Head of Data Management & Reporting in Chelmsford

We’re recruiting an experienced and forward‑thinking leader to take on the role of Head of Data Management and Reporting. This is a high‑impact position at the centre of how the Council uses data to shape strategy, improve services, and deliver better outcomes for communities across Essex. In this strategically important role, you will lead the development of a modern, reliable, and high‑quality data environment that supports confident, evidence‑based decision making at every level of the organisation.

We are seeking someone with proven experience working within data teams and modern data platforms, and who is confident navigating future organisational and technical challenges, including those arising from Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). You will set the direction for data governance, reporting standards, and engineering capability, ensuring that insight is accurate, accessible, and aligned to the Council’s priorities. You will head a talented team of data engineers, analysts, and reporting specialists, creating a culture that values quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will drive the delivery of scalable data platforms and reporting solutions that enable greater automation, improved efficiency, and enhanced analytical capability. This role requires a leader who can balance strategic vision with operational rigour. You will ensure data is managed responsibly and securely, maintaining full compliance with legal and regulatory standards while enabling the organisation to make better use of its data assets. Your leadership will directly contribute to Essex County Council’s (ECC’s) ambition to be a modern, data‑driven, digitally‑enabled council.

For an accomplished data leader, this is a significant opportunity to influence change at scale, shape the future of ECC’s data landscape, and support services that make a tangible difference to the lives of residents.

Accountabilities

In this role, you will provide strategic leadership to translate organisational priorities into effective, future‑focused data and service delivery. You will work collaboratively across ECC and with external partners, maintaining strong relationships that support long‑term planning and high‑quality outcomes. Using evidence‑based insight, you will identify and deliver improvements, implement innovative and commercially minded solutions, and ensure digital technologies are effectively used to enhance performance and customer experience.

You will lead the development, governance, and optimisation of ECC’s enterprise data architecture, ensuring secure, scalable and interoperable data systems, high‑quality core datasets, and robust reporting capabilities that enable data‑driven decision‑making. You will champion self‑service analytics, oversee advanced visualisation and reporting products, and drive automation to improve efficiency. As a senior leader, you will manage and develop a high‑performing data and reporting team, promote equality and diversity in decision‑making, ensure compliance with legislation and data standards, and maintain exemplary customer interactions. Targets and objectives will be set annually in line with the performance management framework.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline (e.g., Data Engineering, Computer Science, Information Management, Business Intelligence, or a related field), or equivalent professional experience demonstrating deep expertise in enterprise data management and reporting.
• Evidence of sustained continuing professional development in data architecture, engineering, analytics, or business intelligence.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. British Computer Society, DAMA International, Chartered Institute for IT, or equivalent) is highly desirable, demonstrating commitment to professional standards and ethical data practice.
• Extensive experience in designing and managing scalable data architectures, including data warehouses, lakes, and integration platforms.
• Proven ability to align technical infrastructure with business needs and future growth.
• Strong track record in leading the development of reporting tools, dashboards, and analytical products that translate complex data into actionable insights for strategic and operational decision‑making.
• Deep understanding of data governance principles, data stewardship, and quality assurance practices.
• Experience in embedding standards, policies, and controls that ensure consistency, reliability, and compliance across the organisation.
• Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams comprising of data engineers, analysts, and reporting professionals.
• Skilled in building technical capability, fostering innovation, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement and data literacy.

What’s in it for you?

• Many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.
• Generous Time Off: Starting with 27 days of holiday, which increases with your length of service, plus 8 bank holidays and up to 4 paid volunteer days each year to give back to your community.
• Secure Your Future: Benefit from enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), ensuring your financial security for the future.
• Health and Wellbeing: We know that your wellbeing is essential. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment for all employees. You will have access to our wellbeing portal, employee networks and more.
• Professional Growth: We cover the payment of professional fees for approved professions, supporting your career development.
• Work‑Life Balance: Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements, allowing you to balance work with your personal life.

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex.

With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.