Head of Data & Analytics (maternity cover) in Sheffield

Sheffield City Centre (fully office-based)

Salary: £65,000 - £85,000

Start: Early 2026 (with handover/overlap)

Contract type: 37 hours per week. Fixed term 13 months.

Reporting to: Chief Financial Officer

Direct reports: 3 Analysts - Energy sub-team (1 mid who line‑manages 1 junior), Commercial sub-team (1 mid)

UniHomes is a leading UK student accommodation platform operating across 60+ cities, providing a Utility Management Service to our customers. Our Data & Analytics function powers commercial performance, product decisions, and operational efficiency, with increasing demands following investment from our private equity shareholders, Macquarie and LDC.

We’re hiring an experienced interim Head of Data & Analytics to lead a small, capable team while staying hands‑on with delivery, whilst being the key data leader in the business. Time split: approximately 70% hands‑on delivery and 30% leadership scope (team, governance, stakeholders). You’ll partner closely with the Management and Executive Team to define and track KPIs, deliver weekly insights, and progress our Data Strategy & Governance.

You will be an experienced, hands‑on analytics leader who’s comfortable managing a small team while actively delivering. You will possess strong commercial acumen and will be confident presenting concise insight to senior stakeholders.

• Hands‑on delivery (~70%)

• Deliver analytics personally using SQL, dbt, and Tableau (model build, tests, docs, dashboards).
• Define, iterate, consult on and own KPI frameworks; compile and present the weekly leadership KPI pack.
• Get hands dirty with a variety of ad hoc and project‑based analytical tasks (deep‑dives, quick turnarounds, data triage, QA).
• Translate business questions into clear analytical deliverables and data stories with measurable impact.
• Partner closely with the Management and Executive Team on commercial, operational, and product performance metrics.

• Team leadership & development: coach and support 3 Analysts; maintain rituals (stand‑ups, code reviews, showcases); manage prioritisation and capacity; support the mid Energy lead who line‑manages a junior.
• Data Strategy & Governance: advance documentation standards, testing, quality monitoring, and access/governance practices; champion data literacy.
• Stakeholder management: work cross‑functionally (Sales, Marketing, Product, Finance, Ops); shape roadmaps and communicate trade‑offs and progress.
• Continue to develop the company’s data capability as we aim to mature our data function and usage cases.

• 5+ years in analytics/data, including 2+ years managing/mentoring (ideally teams of 3–5 Analysts).
• Proficient in SQL, dbt, and Tableau (or very close equivalents).
• Track record of KPI design, dashboarding, and insight delivery for senior forums.
• Experience contributing to Data Strategy and Data Governance initiatives.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.

• Experience with Snowflake (or other modern cloud DWH).
• Exposure to marketplaces, property, or utilities contexts.

At UniHomes, we are transforming the student rental experience across the UK. As the leading platform for student accommodation advertising and utility management, we provide a streamlined solution that simplifies the process of securing all‑inclusive housing.

Our innovative technology and services are designed to support students, letting agents, and operators by offering a single, comprehensive platform that facilitates every stage of the rental journey. Since our inception in 2015, we have expanded our operations to over 60 cities, partnered with more than 1,000 letting agents and operators, and secured investment from Macquarie Capital and LDC.

Our achievements have been recognised through awards such as EY Entrepreneur of the Year, Deloitte UK Technology Fast 50, The Negotiator Awards, and Great Place to Work® certification. Operating from our Sheffield City Centre headquarters, our team of over 140 professionals is growing rapidly as we continue to develop industry‑leading technology and enter new markets.

This is an exciting time to join UniHomes. We are looking for talented individuals who are eager to contribute to our mission and be part of a dynamic, forward‑thinking organisation that is shaping the future of student renting.

• Lead the Way
• In it Together
• Customers Matter
• Keep it Simple
• Rise Above Challenges
• Make it Happen

With people and culture at the heart of our organisation, we are continually enhancing our employee offer and culture. We are incredibly proud to have been officially certified as a Great Place to Work® (GPTW®) and an accredited Living Wage employer - all our employees earn a fair living wage above the government minimum wage.

Working in our stunning new office at New Era Square in the centre of Sheffield, you will get complimentary breakfast, hot & cold drinks, snacks, pool table, holidays, length of service days, voluntary day, enhanced pension scheme, pension salary sacrifice scheme, healthcare scheme, Employee Assistant Programme, sick pay, enhanced maternity & paternity pay, career progression, a commitment to personal and professional development, employee of the month award, refer a friend scheme, staff discounts, mental health and financial support, and company social events.

At UniHomes we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone can thrive and which values individuals for their unique perspectives. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments to make the recruitment process more accessible to you.

Applicants must already have the permanent and unrestricted right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship as we do not hold a sponsor licence.

We want to hear your unique voice in your application. We love AI, but relying on it solely to write your cover letter and answer the application questions is a missed opportunity to showcase the originality and personality that will make you stand out. Show us the real you.

We do not accept CV submissions from recruitment agencies. Direct applications from individual candidates are encouraged. Thank you for your understanding.