At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of a new Business Intelligence function and shape data accessibility.
- Company: Join NatCen, the UK's largest independent social research organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving data-driven decision-making across the organisation.
- Qualifications: Strong Power BI experience and leadership in complex BI environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Application Deadline: 4 June 2026
Department: Social Surveys
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: London (Hybrid)
Reporting To: Alexia Bencini
Role Overview
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 is a newly created role with real 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.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- 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.
Job Benefits
As well as a competitive salary, attractive bonus structure and excellent working environment (including a home/office hybrid working environment), you will be working for the largest independent social research organisation in the UK. We are proud of the benefits we offer our employees which include:
- 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
EEO Statement
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 to help you showcase your best self during our hiring process.
Head of Business Intelligence employer: the National Centre for Social Research
NatCen is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in London with a hybrid working model that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. As the largest independent social research organisation in the UK, we provide our employees with generous benefits, including a competitive salary, extensive holiday allowance, and opportunities for career development through mentoring and professional support. Join us to lead the transformation of our Business Intelligence function and contribute to a data-driven culture that empowers decision-making across the organisation.
Contact Detail:
the National Centre for Social Research Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Intelligence
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at NatCen or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on what they’re really looking for in a Head of Business Intelligence.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into BI trends and tools, especially Power BI and Databricks. Show us you’re not just familiar with them but passionate about how they can transform data into actionable insights.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk about your experience; bring examples! Be ready to share specific instances where you’ve improved BI processes or led teams to success. We love hearing about real-world impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at NatCen.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Intelligence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of Business Intelligence role. Highlight your experience with Power BI, data governance, 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 tell us why you're passionate about building a data-driven culture and how you can help NatCen achieve its BI goals. Keep it engaging and relevant to the role.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; show us what you've accomplished in previous roles. Use metrics and examples to demonstrate how you've improved BI adoption or reporting standards in the past. We love numbers!
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 out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at the 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 previously established reporting standards and metrics, as this will show your understanding of the role's requirements.
✨Understand Stakeholder Needs
Before the interview, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to work with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've identified their needs beyond just delivering what's requested, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This position involves leading a new BI function, so be prepared to talk about your experience in managing teams and driving BI adoption. Share specific instances where you've successfully led initiatives that improved data literacy or decision-making.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Databricks and Azure
Since the role involves working with modern cloud data platforms, make sure you have a solid understanding of Databricks and Azure. Highlight any relevant experience you have with these tools, as it will demonstrate your readiness to hit the ground running.
