Data Innovation and Automation Lead

Coventry City Council; Coventry; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Coventry City Council is seeking a Data Innovation and Automation Lead to drive the development and adoption of our Microsoft Fabric platform, unlocking the full value of data to improve resident outcomes.

This strategic leadership role will shape the Council's approach to modern data management, analytics and self-service capability, delivering an enterprise data platform and a roadmap for innovation across the organisation.

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering enterprise data and analytics solutions.
• Strong expertise in Microsoft Fabric, including Power BI and modern analytics architectures.
• Experience developing data strategies, governance frameworks and platform roadmaps.
• Track record of delivering data-driven transformation, automation and service improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of Azure, Microsoft data technologies and emerging AI capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development and continuous improvement of the Council's Microsoft Fabric environment.
• Establish a modern, scalable and secure data platform that supports reporting, analytics, data science and AI capabilities.
• Drive the adoption of self-service analytics, empowering staff to make better use of data in their day-to-day decision making.
• Identify opportunities to use automation, advanced analytics and emerging technologies to improve services and reduce demand.
• Work closely with senior leaders and service areas to develop innovative data-driven solutions to business challenges.
• Lead the delivery of strategic data and insight projects using Agile approaches.
• Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the organisation.
• Act as the Council's subject matter expert on modern data platforms, analytics and data-driven transformation.

Skills

Microsoft Fabric

Power BI

Azure

Data strategy

Governance

Stakeholder management

Communication

Agile

Tools

Azure Data Services

Job description

We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, is accepting of all and is free from discrimination and bias.

The Insight Team's role is to question, influence and provide understanding to make life better in Coventry.

The Insight Team collects, analyses, interprets and publishes a wide range of insights about the city, and engages with residents, communities and partners to champion a culture of evidence-based decision-making across Coventry.

Activities undertaken by the Insight team include:

• Business intelligence
• Customer and location intelligence
• Engagement and consultation support
• Evaluative research
• Performance management
• Partnership working
• Providing advice and guidance on equalities and diversity issues and ensuring the Council discharges its Public Sector Equality Duty

Areas of work supported by the Insight team include:

• Children's services
• Compliments, comments and complaints
• Customer services
• Geographical information systems
• Growth and prosperity
• Housing and homelessness
• Local land and property gazetteer
• Population health management
• Social care

Our Values

In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.

Our Values are:

• Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
• Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
• Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
• Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
• Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
• Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.

What is the job role?

Are you passionate about harnessing the power of data, analytics, automation and AI to transform public services?

We're looking for a Data Innovation and Automation Lead to lead the development and adoption of our Microsoft Fabric platform, helping Coventry City Council unlock the full value of its data and drive better outcomes for residents.

This is a strategic leadership role that will shape the Council's approach to modern data management, business intelligence, automation and self‑service analytics. You will be responsible for developing our enterprise data platform, creating a roadmap for innovation, and ensuring data becomes a key enabler of service transformation across the organisation.

As our lead for Microsoft Fabric and data innovation, you will:

• Lead the design, development and continuous improvement of the Council's Microsoft Fabric environment.
• Establish a modern, scalable and secure data platform that supports reporting, analytics, data science and AI capabilities.
• Drive the adoption of self‑service analytics, empowering staff to make better use of data in their day‑to‑day decision making.
• Identify opportunities to use automation, advanced analytics and emerging technologies to improve services and reduce demand.
• Work closely with senior leaders and service areas to develop innovative data‑driven solutions to business challenges.
• Lead the delivery of strategic data and insight projects using Agile approaches.
• Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the organisation.
• Act as the Council's subject matter expert on modern data platforms, analytics and data‑driven transformation.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence organisational strategy, shape the future of our data capability and play a leading role in our digital transformation journey.

All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK. We are currently not offering sponsorship for this role.

Who are we looking for?

We're looking for an ambitious and forward‑thinking data leader with experience of developing modern cloud‑based data platforms and translating technology into meaningful business outcomes.

You’ll combine strong technical knowledge with excellent stakeholder engagement skills and be comfortable working with both senior leaders and technical specialists.

You will ideally have:

• Significant experience delivering enterprise data and analytics solutions.
• Strong expertise in Microsoft Fabric, including Power BI and modern analytics architectures.
• Experience developing data strategies, governance frameworks and platform roadmaps.
• A track record of delivering data‑driven transformation, automation and service improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of Azure, Microsoft data technologies and emerging AI capabilities.
• Experience leading complex projects and managing competing priorities.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non‑technical audiences.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Experience of working within local government, the public sector or similarly complex organisations.
• A passion for innovation, continuous learning and using data to improve outcomes.

Most importantly, you'll be someone who can inspire others, champion the benefits of data and technology, and help build a culture where evidence, insight and innovation drive decision making.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme - As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long‑term health condition

Interview date(s): 8th September & 10 September 2026

About Coventry

Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change.

We are cutting‑edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse.

At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things.

To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities.

• If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package - to find out more please visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-vacancies

We recognise that you might use AI tools to help with your application. While these tools can be useful, please make sure that all information you provide about your experience, skills, and qualifications is accurate. What matters most to us is hearing about your experience and the achievements that truly reflect you!