At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of a new Business Intelligence function and shape data accessibility.
- Company: Join the UK's largest independent social research organisation, NatCen.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, hybrid working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working with a supportive team and strong leadership backing.
- 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 required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
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.
- 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.
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
About the National Centre for Social Research: At The National Centre for Social Research, we believe that social research has the power to make life better. By really understanding the complexity of people’s lives and what they think about the issues that affect them, we give the public a powerful and influential role in shaping services that can make a difference to everyone. And as an independent, not-for-profit organisation we’re able to focus our time and energy on meeting our clients’ needs and delivering social research that works for society.
Our Values & Behaviours- We Are Curious: Uses data to improve field performance and delivery; Explores new approaches to workforce management.
- We Move with Purpose: Drives delivery against operational targets; Aligns workforce planning to demand.
- We Act with Integrity: Ensures fair and compliant field practices; Maintains quality and ethical standards.
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 endeavor to support you to help you showcase your best self during our hiring process.
Head of Business Intelligence in London employer: the National Centre for Social Research
At NatCen, we pride ourselves on being the largest independent social research organisation in the UK, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment that fosters employee growth and development. As the Head of Business Intelligence, you will have the unique opportunity to shape a brand-new BI function while enjoying a competitive salary, generous benefits including flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to professional development through mentoring and support from industry experts. Join us in making a meaningful impact on society through data-driven decision-making in a culture that values curiosity, integrity, and purpose.
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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people 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 those interviews! Research the company, understand their BI needs, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise common interview questions and be ready to showcase your Power BI skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply and wait! Follow up on your applications. A quick email to express your enthusiasm can make a big difference. It shows you're genuinely interested and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Use our website to apply! We’ve got loads of resources to help you nail that application process. Plus, applying directly through us gives you a better chance of standing out in the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Intelligence in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Business Intelligence role. Highlight your hands-on Power BI experience and any relevant leadership roles you've had in BI or reporting. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at NatCen!
Showcase Your Stakeholder 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 managed stakeholder expectations in the past.
Demonstrate Your Data-Driven Mindset:We love candidates who are passionate about data! Use your application to illustrate how you've helped organisations become more data-led. Mention any initiatives you've led that improved BI adoption or data literacy within your previous roles.
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at the National Centre for Social Research
✨Know Your BI Fundamentals
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of Business Intelligence principles, especially around Power BI and data governance. Be ready to discuss how you would establish reporting standards and metrics that align with organisational goals.
✨Understand Stakeholder Needs
Prepare to demonstrate your ability to engage with various stakeholders. Think of examples where you've successfully identified their needs beyond just delivering what's requested. This will show your proactive approach to making data accessible and useful.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves leading a new BI function, be prepared to talk about your experience in managing teams and driving BI adoption. Share specific instances where you've improved data literacy and decision-making within an organisation.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Databricks and Azure
Since the role involves working closely with data engineering teams, make sure you understand modern cloud data platforms like Databricks and Azure. Highlight any relevant experience you have with these technologies to demonstrate your technical competence.
