Senior Data Steward in Cheltenham

The Senior Data Steward will be a key subject matter expert, providing advice and guidance on data both internally and externally, while proactively improving data management and maximising its potential. The Senior Data Steward will use their expertise to train and develop junior team members and work collaboratively to provide leadership and management in effectively controlling and governing organisational data assets. This includes leading activities such as defining, measuring and monitoring data quality to ensure it meets agreed standards and complies with policies and data governance guidelines. Overall, this role will champion best practices in data stewardship across the organisation, ensuring robust governance, consistency, and quality of reference data. By driving improvements in data standards and processes, the Senior Data Steward will enable UCAS to leverage data as a strategic asset, supporting operational efficiency and informed decision-making.

Key accountabilities:

• Manage data stewardship and governance
• Source, import, and control key data assets and metadata
• Lead data quality monitoring and improvement initiatives
• Define data flows with developers and architects
• Own reference data management and governance strategies
• Coordinate third-party data interchange and compliance

Skills, qualifications, and experience:

• Educated to degree level, or significant proven work experience.
• Experience of data management and data structures, data configuration and database concepts.
• Knowledge of, or ability to acquire knowledge of the Higher Education sector.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to communicate technical information to a non-technical audience.
• A self-starter with the ability to work and influence key stakeholders (internally and externally) at varying levels of seniority.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including process mapping skills.
• Proven ability to work to tight deadlines, independently managing high workloads, planning and prioritising as required.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of relational databases such as Oracle, along with proficiency in data extraction methods and tools like SQL, and data transfer formats such as JSON.
• Possess good knowledge of at least one programming language and strong skills in using Power BI for data visualisation and reporting.

Package:

• Salary up to £37,500
• Purpose-driven work in a charity-led organisation connecting people to education and opportunity
• Internal training, mentoring, and access to industry-recognised certifications through our development academies
• Hybrid working model built on trust and flexibility, with a 35-hour week and flexible contracts
• 30 days annual leave, 3 concessionary days over Christmas, bank holidays, and the option to purchase additional leave
• Everyday wellbeing support through Perkbox, offering discounts and wellness tools
• Onsite facilities including a subsidised gym, café, and free parking at our Cheltenham office
• Inclusive culture supported by employee networks, wellbeing champions, and Mental Health First Aiders
• Recognition and reward through our quarterly employee scheme and an ex-gratia bonus for going above and beyond

Studies have shown that some groups of people are less likely to apply to a role unless they tick every box. At UCAS we recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to delivering a fair and equitable recruitment process where applicants have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills. So, if you are interested in this vacancy, but don't necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please apply. If you have any questions and would like to find out more about the role before applying please email the Talent Acquisition team.