At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape VIVO's enterprise data strategy and analytics capabilities.
- Company: Join VIVO, a leader in facilities management for the UK military.
- Benefits: Enjoy a senior leadership salary, hybrid working, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse and inclusive culture with opportunities for flexible working.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data-driven decision-making in a critical defence environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading data functions and strong stakeholder influencing skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Who we are VIVO provides facilities management and accommodation maintenance for the UK military and its partners. VIVO embodies both experience and innovation.
What we do We put our Customers and Families First. They are the driving force behind everything we do. We drive forward improvements for them to ensure the service they receive, whether reactive repairs or a major project, is completed safely and on time. In order to achieve this, we have 4 core values: open, caring, agile and collaborative. These are at the heart of everything we do.
VIVO is seeking an exceptional data leader to shape and lead our enterprise data, analytics and insight capability across one of the UK’s most critical defence infrastructure portfolios. This is a rare opportunity to lead and further develop a modern enterprise data function within a complex operational environment, transforming how data is used across operations, commercial performance, finance, supply chain and strategic decision-making. Working across a national defence estate portfolio, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in strengthening data foundations, improving operational insight, enabling trusted reporting and helping prepare the business to responsibly adopt future AI and advanced analytics capabilities.
The Opportunity As Head of Data, you will define and lead VIVO’s enterprise-wide data strategy, establishing a trusted and scalable data capability that supports operational excellence, commercial performance and future innovation. You will lead the continued development of a consolidated enterprise data platform across operational, commercial, financial and supply chain data, enabling consistent reporting, improved decision-making and greater organisational confidence in data. Success in this role will depend as much on influencing operational thinking and building trusted business partnerships as it will on technical capability. You will work closely with operational, commercial and finance leaders to understand challenges, identify opportunities and embed more data-led decision-making across the organisation. Alongside strengthening data governance and reporting foundations, you will help shape VIVO’s longer-term approach to AI and advanced analytics, identifying where emerging technologies may create practical operational and commercial value as organisational capability and use cases mature over time. This role combines enterprise data leadership, operational business partnering, people leadership and organisational influence within a highly visible and business-critical function.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and lead VIVO’s enterprise data strategy aligned to operational priorities, transformation objectives and Ministry of Defence reporting requirements.
- Develop a consolidated enterprise data platform across CAFM, IoT, ERP and finance systems.
- Establish trusted, governed and scalable reporting and analytics capabilities across the business.
- Improve consistency, transparency and confidence in enterprise reporting and insight.
Operational Business Partnering & Data Adoption
- Partner closely with operational, commercial and finance leadership teams to understand challenges, identify opportunities and shape practical data-led solutions.
- Bring new ideas, methodologies and ways of thinking to operational environments, helping leaders use insight more effectively in decision-making.
- Create engagement and demand for analytics by demonstrating practical operational and commercial value.
- Translate operational challenges into scalable reporting, analytics and future automation opportunities.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, balancing strategic thinking with practical operational delivery.
- Build data literacy and confidence across leadership teams, helping move decision-making from instinct-led to insight-led approaches.
- Ensure dashboards and analytics are practical, engaging and actionable for operational users.
Data Governance & Assurance
- Lead enterprise standards for data quality, governance, ownership and lineage.
- Ensure reporting integrity across operational, commercial and external stakeholder reporting.
- Support data security, privacy and assurance activities across operational and client environments.
Future AI & Advanced Analytics Readiness
- Explore future opportunities for AI and advanced analytics across the business.
- Ensure the right data foundations, governance and operational understanding are in place to support responsible adoption over time.
- Identify practical opportunities where predictive analytics and automation may improve operational performance and decision-making.
- Help build wider business understanding and confidence around emerging AI technologies and their potential application.
Leadership
- Lead and further develop VIVO’s enterprise data, analytics and insight capability.
- Coach and develop a high-performing data team within a collaborative and commercially focused environment.
- Develop strong partnerships across operations, commercial, finance and technology teams.
- Support the wider business in embedding modern data practices, consistent standards and continuous improvement methodologies.
About You
We are looking for a commercially minded and operationally credible data leader who can combine strategic thinking with practical delivery. You will bring experience leading enterprise data and analytics functions within large, complex operational environments and will be comfortable influencing both technical and non-technical stakeholders. You will likely bring:
- Proven experience leading enterprise data, analytics or insight functions within complex operational organisations.
- Experience delivering modern data platforms and enterprise reporting capabilities at scale.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Azure data technologies and the Power Platform ecosystem.
- Strong business partnering and stakeholder influencing capability, with the ability to translate technical concepts into practical business outcomes.
- Experience building trust, engagement and adoption of data-led decision making across operational leadership teams.
- Experience leading and developing teams within data, analytics or insight environments.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to connect data investment to measurable business outcomes.
- Naturally curious, with the ability to challenge existing approaches and introduce new ways of thinking around operational performance and decision-making.
- Curiosity around emerging AI technologies and an understanding of the data and governance foundations required to support future adoption.
- Comfortable operating within complex, matrix and operationally driven environments where influence and credibility are critical to success.
- Experience within defence, infrastructure, facilities management, utilities, transport or similarly regulated operational environments would be highly advantageous.
At VIVO, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. Therefore, we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working and operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas. We are proudly a Disability Confident Leader. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.
Head of Data-VIVO - Corporate Functions employer: Serco
VIVO is an exceptional employer that prioritises its employees' growth and well-being, offering a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while engaging in meaningful projects for the UK military. With a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, VIVO fosters a supportive culture where data leaders can thrive, develop their skills, and make a significant impact on operational excellence and future advancements in AI and analytics. The company’s commitment to diversity and flexible working arrangements further enhances its appeal as a workplace dedicated to nurturing talent and driving positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data-VIVO - Corporate Functions
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those already at VIVO or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding VIVO's core values: open, caring, agile, and collaborative. Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase how you embody these values and how they align with the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your data leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced decision-making through data in previous roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your impact and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the VIVO team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data-VIVO - Corporate Functions
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Data. Highlight your experience in leading data strategies and analytics, especially in complex operational environments. We want to see how your skills align with our core values of being open, caring, agile, and collaborative.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about data leadership and how you can drive improvements for our customers and families. Be sure to mention any relevant experience with AI and advanced analytics, as this is key for us.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior leader, we want to know how you've built and developed high-performing teams. Share examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and fostered a data-driven culture in previous roles. This will help us see your potential impact at VIVO.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
As the Head of Data, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of data strategies and analytics. Brush up on VIVO's current data practices and think about how you can enhance them. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led data initiatives in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and the ability to influence stakeholders. Prepare to share your experiences in building high-performing teams and fostering collaboration. Think about how you can convey your vision for data governance and how it aligns with VIVO's core values.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to face situational questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare examples where you've translated operational challenges into actionable data solutions. Highlight your experience with Microsoft Azure and how you've leveraged technology to drive business outcomes.
✨Emphasise Your Curiosity About AI
VIVO is looking for someone who is not just technically savvy but also curious about emerging technologies. Be prepared to discuss your thoughts on AI and advanced analytics. Share any relevant experiences where you've explored innovative data applications that could benefit the organisation.
