Data Manager

The Role We are seeking an experienced and highly analyticalHead of Data & Performanceto lead the College’s strategic and operational approach to data analysis, performance monitoring and reporting. Working closely with senior leaders, curriculum managers, support services and Governors, the successful candidate will provideexpert data intelligence to support strategic decision-making, performance management, quality improvement, funding compliance and regulatory requirements. You will play a key role in transforming complex data from a range of internal and external sources into clear, meaningful insights that drive improvement across the College. This will include analysing trends, identifying risks and opportunities, supporting forecasting and performance modelling, and providing intelligence to improve learner outcomes, retention, achievement, attendance, progression and overall College performance. The role will also lead the development and effective use of performance reporting, dashboards and business intelligence solutions, working closely with MIS and Quality teams to ensure data is accurate, accessible and used effectively across the organisation. The ideal candidate will: Lead the College’s approach to performance analysis and data-driven quality improvement, providing high-quality management information and performance intelligence to senior leaders, Governors and curriculum teams. Analyse learner, curriculum, financial and operational data to identify trends, emerging risks, opportunities and areas requiring intervention, using data to support strategic planning and performance forecasting. Develop and maintain clear dashboards, scorecards and performance reports, including Power BI solutions, ensuring complex information is presented in an accessible and meaningful way to both technical and non-technical audiences. Work closely with MIS and Quality teams to maintain data integrity, improve reporting processes and ensure the effective use of College-wide management information systems and external datasets. Lead deep-dive analysis into areas of performance concern, identifying key issues and providing evidence-based recommendations and actions for improvement. Provide data and performance analysis to support self-assessment, quality improvement planning, curriculum reviews and preparation for Ofsted inspections and other external reviews. Work with curriculum and business areas to improve understanding and use of key performance indicators, supporting teams to identify priorities and take effective action. Benchmark College performance against relevant national, regional and sector standards, using external data and intelligence to identify opportunities for improvement. Promote a culture of evidence-based decision-making, ensuring data is used effectively to inform planning, challenge performance and drive continuous improvement. Maintain a strong understanding of relevant quality, performance, data and regulatory requirements, while promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and ensuring compliance with College policies, confidentiality and safeguarding responsibilities.