At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data strategy and analysis to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families.
- Company: Join a high-impact organisation dedicated to making a difference in mental health and employment services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, enhanced parental leave, and a bike-to-work scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that values diversity and champions evidence-based solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in data strategy, stakeholder management, and analytics tools like PowerBI or Tableau required.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; must have the right to work in the UK.
Head of Data and Analytics
Join the IPS Grow team at a pivotal moment as it transitions from its existing reporting tool to a unified Salesforce-based information system. This is a rare opportunity for an experienced data leader who is energised by transformation, innovation and organisational change.
If you want to join an impact-driven organisation, improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families, then apply today!
Position: Head of Data and Analytics IPS Grow
Location: Hybrid/UK
Hours: Full time
Salary: £75,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Mon 23rd February 2026, 9am
First round interviews (virtual): Weds 4th March 2026
Second round interviews (in person): Mon 16th March 2026
The Role
Join an ambitious not for profit organisation that helps to design, fund and scale better solutions to complex social problems.
As the Head of Data and Analytics, you will shape the future of the national data and digital ecosystem driving a step-change in how programme captures, interprets and uses insight to strengthen employment outcomes across England. You will lead the team through significant technical and cultural change, fostering new ways of working, building capability, and enabling colleagues at every level to confidently apply data in decision-making.
Key responsibilities include:
- Strategic oversight of IPS Grow data analysis and business intelligence functions and, in collaboration with expert Digital colleagues, IPS Grow digital tools
- Strategic leadership of IPS Grow information systems
- IPS Grow Lead for information governance and data protection
- Budget management and other senior team responsibilities
This role goes far beyond business-as-usual.
About You
We are seeking someone who thrives in complex environments, brings clarity and momentum to change, and is motivated by the chance to modernise systems, strengthen data governance, and build a high-performing analytics function that supports national impact.
You will have:
- Experience of designing and leading data strategy at a senior level.
- Experience of managing a national programme and/or large scale change.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, including communicating technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
- Proven track record in data governance and compliance (e.g., GDPR) and the associated standards and requirements when hosting and processing personal data on behalf of public sector organisations.
- Strong track record of leadership in data, insight, and analytics roles within complex or matrixed organisations.
- Expertise in the development and use of Customer Relationship Management systems, such as Salesforce
- Expertise in data analysis and business intelligence, including PowerBI, Tableau and/or similar analytics and data visualisation tools
About the Organisation
Since 2007, the organisation has helped to pioneer a series of programmes to improve outcomes for individuals with complex needs. These innovations, including the social impact bond model, have mobilised more than £500 million globally. With sister organisations in the US, Israel, the Netherlands and India the organisation has network of partners across the world.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We actively encourage applications from under-represented and minoritised groups, including those with lived experience of the social issues we are working to address. The organisation is an equal opportunities employer and support a range of flexible working options.
You may have experience in other areas such as Data, Data and Analytics, Data Manager, Data and Analytics Manager, Head of Data, Head of Data and Analytics, Analyst, Director of Data, Director of Data and Analytics.
This role is currently unable to offer sponsorship. Please ensure you have the right to work in the UK before applying.
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
Head of Data and Analytics employer: Social Finance
Contact Detail:
Social Finance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data and Analytics
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the IPS Grow programme and its objectives. Understanding the specific challenges faced by vulnerable children and families will help you articulate how your data strategy can directly impact their outcomes during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the data and analytics field, especially those who have experience in public sector organisations. Engaging with these individuals can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with stakeholder management. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully communicated complex data concepts to non-technical audiences, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your expertise in data visualisation tools like PowerBI or Tableau. Consider preparing a portfolio of past projects that demonstrate your ability to turn data into actionable insights, which will be valuable during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data and Analytics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in data strategy, analytics, and stakeholder management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in leading data teams and managing relationships with senior stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families. Clearly outline how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of the Head of Data and Analytics role, particularly in co-designing data strategies.
Showcase Technical Skills: Emphasise your proficiency in data analysis tools like PowerBI and Tableau. Mention any experience with Customer Relationship Management systems, especially Salesforce, as this is crucial for the role.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Detail your experience in leading data and analytics teams, including any line management roles. Provide examples of how you have successfully managed projects and delivered results in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Social Finance
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the key responsibilities of the Head of Data and Analytics position. Familiarise yourself with the strategic oversight required and how it aligns with the organisation's goals, especially in improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families.
✨Showcase Your Data Strategy Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in designing and leading data strategies at a senior level. Highlight specific examples where your insights have led to actionable outcomes, particularly in managing stakeholder relationships and communicating complex data concepts to non-technical audiences.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Since the role requires expertise in data analysis and business intelligence tools like PowerBI and Tableau, be ready to discuss your proficiency with these tools. Share examples of how you've used them to drive decision-making and improve data quality in past roles.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Leadership Skills
As a Head of Data and Analytics, you'll need to manage teams and collaborate with various stakeholders. Prepare to talk about your leadership style, how you manage teams, and your approach to fostering collaboration between different departments, especially in relation to the IPS Grow digital tools.