Data Services Business Partner

onlyFE; England; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading further education institution in the UK is seeking a Data Services Business Partner to maintain excellent relationships within the Data Services and Exams Team. This role demands strong communication skills and a solid understanding of funding regulations within Further Education. The successful candidate will undertake various responsibilities, including managing resources, creating audit procedures, and engaging with user groups to enhance data services, all in a supportive, diverse environment.

Benefits

Enhanced Pension contributions scheme

30 Days annual leave + 8 Bank Holidays

Employee assistance programme

Free Parking at campuses

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of funding organizations in Further Education.
• Experience in user relationship management.
• Ability to enhance data submission accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Manage relationships between Data Services and teaching academies.
• Create audit procedures to ensure compliance with funding regulations.
• Support the student journey from application to certification.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Understanding of funding rules

Proactive relationship management

Data analysis skills

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Business Intelligence reports

Job description

Data Services Business Partner

Salary - £32,532 - £36,566

Full time

About us

The Sheffield College is a further and higher education institution dedicated to providing academic, vocational, and professional qualifications to approximately 13,000 young people and adults annually. Our mission is to transform lives through learning, advocating for inclusivity and diversity at every stage.

About the role

This professional services role is responsible for the strengthening and maintenance of an excellent working relationship between the Data Services function within the Data Services and Exams Team and teaching academies in the College. A significant level of professional autonomy, independent decision making and proactiveness is required. You will have very strong communication skills and a good understanding of Further Education qualifications and The Department for Education (DfE) and The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) funding rules. You will have a working knowledge of Funding Organisations in Further Education and a solid understanding of fees policies, fee waivers, timetable processes and Individual Learner Record submissions. This role will support the ‘Student Journey’ from application to certification and progression in a ‘Student First’ focused team.

Main Responsibilities

• Understanding and planning the use of resources of the Data Services Function by understanding the requirement of academies
• Working with the Data Services, Funding and Compliance Manager and Director of Data and Funding compliance to create robust Audit procedures, keeping the Sheffield College in line with DFE and SYMCA funding rules and regulations.
• Regularly meeting staff in academies to understand their curriculum offer, their delivery models and their student demographic
• Working with Data Officers and Administrators to understand Funding rules and working towards clean and accurate ILR submissions.
• Use root cause analysis to stop errors recurring and to continuously improve processes
• Working with Data Officers and Administrators to streamline the management Timetable and Attendance rules.
• Using data from Business Intelligence reports to support staff in making informed and student-first decisions to maintain compliance and increase performance.
• Embrace technology to modernise and streamline efficiencies within the Data Services team, moving away from email communications to move to Microsoft Office Forms and Census applications to create increased validation and audit robust procedures.
• Refresh and maintain Service Level Agreements that document the services provided by Data Services and the KPIs associated with them
• Proactively engage with user groups to share best practice around Data Services functions.
• Create and maintain process flows and a library of process documentation to ensure consistency and provide contingency for staff absence/turnover
• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with Professional Services staff throughout the college.

What we can offer you

As the successful candidate, you will be offered a salary of between £32,532 - £36,566 per annum based upon a combination of the skills, knowledge and experience that you can bring to the role.

Our benefits

• Enhanced Pension contributions scheme with SYPA - 17.1%
• Annual leave - 30 Days (222 hours) + 8 Bank Holidays (59.2 hours)- this includes a discretionary Christmas closure period
• Health and wellbeing, we offer
• Employee assistance programme through Bupa
• Occupational Health through PAM
• Free eye tests for VDU users
• Free Parking is available at the majority of our campuses

Further information can be found on our Benefits and Career Development pages.

Disability Confident

We are a Disability Confidentemployer and are committed to removing barriers for applicants with a disability during our recruitment process, upon appointment and as an employee. Please review ourRecruitment Guidelines for Disabled Candidates which provides further information on reasonable adjustments and how the Disability Confident scheme works in practice. If you require any reasonable adjustments or any support at any point throughout the process, please contact [e-mail]

Armed Forces Covenant

As part of our commitment through the Armed Forces Covenant,we’re pledged to support the Armed Forces Community. Recognising the value Personnel, Veterans and military families contribute to our community and country.

Safeguarding

We are an employer who is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students. Successful applicants will be required to have an enhanced DBS check and will be subject to safer recruiting procedures. Further details on our safer recruiting procedures, including the employment of ex-offenders can be found here Safeguarding

Next Steps

To apply: Click apply online.

As a Leader in Diversity employer, we encourage applications from everyone and value diversity in our workforce.

Closing date: 19th December 2025

Please be aware – If we have a high number of applications, we may decide to close the vacancy earlier.