Senior Data Platform Manager

This role is an integral part of a shift in service ownership for Power BI and Microsoft Fabric. The service was previously owned by Computing and Information Services (CIS) and is now owned by the Strategy, Planning and Insight Office (SPIO). This innovative way of working will ensure that the new institutional data platform (in Microsoft Fabric) is aligned with organisational priorities and customer needs.

The post holder will be responsible for the end-to-end management of the Power BI/Fabric platform, including its design, configuration, deployment, support, maintenance, and continuous improvement. They will lead the delivery of technology change in support of the organisation's Data Strategy, enabling better use of data as a strategic asset.

Service Delivery/Development:
Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University's values. Develop and promote an in-depth understanding of University policy and external developments relevant to your role. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of external developments, including the Microsoft Fabric roadmap and evolving platform capabilities, to ensure the service remains aligned with best practice and user needs. Ensure that policy and regulatory standards are met in the design, configuration, and operation of the Power BI and Microsoft Fabric services. Use professional knowledge and experience as a data platform and analytics practitioner to resolve technical and service-related issues, shape platform processes and user engagement activities, develop and optimise system configurations, and provide subject matter expertise and advice. Provide specialist advice on the analysis and interpretation of complex data and information, and make recommendations for service improvements. Support the team to create testing plans and test and validate the configuration, functionality, and security of Power BI and Microsoft Fabric environments, ensuring that datasets, reports, and access controls meet organisational standards and governance requirements. In collaboration with the Senior Data Governance Manager, contribute to the design, implementation and monitoring of policies, standards and procedures governing access to and use of data within the Microsoft Fabric platform. Look for ways to continually improve services and take a lead role in the development and implementation of assigned policies, processes and standards. Instigate and manage business process reviews to improve the service. Ensure data (commercially sensitive and/or personal) is appropriately stored and managed.

Planning and Organisation:
Contribute to the development of operational and strategic-level plans. Scope, plan and implement large scale/University-wide initiatives to ensure that shared institutional datasets in the Microsoft Fabric platform deliver value to analyst users. Lead and manage the development of institutional datasets such as core HR, research, student and finance data. Monitor usage and performance, providing progress reports and taking action to ensure agreed outcomes are met. Promote a culture of iterative delivery focusing on frequent value to customers. Lead the design and implementation of transformative service developments. Design, configure, and maintain the data platform tools, environments, and resources required for effective delivery and continual improvement of the Power BI and Microsoft Fabric service. Research technological trends and developments to determine implications, risks and opportunities. Manage and monitor health and safety assessments and security procedures. Monitor expenditure and capacity of the Fabric platform and participate in contract evaluation activity with CIS.

Teamwork:
Provide oversight for short-term/temporary data project teams. Contribute to developing the skills and expertise of colleagues in the MI Hub team. Share good practice in BI development, data modelling and modern data platform tools to help colleagues build their capability.

Communication/Liaison:
Influence University policy and standards by leading operational business meetings, working groups and sub-committees. Plan and deliver training on Power BI development and the use of shared institutional datasets in Microsoft Fabric. Provide professional guidance and advice when managing complaints, queries and service requests related to the Power BI and Fabric service. Build and establish contacts and networks with key stakeholders, internal and external staff, suppliers, and industry specialists. Create positive internal working relationships, actively contributing to forums such as the BI Community and other stakeholder groups. Develop and maintain external networks to increase professional knowledge and skills. Represent the service and University at promotional events. Deputise for the Head of Business Intelligence occasionally as required.

Person Specification – Essential Criteria:
Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience). Professional practitioner with specialist knowledge of dimensional/semantic data modelling (e.g. star schemas, complex relationships and calculation logic), whether within BI tools such as Power BI or on data warehouse or modern data platform services, with the expertise to influence service delivery and activities within the organisation. Experience of participating in networks to share and discuss good practice and develop strong and productive working relationships. Experience of leading the delivery of data or analytics service or platform projects that bring together diverse functions within an educational, commercial or industrial environment to meet organisational needs. Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including presenting to and influencing senior managers. Experience of implementing policies and procedures and supporting service improvements. Track record of working as part of a multidisciplinary team to lead colleagues through project or service delivery. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, and Power BI, together with knowledge of modern data platform technologies such as Microsoft Fabric (or equivalent). Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition. Professional knowledge and experience of information governance and cyber security compliance and regulations. Ability to solve complex data and platform-related problems and decide on and plan appropriate technical and strategic solutions. Extensive knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines. Ability to plan the delivery of a technology-based service at operational and strategic levels.

Desirable Criteria:
Technical experience with enterprise data warehouse solutions, statistical analysis tools, database systems, and data visualisation applications, such as Microsoft Fabric or equivalent.

Benefits:
30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days (42 days total). Generous pension scheme (USS). Parking across campus, cycle to work scheme, and discounts with local bus and train companies. Comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications. Discounted membership for sport and gym facilities and access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme. On-site nursery and access to holiday camps for children aged 5–16. Generous family friendly policies including maternity and adoption leave. Staff volunteering opportunities. Discounts via benefits portal including supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products, cinema and days out. Salary sacrifice scheme. Relocation support including removal costs assistance and help with visas (most visa costs covered and interest-free loan for dependant visas).