Senior Strategy Manager

Job Location:

Milton Keynes, Remote/Hybrid

Department:
Strategic Opportunities and Insight

Closing Date: 29 January 2026

Weekly

Working Hours:

37

Contract Type:
Permanent

Fixed Term

Contract:

End Date:
Not Applicable

Welsh Language:
Not Applicable

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education. Find out more about us and our mission by watching this short video (you will be taken to You Tube by clicking this link).

We’re looking for a Senior Strategy Manager who can blend analytical rigour, clear thinking and genuine curiosity to help shape strategic decisions across the institution. This is a role for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, working with data in all its forms, and turning insight into meaningful recommendations for senior leaders.

Working at the heart of the University, you’ll contribute to major strategic questions — from understanding market shifts and government policy, to exploring and innovation. You’ll work closely with the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Executive Leadership and colleagues across multiple faculties and functions, giving you a wide view of how the University operates and the chance to influence decisions that directly impact our students and our mission.

• Lead strategic research and analysis on a range of moderate-sized projects, often shaping the analytical approach yourself.
• Apply rigorous quantitative and qualitative methods to explore market, government and competitor developments.
• Develop storylines and high-quality presentation materials for senior audiences, ensuring insights land clearly and persuasively.
• Coordinate data and insight gathering across the University, building strong working relationships with colleagues at all levels.
• Present findings as a subject matter expert and help shape messages for internal and external audiences.
• Support the University’s external affairs activity by identifying evidence, data points and messaging that best represent the University’s position.
• Contribute flexibly to strategic opportunities and insight work across the team.

In addition to the above, the full list of key responsibilities for the role can be found in the full job description here
.

• Experience in strategy development, internal strategy teams, or strategy consulting.
• Strong strategic thinking: able to identify the right questions, form clear hypotheses and structure your approach using established analytical frameworks.
• Advanced analytical skills — including financial/numerical modelling, Excel proficiency and experience with qualitative research.
• Ability to communicate complex issues succinctly and confidently, both in writing and in presentations.
• Comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders, fielding challenging questions and leading discussions.
• Ability to build productive networks across a large, complex organisation and work effectively under pressure.
• A strong interest in social justice, and a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

In addition to the above, the full list of key skills and experience required for the role can be found in the full job description here
.

This is a chance to work on a genuinely varied portfolio of projects, each with real impact on the direction of the University. You’ll be part of a supportive team that values intellectual curiosity, robust analysis and fresh thinking. If you’re motivated by using evidence to influence senior decision-making — and you want to apply your skills in a sector with a meaningful social mission — we’d love to hear from youp>

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Support with your application

If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on or email quoting the advert reference number.

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