Job Description

Job Introduction

Are you a master of Excel with a passion for transforming complex data into meaningful insights? If you enjoy building spreadsheets and creating tools and processes that make information easier to understand, we'd love to hear from you.


Our School Organisation team is responsible for the County Council's statutory duty to ensure that we have enough school places for children in Staffordshire now and in the future, in an ever-changing education landscape.


We are a centrally placed team based in Stafford in the County Council offices at Staffordshire Place 1.


Our website also provides information about what we do.


We're looking for a School Sufficiency Data Officer which is a key role in the team, using data to ensure every child has access to the right school, in the right place, at the right time.


This is more than just spreadsheets - it's about turning numbers into decisions that matter.


Main Responsibilities

Our team forecasts the number of school places that are required over the short, medium and long term, based on demographic data and information and ensure those places are delivered, by securing funding and obtaining approval for the additional school places. We do not get involved in placing children in schools (our Admissions Team is responsible for undertaking this).


What you'll be doing day-to-day:

Developing and maintaining systems to collect, store, and analyse data accurately and efficiently Creating clear, accessible reports and dashboards to support decision-making for planning of new school places Using Excel and other tools to manage and visualise large datasets Collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure data is used effectively Preparing and submitting key data returns

Plus you will also contribute to team projects and helping to improve processes and methodologies.


The Ideal Candidate

We're looking for someone who is:

Highly skilled in spreadsheet development (think pivot tables, advanced formulas, dashboards and data visualisation) Experienced in handling multiple, large and complex datasets with ease Capable of implementing processes and systems to ensure data validation, accuracy and quality Has a sharp analytical mind and a creative approach to problem-solving

We recognise that you may not have experience in School Place Planning within a Local Government Authority and therefore don't feel you meet all the requirements. However we value transferable skills, experiences, and qualifications so if you have advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and spreadsheet management please consider applying anyway.


When applying for this role please ensure that you evidence your transferable skills to the criteria on the person specification.


For an informal chat about the role please email Tracey Kellner, Deputy Head of School Organisation at: tracey.kellner@staffordshire.gov.uk


Closing date: 14th July 2025


Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 4th August 2025.


Candidates will be invited to interview at least 1 week prior to the interview date.

Our Recruitment Process:

We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you'll bring to the role.


About Staffordshire County Council

We are no ordinary county council:

Our Values:

The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively.


Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy:


We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future.


We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too.

Our benefits:

We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.


In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire

Our recruitment process:

As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.


Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities


As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.