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This role operates primarily on a remote working arrangement that will require little to no travel into our Coventry head office or various campuses. Our working model arrangements are a non-contractual benefit so please note that an Arden work location is added to our employment contracts.
About Arden University :
We are an aspirational and multi-award-winning university, delivering rapid growth with ambitious plans to disrupt the HE sector through our passion for innovation and digital education. Our vision is to become the first-choice university for career-focused lifelong learners worldwide, ensuring that everyone, everywhere can access higher education.
There has never been a more exciting time to join Arden University , as we expand into new disciplines, forge worldwide partnerships, and expand our locations.
About our Department :
The Senior Business Data Analyst joins Arden University 's Technology Department at an exciting time of growth and innovation. Technology is at the heart of our strategy, enabling us to deliver an outstanding experience for students and colleagues while supporting our ambitious global expansion.
Our Technology team of around 100 specialists spans Software Development, Business Systems, Infrastructure, Cyber Security, Data and IT Operations. Together, we deliver the solutions and services that keep the University running while driving continuous digital improvement.
We're also embarking on a significant AI transformation, embedding AI across the University to enhance the way we work, improve decision-making and deliver even better experiences for our students and staff. As part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to enterprise-wide initiatives, shape the future of our IT platforms, and play a key role in our evolving digital landscape.
We're committed to developing our people and are proud of our strong culture of learning, collaboration and internal career progression.
About the Opportunity:
As Senior Business Data Analyst (Learning Systems), you will play a key role in shaping how Arden University manages, maintains and uses data across its Learning Systems landscape. Sitting within the IT Department’s Learning Systems team, you will lead data management, analysis and reporting activities across platforms including Moodle and its plugins, Accipio, Zoom and PMA, ensuring data is accurate, reliable, accessible and fit for purpose.
You will lead the identification and delivery of data and process improvements, working closely with stakeholders to understand business needs, translate requirements into practical technical solutions and ensure data capabilities support both current operations and future projects. From improving data quality and readiness to strengthening system integrations, developing dashboards and enhancing reporting, you will help ensure decision-makers have access to meaningful, timely and trusted information.
This is a senior, hands-on role requiring you to take ownership of complex data challenges, provide expert advice and recommendations, and lead multiple activities and projects with minimal guidance. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, business analysts and technical teams to identify gaps in existing processes, develop effective solutions and oversee the successful implementation of improvements. You will also promote adherence to data standards, reporting requirements and relevant policies, ensuring data risks are identified and managed appropriately.
Alongside your technical and analytical expertise, you will help set the standard for business analysis across the team. This includes developing effective tools and approaches, improving consistency and efficiency, coordinating business analysis activities and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
About You:
We are looking for an analytical, proactive and solutions-focused individual with strong data and business analysis skills. You will be confident managing complex challenges, influencing stakeholders and translating business needs into practical solutions, while championing collaboration and continuous improvement.
Essential requirements:
Extensive experience in data analysis, data management and data quality, including data mapping, identifying process improvements and resolving complex data issues.
Strong practical knowledge of Learning systems - ideally Moodle but open to alternatives.
Expert knowledge of business analysis methodologies and techniques, including requirements elicitation, stakeholder workshops, user stories, use cases and process mapping.
Experience leading complex data analysis activities, translating business needs into technical requirements, evaluating solutions and providing clear, evidence-based recommendations to support decision-making.
Experience with testing methodologies, including User Acceptance Testing (UAT), and supporting the successful delivery of system and process improvements.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to draw meaningful insights from incomplete or conflicting data.
Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences and negotiate outcomes with senior stakeholders.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced IT or data environment, work independently and lead activities with minimal guidance.
Ability to provide guidance and share expertise with colleagues, promote consistent business analysis standards and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
Practical knowledge of data governance, relevant legal and regulatory requirements, and information security, including GDPR.
Desirable requirements:
Strong practical knowledge of Moodle, its plugins and associated learning systems, including assessment platforms and system integrations, ideally within a higher education environment.
ITIL Foundation, Business Analysis or Project Management qualifications (e.g. PRINCE2 or AgilePM).
Data-related qualifications or training in GDPR, information security or DLP.
Exposure to Azure, Fabric, AWS, TOGAF or change management frameworks.
Experience delivering data initiatives within Higher Education.
Experience working with IT architects to implement policies and standards.
Experience supporting strategic initiatives and engaging with senior stakeholders.
Why Arden:
At Arden, you will become a part of a passionate and dedicated team who are committed to removing unnecessary barriers to learning and making education more accessible. Our people work hard to ensure our students journeys are the best they can possibly be, as such we want to reward our people with fantastic benefits. Employees benefit from:
30 days holiday + bank holidays on-top, and even a Christmas closure!
A generous Aviva pension plan, company contributions starting from 7%
BUPA Cash Plan
Private Medical Insurance coverage (applies to certain job roles)
Access to Perkbox benefits
Study any Arden course for free, with a discount for all family and friends
Plus, other excellent benefits
Our ‘Golden Ticket’ which allows you to gift anyone in your life a free Arden education
Our Values:
Stand out, Progressive, Accessible, Resourceful, Kindness, reflect who we are as an institution, a team and as individuals. If they also reflect you and you are excited by the chance to be the driving, creative force within a growing business, we want to hear from you.
There has never been a more exciting time to join Arden University , as we expand into new disciplines and locations.
Closing Date: 8th November
We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the specified closing date should we receive sufficient applications or in order to respond to business needs. In order to avoid missing an opportunity to apply please submit your application as early as possible.
If you are a current Arden student or have an upcoming course with us, you are not eligible to apply for Student Experience roles due to a conflict of interest related to system access.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion:
Arden University is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. This means that if you have a disability, as defined by the Disability Equality Act 2010, you may be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role.
If you wish to be considered under this scheme, you can indicate via the application form below. By doing so, you are also consenting for this information to be shared with the hiring team. For more details on what qualifies as a disability under the Disability Equality Act 2010, please refer to the guidance here .
As an Equal Opportunity Employer we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Therefore, we make sure that our recruitment and selection processes never discriminate based upon people's age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances, and actively welcome applications from all groups.
Sponsorship statement:
Please be aware that some roles may not meet the points requirement for a sponsored Skilled Worker visa, or fulfil the criteria we have for providing sponsorship. However we welcome applications from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK but may be eligible for a visa through an alternative route.