Deputy Head of University Data Services in England

Deputy Head of University Data Services in England

England Full-Time 51312 - 61234 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
H

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the University Data Services team, ensuring accurate and strategic student data management.
  • Company: Join Hartpury University, a top-rated specialist education provider in the UK.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and a commitment to diversity.
  • Why this job: Step into a leadership role and make a real impact on student data processes.
  • Qualifications: Experience in Higher Education data management and strong communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 51312 - 61234 £ per year.

£51,312 - £61,234 per annum. A minimum of 37.5 hours per week. Permanent.

About the Role: This is an exciting opportunity to take a senior role within a specialist and high‑performing University Data Services team. As Deputy Head of University Data Services, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity and strategic value of all institutional University student data, supporting the full student lifecycle and underpinning essential planning and regulatory activity.

Responsibilities:

  • Taking primary operational responsibility for Hartpury’s HESA Student return, ensuring timely, accurate and compliant submissions.
  • Leading and embedding robust reporting, validation and data quality processes, with a strong focus on sustainability and business‑as‑usual delivery.
  • Strengthening data flows and processes across systems and teams to support reliable student data capture and reporting.
  • Providing expert advice on HESA student data requirements to internal stakeholders.
  • Supporting team leadership, service improvement and project activity within University Data Services.

This role is particularly suited to an experienced Higher Education data professional with hands‑on HESA expertise who is looking to step into a broader leadership role as processes mature. This is an excellent developmental opportunity for an experienced Higher Education data professional seeking broader leadership responsibility within a specialist environment. The role includes opportunities for team leadership, systems enhancement, project contributions and deputising for the Head of University Data Services where required.

About You:

  • Significant operational experience in student records within Higher Education.
  • Recent experience leading operational HESA Student returns across the full in‑year cycle, with strong understanding of HESA data structures, validation processes and regulatory requirements.
  • Strong understanding of assessment cycles, progression rules and exam board processes, alongside the ability to identify and resolve data quality issues effectively.
  • Analytical, methodical and solutions‑focused, with strong organisational skills.
  • An excellent communicator, capable of building effective working relationships across diverse stakeholder groups and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Experience of line management and team leadership.
  • Data focused with demonstrable experience managing complex operational data processes.

Benefits:

  • Hybrid working arrangements with blended approach of office and home working.
  • 25 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays rising to 30 days with length of service.
  • Wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Generous pension scheme (LGPS).
  • Employee Discounts Scheme.
  • Onsite fitness facilities.
  • Cycle to Work Scheme.
  • Support for continuous professional development.
  • Flexible working opportunities available.
  • Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity leave.

About Us: Hartpury University and Hartpury College are among the UK’s leading specialist education providers in agriculture, animal, equine, sport and veterinary nursing. Located in Gloucestershire, Hartpury University and Hartpury College sit side-by-side on a beautiful 360-hectare campus. We provide world-class facilities to more than 4,500 university and college-level students studying undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, A‑levels and diplomas, as well as undertaking industry research. The University is rated top 10 in the UK for Teaching Quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025) and has 97% graduate employability, whilst the College is rated Ofsted Outstanding in all areas. Hartpury is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and offers inclusive policies and flexible working arrangements. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and will ensure recruitment practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Deputy Head of University Data Services in England employer: Hartpury University and Hartpury College

Hartpury University and Hartpury College is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. With hybrid working arrangements, generous leave entitlements, and a commitment to inclusivity, employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance while contributing to a leading institution in higher education. This role not only provides the opportunity for impactful leadership within a specialist team but also fosters growth in a beautiful campus environment, making it an ideal place for dedicated professionals seeking meaningful careers.
H

Contact Detail:

Hartpury University and Hartpury College Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of University Data Services in England

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the higher education sector, especially those who work with data services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on HESA data structures and validation processes. We recommend creating a cheat sheet of key points to discuss, so you can showcase your expertise confidently.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply; engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a quick email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your leadership skills! Prepare examples of how you've led teams or improved processes in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate ready for a broader leadership role.

We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of University Data Services in England

Operational Experience in Student Records
HESA Expertise
Data Quality Management
Understanding of HESA Data Structures
Validation Processes
Regulatory Requirements
Assessment Cycles Knowledge
Progression Rules Understanding
Exam Board Processes Knowledge
Analytical Skills
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Team Leadership
Stakeholder Relationship Building
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with HESA data and operational processes. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Deputy Head, leadership is key! Use your application to demonstrate your experience in team management and how you've contributed to service improvements. We love seeing examples of how you've led projects or initiatives in the past.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is crucial. We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure your key points stand out!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Hartpury University and Hartpury College

✨Know Your HESA Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HESA data structures and validation processes. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the requirements but also ready to lead operational returns effectively.

✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in managing complex data processes and how you’ve improved service delivery. This will help illustrate your readiness for a broader leadership role.

✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders

Think about how you can communicate effectively with diverse groups. Prepare to discuss how you’ve built relationships in previous roles, as this is crucial for supporting internal stakeholders and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

✨Showcase Your Analytical Mindset

Be ready to talk about specific instances where you identified and resolved data quality issues. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your analytical and methodical approach, which is essential for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of student data.

Deputy Head of University Data Services in England
Hartpury University and Hartpury College
Location: England

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>