Group Director of BI and Data - Doxford, SR3 3XP in Alnwick

Arriva is a leading European passenger transport partner, operating in 11 countries across the UK and Europe. The company employs around 35,000 people, delivering more than 1.5 billion passenger journeys connecting people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably.

The Group Director of BI (Business Intelligence) and Data is a key member of Arriva’s Group IT Leadership Team, playing a vital role in shaping and delivering the enterprise-wide data strategy. While this role does not have direct reports, it requires strong influencing skills and the ability to work collaboratively with Data Platform and BI Product teams to achieve results. The successful candidate will set the standard for technology leadership within the team, acting as a role model through their expertise, vision, and highly collaborative approach.

This leader is responsible for ensuring that rigorous data governance, quality, accessibility, and security are maintained across the organisation. By fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making, the Group Director will help transform Arriva into an insight-driven organisation.

• Enterprise Data Strategy: Develop and own Arriva’s data strategy, ensuring it aligns with company objectives and positions data as a strategic asset for business growth.
• Role Model Technology Leadership: Demonstrate and promote exemplary technology leadership skills as a visible member of the Group IT Leadership Team, setting high standards for innovation, integrity, and collaboration.
• Deliver Through Influence: Achieve results by partnering with Data Platform and BI Product teams, leveraging their expertise to deliver impactful data and BI initiatives without direct line management.
• Cross-Business Collaboration: Work with key leaders from across Arriva’s businesses to identify and realise opportunities where data and insight can drive business improvement and operational excellence.
• Data Governance and Control: Guide the development and adherence to robust data governance practices, ensuring data integrity, compliance, and effective data stewardship throughout the organisation.
• Business Intelligence Solutions: Lead the adoption and enhancement of BI solutions that are scalable, secure, and tailored to the organisation’s evolving needs.
• Data Quality and Accessibility: Oversee initiatives that guarantee accurate, timely, and easily accessible data to support evidence-based decisions at every level of the business.
• Insight Delivery: Transform complex data into actionable insights, reports, and performance metrics to enable strategic planning and operational improvements.
• Innovation and Adoption: Encourage the exploration and implementation of new BI and data technologies and methodologies, ensuring Arriva remains at the forefront of data-driven value creation.
• Culture & Change Leadership: Champion a culture of data literacy, analytics adoption, and evidence-based decision-making across the organisation.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a trusted advisor and collaborative partner to business leaders, facilitating alignment between technology and business objectives.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Business Analytics, Information Systems, or related field; an MBA or similar advanced qualification is a plus.
• Significant experience leading data, BI, or analytics initiatives—particularly through influence and collaboration rather than direct line management.
• Relevant background within Arriva’s core industries (transportation, mobility, or related sectors) is essential.
• Demonstrated expertise in enterprise data governance, BI strategy, and large-scale analytics programmes.
• Strong knowledge of leading BI platforms, data architecture, and compliance (e.g., GDPR).
• Proven track record of translating complex business challenges into actionable data solutions.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills, with a collaborative and engaging leadership style.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and fostering innovation among peers and partners.

Key Attributes:

• Strategic vision and business insight.
• Technology leadership and role modelling.
• Influence and collaboration across teams.
• Analytical thinking and solution orientation.
• Clear communication of complex topics.
• Resilience and adaptability.
• Operational excellence and delivery focus.

This position reports directly to the Group Chief Information Officer (CIO) and is an active member of the Group IT Leadership Team, working closely with Data Platform and BI Product teams and collaborating widely across all Arriva business units.

This job description sets out the main duties and responsibilities of the job-holder. It does not constitute an exhaustive or comprehensive description of duties and the job holder will be required to carry out any additional tasks as and when requested to do so by their manager. Responsibilities and duties may also change in light of future business needs and personal development.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 17th September 2025. Arriva Group reserves the right to close this vacancy early.