Senior Data Officer in Manchester

Working hours: 35 hours per week (full time)

Contract type: 1 permanent, 1 temporary for 12 months

Working style: Hybrid - Employees split their time between working remotely (e.g., from home) and working on-site (e.g., in an office).

Closing date: 11.59pm, 22 September 2026

Interview method: in person

Applicants must have existing right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This role is subject to:

• Legal right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.
• 2 references - where possible, we require 3 year's history
• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Help Shape the Future of Data at Manchester City Council

Manchester City Council is investing in its Digital, Data and Technology capabilities to improve services, strengthen decision-making and make better use of data across the organisation. As part of this journey, we are recruiting to two Senior Data Officer opportunities that will help support both our existing corporate data services and the transition to a modern Microsoft Fabric-based data platform.

Available opportunities:

• Permanent Senior Data Officer - Data Team, Core Team (Performance, Research & Intelligence): This role provides leadership for the Data Team within the Core Team, managing existing services whilst helping shape the future of data, reporting and analytics.
• Fixed-Term Senior Data Officer - Data Platform & Integration (ICT Services): This role focuses on building the platforms, integration capabilities and technical foundations that support the Council's future data ecosystem.

What you'll do:

• Lead and develop the Data Team, providing line management, professional support and clear direction to deliver a high-quality service.
• Oversee the delivery of corporate data and reporting services, ensuring they remain reliable, resilient and responsive to business needs.
• Build strong relationships across the Council to support effective use of data, drive continuous improvement and deliver better outcomes.
• Help shape the future of data, reporting and analytics by supporting the transition to modern platforms and contributing to the Council's Digital, Data and Technology ambitions.
• Support the implementation of Microsoft Fabric and the development of the Council's future enterprise data platform and integration capabilities.
• Help modernise reporting, analytics and data services, including the transition from legacy technologies to scalable and sustainable solutions.
• Support key Digital, Data and Technology initiatives, including Master Data Management and the implementation of a corporate archiving solution.
• Work collaboratively with PRI, ICT and business stakeholders to improve access to trusted data and establish the foundations for future reporting, analytics and AI-enabled services.

About the Candidate

We would love to hear from you if you have experience of:

• Leading teams, managing workloads and developing staff within a data, reporting, business intelligence or technology environment.
• Delivering data, reporting, analytics or technology services and managing competing priorities in a complex organisation.
• Building effective relationships with stakeholders and translating business needs into practical solutions.
• Supporting service improvement, organisational change and digital transformation initiatives.
• Working with data platforms, reporting tools or data integration technologies to improve access to trusted information.

Desirable requirements that would be useful in this role:

• Experience of Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, Azure or other modern data and analytics platforms.
• Experience of data integration, ETL processes, data migration or enterprise reporting environments.
• Experience of data platform modernisation, transformation programmes or information management initiatives.
• Knowledge of data governance, data quality, master data management or corporate archiving approaches.
• Experience of working within local government or another large, complex organisation.

Benefits we offer:

• Up to 26 days’ annual leave, rising to 31 days after five years’ service
• Buy up to two extra weeks’ leave
• Up to 3 days’ volunteering leave
• A 35-hour work week for full-time roles
• We review pay each year and recognise three trade unions
• The UK’s largest local government pension scheme
• Enhanced parental and carers leave
• Employee discounts and perks
• Good Employment Charter member

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme: We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panel's minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care.
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term condition
• Have you completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programmes?

When You Join Us: We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering:

• A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
• Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
• A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.

What we will need from you if you're successful:

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.

Other relevant information: We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.