At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development 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 role with excellent career development opportunities and support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving a data-driven culture and improving decision-making.
- Qualifications: Strong Power BI experience and leadership in complex BI environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Position: Head of Business Intelligence
Application Deadline: 4 June 2026
Department: Social Surveys
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: London (Hybrid)
Reporting To: Alexia Bencini
Role Overview
Competitive (depending on experience)
London or Ashton Gate | Hybrid | Full time | Permanent
Role Details
Location: London or Ashton Gate (Hybrid - 2 days minimum in the local office, flexible across both locations)
Reporting to: Director of Data Services
Team: Data Services, leading a brand-new Business Intelligence function with scope to add BI analyst support
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 BI & Data Strategy – Hybrid London employer: the National Centre for Social Research
The National Centre for Social Research is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities while enjoying a competitive salary and generous leave provisions in the vibrant city of London. This role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact in social research but also provides the flexibility of a hybrid working arrangement, making it an attractive choice for those seeking rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
the National Centre for Social Research Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of BI & Data Strategy – Hybrid London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want you to show how your skills align with their goals, especially in BI and data strategy!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You should be able to explain your experience and how it relates to the role of Head of BI & Data Strategy in a clear and engaging way.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of BI & Data Strategy – Hybrid London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Head of BI & Data Strategy role. Highlight your hands-on Power BI experience and any leadership roles you've had in Business Intelligence. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about data and how you can help us build a more data-driven culture at NatCen. Be sure to mention specific examples of how you've improved BI adoption in previous roles.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to work with various stakeholders. We’re looking for someone who can confidently engage with teams across Finance, Field, and Research. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated complex environments in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at NatCen!
How to prepare for a job interview at the National Centre for Social Research
✨Know Your BI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Power BI skills and be ready to discuss your hands-on experience. Prepare examples of dashboards you've created and how they’ve impacted decision-making in previous roles.
✨Understand the Company’s Data Needs
Research NatCen's current data landscape and think about how you can help them transition to a more data-driven culture. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach understanding stakeholder needs beyond just delivering requests.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about leading a new BI function, so come ready to talk about your experience managing teams and establishing governance standards. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led BI initiatives in complex environments.
✨Be Ready for Stakeholder Management
Since you'll be working closely with various teams, prepare to discuss your approach to stakeholder management. Think of examples where you’ve effectively communicated with non-technical users and how you ensured their needs were met.
