Head of Data, Analysis and Insight

North East Combined Authority; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional combined authority is seeking a Head of Data, Analysis and Insight to lead a team focused on delivering high-quality data and insights. This strategic role combines leadership with technical expertise and involves collaboration with various partners to ensure data-driven decision-making across the organization. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in data management and be passionate about building effective data solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience leading multidisciplinary data teams with a focus on analysis and insight delivery.
• Ability to develop data infrastructures and champion innovative tools.
• Strong understanding of data's role in policy-making and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead a central data, analysis, and insight team to drive decision-making.
• Develop and implement a first-class data infrastructure for the organization.
• Collaborate with partners to align datasets and share best practices.

Skills

Leadership in data teams

Data analysis and insight

Cross-organizational collaboration

Communication of data-driven insights

Job description

Put data at the heart of decision-making in the North East

The North East is entering a bold new era. With devolved powers, a newly elected Mayor, and a shared ambition for inclusive opportunity, the North East Combined Authority (NECA) is building a future shaped by evidence, insight and innovation.

About the Role:

As Head of Data, Analysis and Insight, you will lead a growing central team that provides high-quality data, evaluation and insight to drive decision-making across the organisation. Reporting to the Director of Operations, this is a rare opportunity to build a strategic function, shaping not just the systems and tools we use, but the culture of evidence-based thinking across the Combined Authority.

Your role will combine strategic leadership with technical credibility. You’ll lead a multidisciplinary team spanning data science, economic and spatial analysis, research and evaluation, and data engineering. This team will provide trusted insight to Cabinet, senior leaders and programme teams, while also delivering statutory and strategic reporting that supports everything from regional economic plans to transport reform and child poverty reduction.

As we develop ourselves as an Established Mayoral Strategic authority, our data capability must keep pace. You’ll be responsible for developing a first-class data infrastructure, championing automation, modern platforms, and innovative tools that make information accessible and actionable across the organisation. You’ll also work closely with partners, including universities, local authorities and national government, to align datasets, share best practice, and build a joined-up evidence base for the region.

A central part of this role will be applying data and evidence to support the foundational economy, the everyday services and sectors that support communities and underpin people’s quality of life. Your work will help ensure that our regional strategies are grounded in the realities of people’s lives and that the inclusive growth we’re aiming for is backed by real, place-based insight.

About You:

We’re looking for someone who combines technical depth with strategic vision. You’ll be comfortable leading data professionals, able to coach and mentor a skilled team, and will be credible as both a subject matter expert and a senior leader.

You’ll have experience working across organisational boundaries, and you’ll understand how to turn data into action, whether that’s informing a mayoral policy initiative, shaping a new transport strategy, or enabling teams to track their own performance with clarity and confidence.

This role will suit someone excited by the opportunity to build something lasting, from team structure to systems architecture, and who is ready to be a visible and valued leader across the organisation.

For a confidential conversation about this role with our retained advisors at Tile Hill, please contact:

• Chantelle Wooldridge (07557 018320, [e-mail])
• Dylan Craven (07442 408861, [e-mail])

Closing Date: Midnight on Thursday, 28^th August 2025