At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Data Insight function and deliver high-quality insights for strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join the University of East London, a forward-thinking institution committed to diversity and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and excellent career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving positive change and evidence-led practices.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education with impactful data insights and a diverse community.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in data insight leadership and strong analytical skills.
Location: Docklands Campus
Salary: £62,443 to £71,685 per annum inclusive of London Weighting
Post Type: Full Time
Post Type: Permanent
Closing Date: Sunday 22 March 2026
Interview Date: Thursday 02 April 2026
Reference: 0548-26-S
University of East London (UEL) is committed to advancing industry 5.0 careers-first education and providing a clear path to future jobs and opportunities. We aim to drive diversity in the 5.0 talent pipeline and create a balanced, inclusive, and green future.
About the School / Service:
The Strategic Development & Delivery team works in partnership with stakeholders across the institution, combining specialist expertise, sector knowledge, and institutional awareness to support the delivery of our vision to 2028 and beyond. This new Directorate for UEL comprises four main portfolios: Insights & Decision Support, Strategy & Performance, Portfolio & Benefits, and Change & Improvement.
About the Job:
The Head of Data Insight provides strategic leadership for UEL's insight capability, ensuring leaders have timely, trusted, and actionable insight to support decision-making and deliver Vision 2028. The role shapes how insight is produced and used across the University, combining data, context, and narrative to strengthen evidence-led planning and performance conversations.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead the Data Insight function, setting priorities aligned to university strategy and Vision 2028.
- Deliver a high-quality insight service: reporting, interpretation, and narrative to support planning, performance, and decision-making.
- Act as the main interface for insight requirements - define business questions, prioritise work, and translate needs into clear requirements.
- Combine internal data with sector intelligence and benchmarking (e.g., UCAS/HESA) to provide meaningful context.
- Ensure dashboards remain relevant, high quality, and trusted, including market-facing and regulatory/equality/outcomes reporting.
- Champion consistent definitions, standards, and best practice, building confidence in a 'single version of the truth.'
- Build organisational capability through coaching, guidance, and engagement, reducing duplication and improving insight maturity.
- Contribute to UEL's data strategy, ensure appropriate governance, and identify/mitigate data and insight risks.
About You:
You are an experienced insight leader with a strong track record of managing a data insight/analytics/performance function and delivering trusted insight that supports planning, forecasting, and strategic decision-making. You are confident working with senior stakeholders to define the right questions, prioritise activity, and translate analysis into clear insight and recommendations using tools such as Power BI (and ideally data transformation tools such as Alteryx) and modern data platforms. You bring strong strategic thinking, analytical judgement, and communication skills, with the ability to tell the story behind the data, influence decision-making, coach others, and promote a culture of evidence-led practice across the University.
How to Apply:
Please apply by submitting your CV alongside your online application.
Benefits Package:
At UEL, we believe that a great role is about more than just a salary. It’s about the complete package, including our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture. We offer a genuinely competitive salary, dependent on experience (DOE), and a range of excellent benefits.
Equal Opportunities:
As an inclusive, equal-opportunities employer, our Stonewall membership and Athena Swan awards reflect our ongoing dedication to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. We are committed to closing the 'diversity pay gap' and are proud of the progress we’ve made while acknowledging there’s more to do. We are determined to keep moving forward so everyone at UEL can thrive. We are also a disability confident employer and value all applications. Please let us know if you require any reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.
If you would like to take your career to the next level with us here at the University of East London and are inspired by our environment and committed to success, we want you to apply today!
Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Further Details:
Job Description & Person Specification. To contact the recruitment team please phone x 4600 or e-mail. CVs without a completed application form will not be accepted. At UEL, we are committed to working together to build a community that values diversity in both our staff and student populations, is representative and inclusive, enabling all to progress and thrive.
Head of Data Insight employer: University of East London
The University of East London (UEL) is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises diversity and innovation. Located at the Docklands Campus, UEL provides competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a forward-thinking environment dedicated to shaping the future of education. Join us to be part of a community that values your contributions and supports your career aspirations while making a meaningful impact on students' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data Insight
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those at UEL or similar institutions. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching UEL's Vision 2028. Show us how your experience aligns with our goals and how you can contribute to our mission of creating positive change.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! When discussing your past experiences, frame them in a way that highlights your impact and how you've used data to drive decisions. We love a good narrative!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our community at UEL.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Insight
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Data Insight role. Highlight your experience in data insight and analytics, and how it aligns with UEL's Vision 2028. We want to see how your skills can contribute to our goals!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your strategic thinking and communication skills!
Showcase Your Achievements:When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your achievements in previous roles. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've delivered trusted insights and influenced decision-making in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community at UEL!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of East London
✨Know Your Data
As the Head of Data Insight, you'll need to demonstrate a strong understanding of data analytics and insight generation. Brush up on your knowledge of tools like Power BI and Alteryx, and be ready to discuss how you've used these in previous roles to drive decision-making.
✨Understand UEL's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the University of East London's Vision 2028. Be prepared to articulate how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their mission of advancing industry 5.0 careers-first education.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the university. Ask about their current data strategies or how they envision the Data Insight function evolving in the future.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a strategic leader, it's crucial to highlight your experience in managing teams and driving change. Share specific examples of how you've built organisational capability and fostered a culture of evidence-led practice in your previous roles.
