At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a modern BI function and make data accessible for decision-making.
- Company: NatCen, a forward-thinking organisation focused on data-driven culture.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, flexible working, generous pension, and career development support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth and mentorship.
- Why this job: Shape the future of BI and drive impactful data initiatives across the organisation.
- Qualifications: Strong Power BI skills and experience in leading BI in complex environments.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
Location: London (Hybrid). Employment Type: Full Time. Department: Social Surveys. Reporting To: Director of Data Services. Application Deadline: 4 June 2026.
NatCen is building a modern, cloud‑based data and reporting capability and is looking for a Head of Business Intelligence to lead the next phase of that journey. This newly created role has scope to shape how business intelligence works across the organisation from the ground up. You will help NatCen move from an environment where data can feel hard to access and reporting can be inconsistent, to one where information is trusted, usable and easier to consume for decision‑making. This role is central to building a more data‑driven culture across the organisation. Working alongside the data engineering team, you will own the reporting and BI layer, establish governance and standards, and help make data accessible across Finance, Field, Research and senior leadership. This is a high‑impact role with strong sponsorship from leadership and the chance to build a BI function in the right way from the start.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and evolve NatCen’s BI roadmap so reporting priorities are clear, realistic and aligned to organisational value.
- Build trusted BI foundations by establishing governance, definitions, metrics and reporting standards that teams can use consistently.
- Work closely with stakeholders to understand what they really need from data and reporting, rather than simply delivering what has been requested.
- Partner with data engineering colleagues so BI needs are well served as the Databricks‑based platform develops.
- Shape reporting layers and Power BI outputs that make information accessible to non‑technical users.
- Lead the shift towards stronger BI adoption, better data literacy and more confident data‑driven decision‑making across NatCen.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- Strong hands‑on Power BI experience, including dashboards, data models and user‑facing reporting.
- Significant experience leading or managing Business Intelligence or organisational reporting in a complex environment.
- Experience with modern cloud data platforms such as Databricks, Azure or SQL‑based analytics.
- Experience establishing reporting standards, definitions and light‑touch data governance.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work confidently across Finance, Field, Research, Data Services and senior leadership.
- A pragmatic and commercially aware approach, balancing quick delivery with longer‑term foundations.
- Experience improving BI adoption and helping organisations become more data‑led.
Job Benefits
- 25 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays) increasing to 30 days with 3 years service and flexible working.
- Generous company pension scheme.
- Life insurance and health cash plan.
- Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loan.
- Career development, professional subscriptions support and mentoring support from industry‑leading experts.
EEO Statement
We are proud to say we are a Disability Confident Committed Employer, so if you require any reasonable adjustments during the interview process please make us aware and we will endeavour to support you.
Head of Business Intelligence employer: National Centre for Social Research
NatCen is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive career development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package that includes a robust pension scheme and health support. Join us to lead the transformation of our business intelligence capabilities and make a meaningful impact in a supportive and inclusive culture.
Contact Detail:
National Centre for Social Research Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Intelligence
✨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 yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their team. We want to see your personality shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with the job description. We love hearing how you can help shape the BI function from the ground up.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the role. Apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Intelligence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of Business Intelligence role. Highlight your experience with Power BI, cloud data platforms, and any relevant leadership roles. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about building a data-driven culture and how you can help us shape our BI roadmap. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention your experience working with different teams. We’re keen on seeing how you’ve successfully collaborated with stakeholders in the past, especially in complex environments like Finance or Research.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Centre for Social Research
✨Know Your BI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Power BI skills and be ready to discuss your hands-on experience. Prepare examples of dashboards you've created or reporting standards you've established, as this role is all about building trusted BI foundations.
✨Understand the Stakeholders
Get familiar with the different teams you'll be working with, like Finance, Research, and Data Services. Think about how you can tailor your approach to meet their specific needs and demonstrate your ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading the BI function, so be prepared to talk about your experience managing teams and driving BI adoption. Share stories that highlight your ability to foster a data-driven culture and improve data literacy across an organisation.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about NatCen's current BI challenges and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to shaping their BI roadmap effectively.
