University of East London
Established in 1898, the University of East London (UEL) is proud to transform lives through education. Our mission is to pioneer careers-first education aligned with Industry 5.0, offering clear pathways to future-focused jobs and opportunities. We’re dedicated to fostering diversity within the talent pipeline, collaborating to uncover and nurture potential wherever it exists while striving for a balanced, inclusive, and sustainable future.
But we can’t accomplish this ambitious vision alone. To make this a reality, we are seeking innovative, forward-thinking, and curious individuals to join our exceptional community. As a member of our team, you’ll collaborate with a diverse group of people who share your drive to create positive change. At UEL, we champion inclusivity, progress, and innovation, never standing still or accepting the status quo.
About the Strategic Development & Delivery Team
The Strategic Development & Delivery Directorate is a newly established UEL department that collaborates with stakeholders across our institution. We blend sector expertise, institutional insight, and a commitment to progress in order to support the delivery of our long-term Vision 2028.
The Directorate comprises four primary portfolios:
- Insights & Decision Support
- Strategy & Performance
- Portfolio & Benefits
- Change & Improvement
These four service areas play a key role in driving effective decision-making, enhancing staff and student experiences, and delivering lasting, positive transformation.
About the Role: Head of Data Insight
The Head of Data Insight will provide strategic leadership in advancing UEL’s capability to produce actionable insights that support decision-making and the achievement of Vision 2028. This pivotal role involves shaping how insights are created, communicated, and applied across the University, combining data, context, and narrative to inform evidence-based planning and drive meaningful performance dialogue.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the Data Insight function, setting priorities in alignment with UEL’s strategic objectives and Vision 2028.
- Deliver a high-quality insight service that combines reporting, interpretation, and storytelling to enable effective planning, performance evaluation, and informed decision-making.
- Serve as the primary interface for insight needs, identifying business questions, prioritizing tasks, and translating requirements into actionable outputs.
- Combine internal data with external benchmarks (e.g. UCAS and HESA datasets) to deliver context and industry intelligence.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of trusted and relevant dashboards, including regulatory, market-facing, and equality/outcomes reporting.
- Foster confidence in a “single version of the truth,” championing consistent standards, definitions, and best practices.
- Strengthen organizational insight capability through coaching, guidance, and engagement—minimizing duplication and enhancing maturity.
- Shape UEL’s data strategy, uphold governance, and address data-related risks to maintain a robust and trusted insight ecosystem.
About You
You are a seasoned insight leader with a proven track record of managing data insight, analytics, or performance functions while delivering credible insights that drive planning, forecasting, and strategic decision-making. You excel in working with senior stakeholders to pinpoint key questions, prioritize initiatives, and translate data into digestible, actionable recommendations. Skilled in tools such as Power BI (and ideally data transformation platforms such as Alteryx), you are comfortable leveraging modern data infrastructure to drive results.
You bring strong strategic thinking and analytical skills paired with exceptional communication abilities to effectively tell the story behind the data, influence decisions, and cultivate a culture of evidence-based practice. As an advocate for data literacy and insight maturity, you are motivated by fostering organizational capacity and promoting progress across all levels.
How to Apply
Submit your CV alongside your online application to join us.
Benefits Package:
At UEL, we believe a role is about more than just a salary—it’s about an enriching environment and inclusive culture. We offer a highly competitive salary dependent on experience, alongside an outstanding benefits package.
To explore our comprehensive benefits offerings, visit:
UEL Benefits for Professional Services Positions
Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI):
As an inclusive and equal-opportunities employer, UEL continuously strives to advance equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our membership with Stonewall and recognition through Athena SWAN awards underscore our dedication to EDI, though we remain transparent about the work still needed to close the diversity pay gap. We’re resolute in our efforts to ensure every member of our community can flourish.
Additionally, UEL is proud to be a disability-confident employer and welcomes all applicants. Please notify us if you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
If you’re ready to elevate your career and resonate with UEL’s mission, environment, and commitment to success, apply today!
Please note: Due to anticipated high applicant volume, this advertisement may close earlier than the stated deadline. We strongly encourage early applications.