Strategic Lead for Data Insight

Strategic Lead for Data Insight

Full-Time 62832 £ / year Home office (partial)
Southway Housing Trust

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead data insights and performance reporting to drive community-focused improvements.
  • Company: Southway Housing Trust, a not-for-profit housing association in Greater Manchester.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Join a values-led organisation committed to equality and wellbeing.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while developing your leadership skills in data.
  • Qualifications: Senior experience in data/BI and strong stakeholder influencing skills required.

Location: Didsbury, Manchester

Salary: £62,832

Contract: Full-Time Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week

About Us

Southway owns over 6,500 homes in Greater Manchester and is a community-focused housing association with a vision to provide excellent customer service and quality homes, where communities thrive. Southway strives for continuous improvement led by customers, communities and colleagues. It is a member of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter and is guided by its REACH values of Respect, Equity, Ambition, Compassion and Honesty. Southway Housing Trust is a not for profit housing association with a vision of Thriving Communities.

About the role

We are looking for a Strategic Lead for Data and Insight to lead our business intelligence, insight and performance reporting. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Technology & Business Improvement, you will set the data and BI roadmap, strengthen governance and deliver a single source of truth for Executive, Board and regulatory reporting.

Key responsibilities

  • Set and deliver the organisation wide data & BI roadmap (priorities, investment and benefits).
  • Embed strong data governance (ownership, standards, assurance) aligned to GDPR and security.
  • Own performance reporting: KPIs/TSMs, insight cycles, forums and data clinics.
  • Lead Power BI strategy and oversee delivery of our modern data platform (including Microsoft Fabric).
  • Develop the Data & BI team and manage organisational data risk.

About you

You will bring:

  • Senior experience leading a data/BI/analytics function in a complex or regulated environment.
  • Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and turn data into clear, actionable insight.
  • Strong grasp of data governance and assurance.
  • Confident leader who can challenge constructively and deliver change.

Experience in social housing, local government or similarly regulated sectors is desirable but not essential.

What we offer

  • Competitive salary
  • 35 hour working week
  • Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
  • Generous pension scheme
  • Up to 30 days annual leave, with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days.
  • Modern office and facilities
  • A supportive, values led organisation committed to equality, inclusion and wellbeing.

How to apply

Please apply online via our website: (url removed)

Closing date: Thursday 5 June 2026

Interviews: Week commencing 15 June 2026

If you have any questions, please contact Ian Hardingham, Assistant Director of Technology & Business Improvement & ICT at Southway Housing Trust is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Applicants with a disability, from an ethnic minority background or who are ex armed forces and meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview if they tell us on their application.

Strictly no agencies. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from suitably skilled people from all sectors of the community. All applicants who have a disability or are ex armed forces that meet the minimum essential criteria for the post will be invited to interview. If you have a disability or are ex armed forces, please tell us about this on your application form and please let us know about any special arrangements you would like us to make if you are invited in for an interview.

Strategic Lead for Data Insight employer: Southway Housing Trust

Southway Housing Trust is an exceptional employer located in Didsbury, Manchester, dedicated to fostering thriving communities through its commitment to customer service and quality homes. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package, including up to 30 days of annual leave and a robust pension scheme, Southway promotes a supportive and inclusive work culture that values respect, equity, ambition, compassion, and honesty. As a member of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, Southway offers meaningful opportunities for professional growth and development within the social housing sector.
Southway Housing Trust

Contact Detail:

Southway Housing Trust Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategic Lead for Data Insight

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector or data analytics field. Attend events, join online forums, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Southway Housing Trust and its values. Understand their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisation's culture.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led data initiatives or influenced stakeholders in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Southway community. Good luck!

We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Lead for Data Insight

Business Intelligence
Data Governance
Performance Reporting
Power BI
Microsoft Fabric
Stakeholder Management
Data Analysis
Leadership
Change Management
Regulatory Compliance
Insight Development
Strategic Planning
Risk Management
GDPR Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in data governance and BI. We want to see how your skills align with our vision of thriving communities!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Strategic Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to influence and lead teams. Share examples of how you've successfully managed projects or led initiatives in your previous roles.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your achievements and how they relate to the role. We appreciate clarity as much as we value insight!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Southway Housing Trust

✨Know Your Data Inside Out

As a Strategic Lead for Data Insight, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in data governance and BI strategies. Brush up on the latest trends in data analytics and be ready to discuss how you can apply them to enhance Southway's performance reporting.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

This role requires a confident leader who can influence senior stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, particularly in complex environments. Highlight your ability to challenge constructively and drive change.

✨Align with Southway's Values

Familiarise yourself with Southway's REACH values: Respect, Equity, Ambition, Compassion, and Honesty. Think about how these values resonate with your own experiences and be prepared to share specific instances where you've embodied these principles in your work.

✨Prepare Insightful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Ask about their current data initiatives or how they envision the future of data governance at Southway. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and genuine interest in contributing to their mission.

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