Student Systems and Data Manager

The PostThe University is embarking on an exciting transformation of our student systems infrastructure over the next two years and during the project we are committed to maintaining our business-as-usual activities and require additional resources to continue to deliver the service.During this period, we are looking for a Student Systems Manager as part of the Academic Registry team to continue our business-as-usual activities. The Student Systems Manager will take a leading role during the pivotal time in managing the current student and applicant management system infrastructure with line management responsibility for a team of 4 staff members responsible for statutory data sharing and reporting including HESA student returns, student systems infrastructure Tribal SITS product and module evaluations.The team supports the Academic Registrar and works in conjunction with the rest of the Academic Registry team in the successful delivery of Academic Registry objectives. The team also works collaboratively with the University’s Faculties and Professional Services to achieve institutional objectives.The role has a key focus on teamwork, engagement, streamlining, integration, and consistency, and working with a collaborative, solution focused approach with colleagues across Academic Registry, in the Information Services team and in faculties and other professional services.The post holder performs a senior role within Student Systems and Data, deputising as required for the Head of Student Systems and Data, and is part of Academic Registry’s senior leadership group.This role is located at our Stirling Campus where regular attendance is required as part of a hybrid approach.Description of DutiesManage the University’s student and applicant management system in terms of development, administration and enhancement, data quality management and the user support helpdesk, and alignment with the broader student systems infrastructure, enabling overall coherenceWork in line with data quality and retention procedures to contribute to ensuring the quality, and effective retention, of data held in the student management systemLine management support of 4 staffActively drive and track development of the student management system in line with agreed roadmaps, plans and priorities, including in relation to service delivery and enhancementAct as a key business contact for the Tribal SITS system supplier, working in liaison with the Head of Student Systems and Data and/or Academic Registrar as appropriateLead or contribute to project boards, working groups, or University committees as appropriateIn partnership with the Curriculum Systems Manager, support the Head of Student Systems and Data in ensuring a knowledgeable, highly skilled, multi-disciplinary and effective team who are engaged and ambitious in their delivery and development of high quality system infrastructure, and achievement of Academic Registry and wider institutional objectivesEnsure the flexible deployment of the team’s staffing resource in order to meet service and delivery needsRetain a thorough knowledge and understanding of the provisions of the University’s student systems infrastructure, and at least a working knowledge of statutory data reporting requirements (including HESA). Use this knowledge base to ensure the ongoing maintenance and development of the student management system and the data it holds effectively supports stakeholder and delivery requirementsManage and undertake effective planning for ongoing statutory system enhancement, maintenance and upgrade, working in conjunction with software suppliers and colleagues in the Information Services Directorate to ensure development activity progresses in a timely manner and is successful in achieving required outcomes and impactManage the availability of up to date, effective user guides and other support and training resources as required, working in conjunction with others as appropriateWork proactively to build and maintain a network of contacts with staff across the University, with colleagues from other Universities working in a similar role and with staff at external organisations including software suppliers and statutory bodiesWork collaboratively with colleagues across Academic Registry to ensure effective end-to-end operations and processes and that activity is joined-up and focussed on the achievement of institutional outcomes and the student experienceEssential CriteriaKnowledge of the Tribal SITS productDegree level or equivalent qualifications or equivalent professional experienceExperience at a managerial or supervisory level, of complex systems administration and managementStrong communication skills, both verbally and in producing written information. Ability to effectively communicate with staff at all levelsDemonstrable experience of utilising a range of complex IT systems to an advanced level, including knowledge of activities such as system security, data cleansing, system auditing and control procedures and advanced ExcelA proven track record in developing and modelling system processes to support service improvement, including identifying and implementing new initiatives and opportunities for process improvement to improve service deliveryProven ability to resolve problems with expediency, intelligence and sensitivityExcellent skills and ability in interpreting complex information and translating policy and procedure requirements into systems processesHighly organised with the ability to work with strong attention to detail, accuracy, within specified deadlines and with a high-volume and complex workloadExperience in managing people, and deploying resources in line with delivery requirementsAbility to work independently and with initiative but to also operate successfully in team and wider collaborative contextsAbility to produce effective, robust reports based on understanding and manipulating complex statistical dataProven analytical and problem-solving skillsAbility to work independently and with initiative but to also operate successfully in team and wider collaborative contextsAbility to successfully work on multiple projects or tasks simultaneouslyFamiliarity with reporting tools and SQLDesirable CriteriaExperience of operating or managing curriculum data and processesKnowledge of PRINCE2 Practitioner or ITIL Practitioner, or other recognised project management methodologyAdditional InformationFull timeFixed term until August 2027The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 04 January 2026.Interviews are expected to take place on the week commencing Monday 12 January 2026.There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.For the purposes of sponsorship, this role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances under 2132.The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.For a full description of duties and essential/desirable criteria please click the apply button, which will take you directly to the University Website.