At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of data strategy and drive impactful BI initiatives.
- Company: Join Arriva, a leading European passenger transport partner with a strong sustainability agenda.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that champions data literacy and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data-driven decision-making in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in data governance and BI leadership; relevant degree preferred.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
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.
We have strong roots dating back to 1938, an ambitious growth and sustainability agenda, and a continuously developing relationship with I Squared Capital – a global infrastructure investment fund manager - who acquired Arriva in 2024.
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.
Direct responsibilities
- 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.
Group Director of BI and Data - Doxford, SR3 3XP in Northumberland employer: Arriva
Arriva is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation in the field of data and business intelligence. Located in Doxford, employees benefit from a strong commitment to professional growth, with opportunities to influence enterprise-wide data strategies while contributing to sustainable transport solutions across Europe. With a focus on fostering a data-driven decision-making environment, Arriva empowers its team members to lead impactful initiatives that drive operational excellence and business improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Director of BI and Data - Doxford, SR3 3XP in Northumberland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their goals, especially in data strategy and governance.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your influencing skills! Since this role requires collaboration without direct management, be ready to demonstrate how you can lead through persuasion and teamwork.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Director of BI and Data - Doxford, SR3 3XP in Northumberland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Group Director of BI and Data role. Highlight your experience in data governance, BI strategy, and collaboration, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role at Arriva. Share specific examples of how you've influenced data-driven decision-making in previous positions. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:Since this role involves influencing without direct management, it's crucial to showcase your collaborative leadership style. Talk about how you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams to achieve results. We value teamwork here at StudySmarter!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it makes the process smoother for both you and us. We can't wait to see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva
✨Know Your Data Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you understand Arriva's data strategy and how it aligns with their business objectives. Be ready to discuss how your experience in developing and implementing data strategies can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Group Director, you'll need to demonstrate exemplary technology leadership. Prepare examples of how you've influenced teams and driven collaboration in previous roles, highlighting your ability to set high standards for innovation and integrity.
✨Prepare for Cross-Business Collaboration
Think about instances where you've worked across different business units to identify opportunities for data-driven improvements. Be ready to share specific examples that showcase your collaborative approach and how it led to operational excellence.
✨Communicate Complex Ideas Clearly
Given the complexity of the role, practice explaining intricate data concepts in simple terms. This will not only demonstrate your expertise but also your ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders who may not have a technical background.
