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 scheme, 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 experience and proven leadership in Business Intelligence.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 in Islington 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 in Islington
✨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. Tailor your answers to show how you can help them achieve their goals, especially in BI and data-driven decision-making.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience with Power BI and cloud platforms clearly and confidently. Show them you’re the right fit for leading their BI journey.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Intelligence in Islington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Business Intelligence role. Highlight your experience with Power BI, cloud data platforms, and stakeholder management. 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 relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Quantify your successes where possible, like improving BI adoption or establishing reporting standards. We love seeing the impact you've made!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Centre for Social Research
✨Know Your BI Fundamentals
Make sure you brush up on your business intelligence basics, especially around Power BI and data governance. Be ready to discuss how you've established reporting standards in the past and how you can apply that knowledge at NatCen.
✨Understand Stakeholder Needs
Before the interview, think about how you would approach understanding stakeholder requirements. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different teams to deliver tailored BI solutions that meet their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about leading the BI function, so be prepared to share your experiences in managing teams and driving BI adoption. Highlight any initiatives you've led that improved data literacy or decision-making within an organisation.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to cloud data platforms like Databricks and Azure. Brush up on your knowledge of these tools and be ready to discuss how you've used them to enhance BI capabilities in previous roles.
