University of Nottingham Ningbo China is seeking to recruit a Planning Manager in Strategy and Planning Team

Purpose of role

The purpose of the role is to lead the corporate planning for the university, aligning with the university strategy. This role holder will also be responsible for overall direction, coordination, monitoring and implementing projects to contributing university’s Strategy Plan.

Main responsibilities

Planning & Organizing

• Support the Deputy Director Planning and Projects on the corporate planning for all future academic years.
• Work on planning on any initiatives including projects and other tasks.
• Analyse and consolidate the business requirements for further planning purpose.
• Arrange business related internal and external workshops/meetings; attend meetings and liaise with attendees on the summary minutes of such meetings with special emphasis on initiatives, special assignments resulting from the meeting.
• Follow up progress on discussions, decisions and/or special assignments to assure timely response by the person(s) with designated responsibility; monitor the progress as necessary and seek resolution of impediments and motivates results.
• Develop corporate annual planning templates and other tools for each of the Faculties and Professional Services Departments to populate during the annual planning process; support the operational directors to prepare their plans for the upcoming years.

Liaison  

• Ensure input of all relevant and necessary topics for stakeholder interactions in coordination with the involved departments.
• Present the work activities to internal or external meetings as required to ensure that business departments’ issues are appropriately represented.  
• Liaise, communicate and build working relationships across the whole university and with external contacts and contractors as appropriate.   Communicate with a variety of stakeholders, aiming to help move the projects forward; improve communications among stakeholders

Continuous Improvement  

• Identify and make recommendations for improvements (e.g. in policies and procedures) to contribute to the continuous operational improvement of school/department/work unit.  
• Develop specialist/technical/professional/vocational capability and expertise through professional study and/or practical application and experience.
• Make necessary changes to optimize the UNNC annual planning procedure and templates

Customer/Service Support  

• Provide specialist/professional advice and recommendations within a policy framework/professional guideline to support informed decision making, learning, teaching and/or research activities.  
• Explain and develop an understanding of technical/legal/regulatory/procedural information or other complex issues/solutions to customers.  
• Design and/or deliver a variety of service support mechanisms (e.g. training, promotional materials, system modifications) to maximise service quality, efficiency and continuity.  

Analysis & Reporting  

• Analyse and summarize the business plans and report them to the Deputy Director Planning and Projects.
• Analyse and interpret management data and information and assist in the production of management reports.  
• Supply data and information to other schools/departments/work units or external organisations (e.g. government departments) as required.  
• Identify an appropriate existing method of analysis or investigation according to the data and objectives of the work.  
• Monitor and maintain records/reports to meet both internal and external (e.g. legislative or national) requirements.  
• Manage the use of data and information and identify and assess the information and data needs of the role/ others.  

People Management  

• Give formal and particular attention to the wellbeing of others in terms of, for example, formal counselling or undertaking risk assessments.  
• Advise and gain the support of others (e.g. staff, contractors, external agents) in order to ensure the delivery of services/project objectives, where there is no line management responsibility. 

Other Duties

• Participate in training and staff development events as trainer or trainee as appropriate.
• Manage projects-related documentation.
• Maintain appropriate professional development, expertise and awareness.
• Undertake other tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be required.

Requirements

Essential

• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficiency in oral and written English
• Proven analytical and problem-solving capability
• Proven communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Proven planning and organizing skills
• Skills to understand the internal processes required to be successful and help identify opportunities to improve
• Excellent in stakeholder engagement
• Ability to take actions proactively
• Experience in the high education industry or having a good understanding of the university business departments
• Proven experience in project management or large-scale events management
• Experience in planning and progressing a series of work within general guidelines
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the work practices, processes, and procedures relevant to the role, which may include broader sector/commercial awareness
• Bachelor Degree or above in Project Management; Business Management or relevant area
• Proven track record of extensive project management experience, demonstrating practical and theoretical knowledge of project management

Desirable

• Proven experience in business analysis, people management,
• Experience in conflict management
• A fast learner with a critical thinking mindset
• Working knowledge of the work and activities of many areas of the University relevant to their school/department/work unit
• Growing awareness of developments in higher education and external professional environment that impact on the role 

About Us

Join a unique British University in China. The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) was the first Sino-foreign university to open its doors in China. This award winning campus offering a UK style education has grown to establish a student body of over 10,000 in 22 years.

The University of Nottingham Ningbo, China, a pioneer in Sino-foreign tertiary education, is rapidly expanding. It is looking for ambitious, talented academics with a passion for teaching as well as research flair to join its team of science and engineering experts. UNNC is part of the University of Nottingham’s Global University, and offers unique teaching and research opportunities in a highly dynamic economy.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to formally apply online via our on-line application system before 23:59 (Beijing Time) 22 February 2026 at: (https://jobs.nottingham.edu.cn/job/184471/) for the position. Only on-line applications made at (http://jobs.nottingham.edu.cn) will be accepted. Applications close at 23:59 (Beijing Time) on 22 February 2026. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the Human Resources Office – Email: Job@nottingham.edu.cn

Equality and Diversity

University of Nottingham Ningbo China is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff. It is our intention to ensure that job applicants and staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, race, color, nationality, ethnic or national origin, age*, socio-economic background, disability, religious or political beliefs, trade union membership, family circumstances, sexual orientation or other irrelevant distinction.

Attachment: Job Description/Role Profile