Group Head of Planning and Insight

Role: Group Head of Planning and Insight

Location: Bedford, Cauldwell Street

Salary/Benefits: Salary is between £47,972 and £62,099 per annum DOE and Qualifications, 35 days annual leave plus Bank holidays, Local Government Pension Scheme, Retail and Leisure Discounts, excellent professional and personal development opportunities, accessing college courses.

Hours/Weeks: 37 per week/ 52 Weeks

Contract Type: Full time, Permanent

This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK
. Unfortunately, we're unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.

About the role:

We are looking for a highly organised and analytically minded leader to head up our Planning and Insight function.

This is a varied role that sits at the heart of decision-making across the Group. You'll lead our business planning and performance review processes, coordinate the monitoring of Group strategies and ensure leaders have the information they need to understand progress and performance.

Alongside this, you'll provide the insight and market intelligence that helps us identify opportunities, shape curriculum planning, support learner recruitment and maximise our reach across the communities we serve.

We're looking for someone who enjoys bringing together people, plans and data. You may come from a planning, insight, business intelligence, research or performance background, but you'll share a talent for translating complex information into clear recommendations and practical action.

If you're curious, organised and motivated by making a real difference through evidence-based decision-making, we'd love to hear from you.

About you:

• Qualifications & Professional Development - Degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience), GCSE English and Maths, and a commitment to continuous professional development, with project management qualifications desirable.
• Data Analysis & Performance Insight - Experience of analysing complex data, producing reports and management information, and using insight to support organisational performance, growth, recruitment and improvement.
• Project & Stakeholder Management - Proven ability to manage projects and competing priorities, influence and collaborate with stakeholders, and support the delivery of strategic objectives.
• Analytical, Technical & Communication Skills - Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, advanced Excel skills, excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to turn complex data into clear and actionable recommendations.
• Professional Attributes & Flexibility - Proactive, inquisitive and evidence-led approach, strong relationship-building skills, commitment to continuous improvement, and willingness to travel and work flexibly to meet organisational needs.

For a more detailed breakdown of the job role and the requirements, please see the Job Description attached to this vacancy.

Interviews to be held: 9th November 2026

Successful candidates must also be able to demonstrate alignment to our organisational VISION values:

• Valuing Teamwork - We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
• Improving Continuously - We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
• Student Centred - At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
• Inclusive - We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
• Open and Caring - We care about the…