Head of Data Platforms & Analytics

About the Organisation

We are a leading provider of diagnostic and screening services for both NHS and private sector clients. Our services are delivered through dedicated facilities, including a growing network of Diagnostic Centres. Our customers expect seamless digital integration-allowing them to refer patients, track progress, and receive results without manual processes.

The organisation is on a journey to strengthen its data-driven decision-making capability. While we have access to rich operational data, pulling it together is time-consuming, and reporting is often produced in Excel and PowerPoint. We are ready to progress to modern data practices, tools, and governance.

We operate a Business Objects data warehouse receiving information from patient administration systems. It supports operational reporting and statutory submissions, but it does not yet integrate wider data sources such as incidents, workforce, or finance.

We have data teams skilled in NHS datasets and Business Objects but less experienced in modern data engineering, pipelines, visualisation tools, and data governance. Other teams still rely heavily on Excel for business reporting. The organisation is growing at 10% per year and needs scalable, modern data capabilities to support strategic decision-making and customer insight.

As Head of Data & Analytics, you will lead our organisational data transformation while ensuring continuity of existing services.

Your initial priority will be maintaining the current reporting service and meeting any operational or regulatory requirements. You will be supported by a third-party data supplier.

Once stable, your focus will shift to shaping and advancing the organisation's data maturity - starting small, demonstrating value early, and building the case for larger investment. You will ensure teams have the right tools, whether that is a data fabric, new governance processes, or reusable data products.

This role requires someone who can articulate an inspiring data future while delivering practical, incremental improvements. You will engage stakeholders across the business, many of whom currently work in isolation with fragmented data.

• Lead the execution of the data strategy, designing and implementing a modern data platform to enable data-driven decision-making.
• Drive the development and rollout of data products across the organisation.
• Manage and develop the Data & Analytics team (initially 5 direct reports, with expected growth).
• Oversee operational reporting and ensure statutory and management information outputs are delivered reliably.
• Advocate for the use of data across the organisation, improving data literacy and engagement.
• Manage resources, budgets, and external partners to ensure capacity meets organisational needs.
• Contribute as a senior member of the Digital leadership team.

• Strong background in data & analytics leadership, including transitioning organisations to modern data practices.
• Experience delivering data solutions across multiple organisations or through supplier/consultancy roles.
• Understanding of digital healthcare, ideally within or supporting the NHS.
• Ability to connect big-picture vision with hands-on delivery.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication, and influencing skills.
• A passion for improving patient experience through digital services.
• A trusted leader who can inspire teams and drive meaningful change.

*Rates depend on experience and client requirements