Head of Data Platforms

Head of Data Platforms (Grade 8)

About The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester has a rich heritage of discovery, social change and a pioneering spirit, which has been at the heart of what we do since 1824. When you join our University, you become part of a truly diverse and global community of staff, students and alumni all focused on ensuring that we are recognised for the excellence of our people, research, learning and innovation, and for the benefits we bring to society.

The University is a world-leading research and teaching institution with a wide range of IT systems and platforms serving more than 75,000 stakeholders worldwide.

About the role

IT Services at the University leads the charge in harnessing technology-based services to elevate research, teaching, and administrative efficiencies. We are at the forefront of transformational change, driving innovation through strategic data management and analytics. The role of Head of Data Platforms in ITS is crucial, tasked with steering the University towards becoming a data-driven leader in academia. This pivotal position will not only oversee the orchestration of our core systems' data architecture but also ensure the robust integration of our data and analytics platforms. These efforts are key to unlocking the full potential of data across institutional operations and academic pursuits.

Key Responsibilities:

• Data Strategy Leadership: Expertly guide the development of a comprehensive data management strategy that aligns with the University's objectives, ensuring a seamless understanding and utilisation of data as a critical asset. Spearhead the implementation of a master data model to standardise and elevate the integrity of core systems of record.
• Master Data and Integration Management: Lead and guide in the establishment and governance of a master data framework that serves as the single source of truth across the institution. Lead the transformation of our integration layer and its supporting operation to support this model, employing modern integration techniques and technologies that enhance data accuracy and accessibility.
• Database Technology Transformation: Drive the modernisation of our database technologies to streamline and rationalise our systems through the adoption of SaaS applications. Lead the consolidation and integration of OLAP and OLTP databases, embracing both SQL and NoSQL standards, and exploiting advanced cloud platforms such as Nutanix to enhance scalability and performance.
• Analytics and Platforms Oversight: Lead the management and advancement of data and analytics platforms, ensuring they are capable of supporting extensive data ingestion and facilitating access to major intelligence and reporting tools (MIBI). This includes optimising data warehousing, analytics, and visualization tools to meet the diverse needs of our stakeholders in research, teaching, and administration.
• Innovation and Emerging Technologies: Drive innovation by leveraging data to support the adoption and integration of emerging technologies, including AI. Explore and implement cutting-edge solutions that align with the University's strategic goals, enhancing our capability to lead in the academic sector.

This role is instrumental in transforming our data capabilities into a strategic asset that supports academic excellence and innovation, thereby empowering the University to maintain and expand its leadership in the higher education sector.

Person specification

• Extensive experience in a similar data-focused role, preferably in an academic or research-focused organisation.
• Proven track record in data strategy development, data governance and managing large-scale IT projects.
• Extensive experience of data management, integrations and data storage and analytics solutions.
• Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with cloud technologies, AI, machine learning and advanced data analytics.
• Prior experience in an academic or research-intensive environment.
• Desirable qualifications: Advanced degree in Data Science, Computer Science or a related field.

Salary / Package

This is a senior leadership position (grade 8) offering a competitive salary (depending on experience), along with 29 days annual leave (plus 4 closure days over Christmas and 8 bank holidays), flexible working (office based at least two days a week) and an attractive pension scheme (up to 21% employer contributions).

The closing date for applications is on 30/10/2024.

Hays Technology have been retained by The University of Manchester to manage the recruitment of this role. For all enquiries, please contact Mark Hamilton at Hays Technology.