Senior Data Officer in Stockport

You will play a key role in developing and improving the council’s approach to corporate and place data, expanding our use of internal workforce data. You will work across a range of systems, data sources and reporting tools. This will include supporting existing legacy processes and datasets, while contributing to the transition towards more modern, structured and well‑governed data platforms and practices.

You will work directly with stakeholders to understand business needs, shape analytical questions and deliver clear, practical outputs that support decision‑making. The role involves investigating how data is currently captured and used, improving data quality and consistency where possible, and developing reporting and analysis that is proportionate, reliable and useful. You will take ownership of analytical work from initial scoping through to delivery, balancing the need to provide timely outputs with opportunities to improve processes over time. Alongside day‑to‑day delivery, you will contribute to developing more consistent standards in areas such as data definitions, documentation, access and governance.

You are a curious and adaptable data professional who is comfortable working with a range of data sources, tools and levels of complexity. You are motivated by solving problems and are willing to investigate unfamiliar systems or approaches, eager to build enough technical understanding to deliver a practical outcome. You have a solid grounding in core data concepts such as relational data, data modelling, data quality and effective reporting, and can apply these principles across different tools rather than relying on a single technology.

You are comfortable working in environments where data and processes are still developing, and can make pragmatic, incremental improvements while maintaining a focus on business value. You are confident working directly with stakeholders to understand requirements, test assumptions and shape outputs, and can communicate technical information clearly to non‑specialists. You take ownership of your work, while recognising when to seek input, share learning or raise issues. You have an awareness of good data governance practices and the responsible handling of sensitive information, and are committed to improving the quality, consistency and usability of data over time. Above all, you bring a practical, open‑minded approach and a willingness to learn, adapt and improve.

This is an exciting time to join the Business Intelligence team here at Stockport. We are expanding our analytics of workforce data and there are good opportunities to play a role in shaping how we maximise the value we get from internal employee datasets into the future. The council is one ambitious team on a mission to create opportunities for everyone who lives, works and spends time in the borough. Working at Stockport Council means contributing to one of the most thriving towns in the North.

We’re keen to recruit people with the right values and behaviours that can help us ensure our workplace values are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be recognised under the Good Employment Charter as an organisation committed to the wellbeing of our colleagues. As members of the charter, we have been recognised as a great place to work for all colleagues and pledge to pay the real living wage, engage staff in key decisions and endorse fair and flexible working conditions.

As part of the Guaranteed Assessment Scheme you will therefore be guaranteed to be shortlisted for Assessment if you meet both the criteria for the scheme and the essential job role criteria.

Contact: David Parkinson – david.parkinson@stockport.gov.uk for an informal discussion about the role.