Director of Strategy, Planning and Performance at University of Westminster

March 6, 2024

Job Description

This post is full time and permanent, working 35 hours per week.

The University of Westminster has a long and distinctive history. Founded over 180 years ago as London’s first polytechnic institution, it has become known for the many ways in which it helps students to realise their full potential, regardless of background. Westminster’s founding values are to be inclusive, progressive and compassionate, with a spirit that reflects the University’s global reach and location at the heart of a world city which is home to diverse communities. Its teaching is practical, relevant, and contemporary. Providing grounded, holistic education with wide horizons and opportunities, it develops graduates who will help fuel growth and prosperity, and who become responsible citizens of the world.  

The University now seeks a Director of Strategy, Planning and Performance. 

The postholder will lead the university approach to strategic planning, ensuring effective and evidence-based decision making. Providing university wide, pro-active, responsive and effective services in support of integrated strategic and operational planning and performance. Monitoring and analysis of all aspects of corporate performance and riskmanagement, providing professional advice and support on strategies and actions to maximise and improve performance. 

Working closely with the University Executive Board and other senior colleagues the postholder will ensure an effective University wide approach to, planning, risk management and resourcing. A strategic thinking, planner, analyst and influencer, the role is critical to ensuring the University is best placed to deliver the University strategic objectives and its KPIs. The post holder will ensure efficient support mechanisms are in place to facilitate the timely submission of all relevant statutory and regulatory reporting requirements. 

A skilled communicator, with the ability to influence and negotiate at a senior level and deliver results under pressure, the postholder will bring significant experience of developing strategic and operational business plans and have commercial awareness and financial understanding of competitive challenges. We are looking for a flexible and adaptable individual who is able to lead and motivate professional teams, has excellent attention to detail and who has the ability to deal with ambiguity, rapidly changing agendas and practical problem solving. Critically, they will align with and exemplify the University’s values.  

The University of Westminster will be supported in this appointment by executive search firm, Profile Resourcing. For any enquiries or to book an informal conversation about the role, please click through to the Profile Resourcing website –  or contact Jason Sinclair Jason@profileresourcing.co.uk   

At the University of Westminster, diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity are at the core of how we engage with students, colleagues, applicants, visitors and all our stakeholders. 

We are fully committed to enabling a supportive and safe learning and working environment which is equitable, diverse and inclusive, is based on mutual respect and trust, and in which harassment and discrimination are neither tolerated nor acceptable. 

The University has adopted Smart Working principles to support and further our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion aims of being an inclusive, collaborative and flexible employer. Further details of Smart Working can be discussed at interview stage. 

Closing date: midnight on 12 March 2024

Interviews are likely to be held within w/c 25 March 2024 

Administrative contact (for queries only): Recruitment@westminster.ac.uk


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