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Steph Lay
Senior Manager, Student Research
I'm a senior manager with 19 years experience of working in analysis and insight for higher education, and a qualified cognitive psychologist with a PhD in the perception of near-human faces.
I've been with the Open University since 2002 in a range of data-related roles. My current role of senior manager for student research has given me the opportunity to balance team leadership and research design with technical project leadership and coding for data analysis.
I work with a highly skilled group of data scientists and insight experts, and I've been able to maintain and hone my practical skills as a programmer and researcher while also developing as a trusted member of the senior team.
I have a strong academic profile : I'm skilled in quantitative and qualitative research methods, and love research design and analysis. I've a passionate commitment to life-long learning, gaining 2 MSc's and a PhD in my spare time. I've recently completed the OU's MA in Creative Writing, producing a collection of short stories about Milton Keynes.
Chief Information Officer's Portfolio, The Open University
The Open University
Milton Keynes, UK
Professional Background
- Current status
- Profession
- FieldsEducation
- Work experienceMore than 15 years
- Management
- Skills
- LanguagesEnglish・Native or Bilingual
- Highest level of educationDoctoral
Job search preferences
- Desired job typeFull-time・Interested in working remotely
- Desired positionsSenior Manager
- Desired work locationsMilton Keynes, UK
- Freelance
Work Experience
Senior Manager, Student Research
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
I run the OU's student research function, responsible for institutional and bespoke pedagogical projects involving OU students. This involves operational management for our institutional surveys including the National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Surveys and internal student experiences surveys and leading a team to deliver tailored research.
I am responsible for student feedback data, ensuring survey results are compiled accurately and securely, in line with data protection and confidentiality regulations.
I'm responsible for the delivery of research samples drawn from the student database, managing records of research involvement and advising researchers on methodology and sample design.
Open Survey Project Leader
I led a one-year project to achieve the goal of researching, purchasing and implementing a new online survey system for the OU. The project successfully delivered a new survey tool on time, within budget and met the planned requirements.
Project Officer
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
The main responsibilities in this role were the analysis and reporting of survey results and working with faculty contacts to design research projects to explore module satisfaction. I was also in charge of designing report templates for the team, producing posters and promotional materials and running workshops and training activities.
Associate Lecturer: DZX222 and DD303
This was a part-time role, taken on in addition to my substantive post and PhD studies, to give me experience of working as an OU tutor. I worked on the online versions of two ‘summer’ schools, both of which had a highly practical research element and involved forming students into cohesive groups to complete their research projects. Statistics knowledge was also important as students often had queries about the best way to analyse their data. I was offered double contracts on three occasions, which reflected positively on my ability to manage the workload and provide high-quality support to students.
Head of Business Information Team
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
I was initially appointed as an MI co-ordinator but was quickly promoted to lead the business information team when their previous manager was also promoted within student services. The main responsibilities were the management of a small team, regular production of telecoms management information and training staff on the OU's student information system CIRCE MI .
Timetabling Officer
This role was responsible for ensuring the effective distribution of staff and venue resources to meet faculty requirements. It was a highly technical role, using advanced software to analyse and model patterns of student demand and meet their needs.
Motor Claims Handler
Leicester, United Kingdom
I trained as a claims handler, swiftly learning the policy and practices of motor insurance and developing a keen interest in vehicle case law.
Store Manager/Deputy Manager
Eastbourne
I supported my time at university with retail management work, and was responsible for purchasing, merchandising, budget handling and staff management.
Education
Master of Arts (MA)
・
Creative Writing
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
・
Doctor of Philosophy PhD
Master of Science (MS)
・
Psychological Research Methods
Master of Science (MS)
・
PsychologyBachelor of Arts (BA)
・
Applied Psychology