualifications that will really make a difference to careers. To address these market factors, The Open University has developed ambitious plans to grow the number of students and associated revenues from students overseas through its commercial entity, Open University Worldwide (OUW), part of the Business Development Unit OUW currently generates revenues of around 18m from about 8,000 international students, with plans to increase these numbers significantly over the next five years. With a market leading range of products, cutting edge technology and a strong, commercially focused team, this is an exciting time to join the OUW. The Business Development Unit The aim of the BDU is to increase contribution from non-core teaching net income on behalf of the Open University. The BDU is responsible for creating and implementing a profitable commercial and international strategy for the Open University known as Global Direct. The BDU is working to construct and implement the overall business development strategy for the OU both in the UK and internationally. 6. How to obtain more information about the role or application process If you would like to discuss the particulars of this role before making an application please contact Mike Dutton: mike.dutton@open.ac.uk. If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Staffing Administrator on bdu-staffing@open.ac.uk. 7. The application process and where to send completed applications Please ensure that your application reaches the University by midday on 17 October 2014 Page 4 of 5

5 Post it to: Name/Job title: BDU Staffing Department/Unit: Open University Worldwide Ltd Address: Michael Young Building Walton Hall Milton Keynes Post Code: MK7 6AA Or your application to: 8. Selection process and date of interview The interview panel will be chaired by Mike Dutton. The other members of the interview panel are yet to be agreed, the interviews will take place on a date also yet to be agreed We will let you know as soon as possible after the closing date whether you have been shortlisted for interview. Further details on the selection process will also be sent to shortlisted candidates. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Page 5 of 5