Senior External Returns Analyst

Canterbury Christ Church University – Strategic Planning & Insights

Please note a full application including a covering letter detailing your experience alongside a CV is required for applications to be considered. Please be advised applications made without providing a cover letter will not be accepted.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a department that brings together key analytical skills and expertise in the areas of student experience and outcomes data, academic performance measurements and planning intelligence. The External Returns team is responsible for the preparation of a range of student related External Returns. They have a key role providing professional guidance to colleagues across the University to ensure accurate and timely production of the student statutory returns, whilst fostering a culture of continuous improvement and taking a proactive and responsive approach.

The Senior External Returns Analyst (Projects) will work alongside the External Returns Manager and External Return TRAC & Benchmarking Analyst, report to the Director of Strategic Planning & Insights. The role has been developed recognising the need for additional senior expertise to ensure student statutory returns requirements are embedded within the ongoing Institutional development of the student record system, SITS. The role will also support the developing data quality processes and reporting working with Team across Student Academic Services. The role will be key in ensuring that the University produces and submits accurate regulatory reports on a timely basis.

You will be educated to degree level, or equivalent and bring a wealth of experience in data processing and submission of HE statutory returns. Collaborating across departments and sharing your knowledge of the UK HE environment, you'll play a crucial role in streamlining data extraction, transformation, and loading from complex databases. Organisational and project management skills with the ability to manage tight deadlines will be essential in this role. You will also have a keen eye for detail, strong communication skills and be flexible in undertaking a variety of tasks.

How will you work?

We are committed to supporting flexible methods of working wherever possible and this role is home and office working. It is expected that there will be a relatively even balance between time spent on and off campus.

How to apply

Start date for applications: 8th September 2025
Closing date for applications: 29th September 2025
Interviews are to be held: 8th October 2025

If you require further information regarding the post please feel free to contact Becky Jones, Becky.Jones@Canterbury.ac.uk (strictly no agencies, thank you) quoting reference number REQ05759.

Please note, Canterbury Christ Church University reserve the right to bring the closing date of this position forward where a high volume of applications is received.

Additional Information

Canterbury Christ Church University truly welcomes fresh perspectives and new voices. We want you to bring the real you to work, so we are committed to building a genuinely inclusive working environment where everyone is welcomed and where everyone can have a true sense of belonging. Our spirit of community will help us to eliminate discrimination and will enable us all to thrive in a culture that is underpinned by fairness and justice. We therefore seek people to join us who will proactively support and shape this aim and contribute in their own unique way. If this is you, then we are waiting to hear from you. #yourCCCU Our University is deeply committed to shaping sustainable futures as a key part of its mission and values. If you share this passion, we encourage you to join us in making CCCU a more socially and environmentally conscious, sustainable place to study and work Employment Visa Clarification: According to the UK Government Points Based System, this position does not fulfil the requirements for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route application.

Please ensure you include contact details of two employment referees in your application, one of which must be your current/most recent line manager.

Please note applications must be made online via the University website; details sent directly via email cannot be considered.

No agencies, thank you.