At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of our enterprise Data Strategy to enhance investment performance.
- Company: Join LGPS Central, a leading asset manager for local authority pension funds.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension scheme, hybrid working, and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data in investment management and drive impactful decision-making.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in data leadership within financial services and strong technical skills.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on diversity, innovation, and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
As we continue to respond to pensions reform and the Government's "Fit for the Future" agenda, we are investing in the next stage of our digital and data transformation. To support this, we are recruiting a Head of Data and Analytics — a pivotal new role that will shape how we use data to drive investment performance, insight, and operational excellence across LGPS Central.
Based in Wolverhampton, this role will take delegated responsibility from the Chief Operating and Technology Officer (COTO) for implementing our enterprise Data Strategy — overseeing our data architecture, analytics capability, and governance frameworks. The successful candidate will play a key role in strengthening our data infrastructure to support a £45bn pension pool (set to grow significantly by March 2026), enabling smarter, faster, and more informed decision‐making across every part of the business.
This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the UK's leading LGPS investment pools and shape the future of how data powers investment management, governance, and client outcomes.
What you’ll be doing
- Lead the implementation of LGPS Central's enterprise Data Strategy, ensuring data becomes a trusted and strategic asset across the organisation.
- Develop and deliver a target data architecture that supports performance reporting, portfolio management, risk oversight, and regulatory compliance.
- Work in partnership with the Chief Operating and Technology Officer (COTO) and Data Director to define the roadmap for data and analytics capability.
- Embed a culture of data‐driven decision making, improving how data is used to guide investment and business outcomes.
- Establish and maintain a robust data governance and quality framework in line with FCA and global regulatory standards.
- Strengthen data controls, lineage, and stewardship processes to ensure accuracy, consistency, and integrity across all business areas.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance reporting standards, regulatory compliance, and data transparency.
- Oversee the design, implementation, and adoption of LGPS Central's new enterprise data platform, from vendor selection to rollout and business integration.
- Build and optimise data workflows and analytics models that enhance reporting, insight generation, and operational delivery.
- Deliver accurate and timely management information and dashboards for ExCo, Board, and regulators.
- Drive automation and innovation across analytics and reporting to improve speed, accuracy, and insight delivery.
- Work closely with internal teams across Investment, Risk, Operations, Compliance, and Finance to align data priorities with business needs.
- Build trusted relationships with key external partners, including vendors, consultants, regulators, and Partner Funds.
- Act as a bridge between business and technology, ensuring data and analytics solutions are relevant, scalable, and value‐driven.
About Us
LGPS Central (LGPSC) Ltd is the FCA‐regulated asset manager for eight local authority pension funds across the Midlands. LGPSC is jointly owned on an equal shares basis by those Partner Funds, and it is responsible for managing £45bn+ of their assets. It is one of eight Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) asset pools in the UK.
LGPS Central offers a friendly and diverse, hybrid‐working environment with a range of employee benefits. The company moved to new premises at i9, Wolverhampton Interchange in January 2022, close to local transport links.
Our objective is to be a leading investment management company working with and for our Partner Funds. With a focus on value for money and performance we want to aspire to be one of the best because this is how we will deliver superior investment returns and low costs for our Partner Funds.
Requirements
- Proven experience in a data and analytics leadership role within financial services, investment management, or pensions.
- Track record of implementing enterprise data solutions, data warehouses, or analytics platforms.
- In‐depth understanding of data governance, data quality management, and regulatory compliance requirements (including FCA expectations).
- Strong technical proficiency with SQL, Python, Power BI, Tableau, or similar tools.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to shape data strategy and deliver complex transformation projects.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior and executive levels.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, capable of translating complex data into actionable business insight.
- Experience managing third‐party data vendors and technology partners.
- Understanding of the investment management lifecycle, and how data supports front‐to‐back processes.
- Awareness of SMCR and FCA data management expectations.
- Curious, innovative, and forward‐thinking, with a passion for improving data capability.
- Collaborative leader who builds trust, champions best practice, and develops others.
- High integrity, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
What do we offer?
- An enhanced and generous Pension Scheme
- An extra paid Company Day in addition to paid holidays
- Welfare and Family‐friendly policies
- Enhanced pay for new parents
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme – 24‐7 Health & Wellbeing Support
- Vitality Private Medical Insurance
- Hybrid Working
- Company Service Awards
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Company Electric Vehicle Scheme
- Nominee of the Family Friendly Employer of the Year 2022 – Personnel Today Awards 2022
- Winner of the Cultural Awareness Initiative of the Year – FT Advisors Diversity in Finance Awards 2023
- Winner of Diversity and Inclusion Award – LAPF In Investments Award 2023
Seniority level: Mid‐Senior level
Employment type: Full‐time
Job function: Information Technology and Project Management, Investment Management, Pension Funds, and Investment Banking
Head of Data & Analytics employer: LGPS Central
Contact Detail:
LGPS Central Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data & Analytics
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its data strategy. Understand their goals and challenges, and think about how your skills can help them achieve success. Tailor your responses to show you’re the perfect fit for their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of your past work to interviews, especially projects that highlight your leadership in data and analytics. This will demonstrate your capability and give interviewers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at LGPS Central.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data & Analytics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Data & Analytics role. Highlight your experience in data governance and analytics, and how it aligns with our enterprise Data Strategy. We want to see how you can bring value to LGPS Central!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical expertise! Mention your proficiency in SQL, Python, and any data visualisation tools like Power BI or Tableau. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you’ve got!
Demonstrate Leadership Experience: As a strategic thinker, it’s crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've led data initiatives or transformation projects in the past. We want to see how you can influence and inspire teams at LGPS Central.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at LGPS Central
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of data governance, quality management, and regulatory compliance. Brush up on FCA expectations and be ready to discuss how you've implemented data solutions in previous roles. This will show that you're not just familiar with the concepts but can also apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Data and Analytics, you'll need to demonstrate your strategic thinking and leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, particularly those that involved complex data transformations. Highlight your stakeholder management skills and how you've influenced decision-making at senior levels.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Technical Proficiency
Familiarise yourself with the technical tools mentioned in the job description, like SQL, Python, Power BI, and Tableau. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've used these tools to drive insights or improve processes. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can hit the ground running.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
This role requires working closely with various internal teams and external partners. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated across departments or with third-party vendors. Also, practice explaining complex data concepts in simple terms, as this will be crucial for effective communication in the role.