Associate Director – Institutional Data

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team. This is a key leadership role shaping how the University uses data to support decision-making, performance and strategy. You will play a central role in delivering the University’s Manchester 2035 vision by strengthening our data foundations and enabling consistent insight, advanced analytics, AI and automation across teaching, research and operations. Working across faculties, research, teaching and professional services, you will lead the development of a unified, trusted view of institutional data. You will establish and lead a new enterprise Data Hub, ensuring data is well-governed, secure, reusable and supports both strategic decision-making and regulatory assurance.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading the design, delivery and operation of the University’s enterprise Data Hub, creating a single, authoritative foundation for institutional data
• Establishing clear ownership, governance and accountability for institutional data, acting as the University’s authority on how core data is defined, managed and shared
• Ensuring institutional data supports high‑quality insight, reporting, regulatory and statutory requirements, including external assurance expectations
• Building and leading a high‑performing, multidisciplinary team spanning data architecture, governance and engineering
• Working in partnership with academic, professional services and IT leaders to embed a consistent, collaborative approach to data ownership and use across the University

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria

• Significant experience leading enterprise‑scale data, analytics or information functions in a complex organisation
• Strong understanding of data governance, data quality, master data management and enterprise data architecture
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and establish standards and governance across organisational boundaries
• Experience of leading teams and delivering through others in a collaborative environment
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data concepts into clear decisions and priorities

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in higher education or a similarly complex, regulated environment
• Familiarity with regulatory assurance, audit or statutory reporting requirements
• Experience enabling data platforms that support analytics, AI or automation
• Experience of driving cultural change to improve data literacy and adoption
• Knowledge of modern data platforms, integration patterns or data engineering practices

We value transferable skills and real‑world experience as much as formal qualifications. Our benefits include:

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK. Applications close at midnight on the closing date.