Head of Data & Analytics (London)

Gedu Global; City Of London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the United Kingdom is seeking a Head of Data and Analytics to spearhead the design and implementation of a Group-wide data warehouse and analytics ecosystem. This role aims to elevate decision-making and enhance student outcomes through innovative data strategies. The ideal candidate will possess robust experience in higher education, including cloud data platforms and the establishment of data governance frameworks. This full-time position is based in London and requires a strategic mindset, along with strong leadership and collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Higher Education data systems and governance.
• Deep understanding of education data models across the student lifecycle.
• Strong expertise in cloud data platform architecture.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of a Group-wide data warehouse.
• Develop a central analytics framework for enterprise dashboards.
• Establish GEDU's Data Governance Framework and policies.

Skills

Data Architecture

Business Intelligence

Cloud data platforms

Stakeholder management

AI / ML models

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, or related discipline

Tools

Azure Synapse

Power BI

Data Factory

Job description

Head of Data and Analytics

As GEDU continues to evolve its digital and data capabilities, we are seeking a Head of Data and Analytics to lead the design, implementation, and governance of a Group-wide data warehouse and analytics ecosystem. This role is pivotal in building a unified, insight-driven organization that connects data across all GEDU institutions to enable better decision-making and improved student outcomes.

Role Purpose

The Head of Data and Analytics will define and deliver GEDUs Data and Analytics Strategy, establishing a robust foundation for data-driven transformation across the Group. You will architect the GEDU Data Warehouse, build enterprise-wide data pipelines, and enable advanced analytics that unify information from our Student Management Systems, CRMs, LMSs, and ERPs. This leadership role demands a visionary thinker with a deep understanding of higher education data models, modern cloud technologies, and cross-institutional data governance.

Work Model: Onsite (Fulltime)

Job Location: GBS Greenford

Industry Required: Higher Education

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the GEDU Group Data and Analytics Strategy, aligned with GEDUs strategic, academic, and operational objectives.
• Define and oversee the GEDU Group Data Architecture, ensuring seamless integration of data across all entities and systems.
• Lead the design and implementation of the GEDU Data Warehousea single source of truth for student, academic, finance, HR, and marketing data.
• Partner with entity leaders to embed data-driven decision-making in academic and operational planning.

Data Platform & Architecture

• Lead the end-to-end design and implementation of a modern, cloud-based data platform (preferably on Microsoft Azure, leveraging Synapse, Data Factory, and Power BI).
• Build and manage data pipelines for ingesting, transforming, and harmonizing data from multiple systems (e.g., Unit4, Zoho, Moodle, Panopto, Salesforce, Thesis & home‑grown systems).
• Establish and maintain standardized data models that reflect the student lifecycle from admissions through to alumni engagement.
• Ensure scalability, performance, and reliability of all data solutions.

Analytics & Insights

• Develop a central analytics framework to deliver enterprise dashboards, performance KPIs, and institutional scorecards.
• Empower business users and leadership with self‑service analytics via Power BI or similar tools.
• Lead the introduction of advanced analytics and AI‑driven insights for forecasting enrolments, tracking retention, and optimizing student outcomes.
• Collaborate with academic and operations teams to turn data into actionable insights.

Governance & Compliance

• Establish GEDUs Data Governance Framework, defining roles, policies, and standards across all institutions.
• Ensure full compliance with GDPR, data protection, and sector‑specific regulations.
• Implement data quality management, metadata catalogues, and stewardship processes.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Build and lead a central Data and Analytics team comprising data architects, engineers, BI developers, and analysts.
• Work closely with institutional CTOs, Registrars, and leadership teams to align local needs with Group standards.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, implementation partners, and managed service providers.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related discipline.
• In‑depth experience in Data Architecture, Analytics, or Business Intelligence leadership roles.
• Proven experience in the Higher Education sector, ideally across multi‑campus or multi‑system environments.
• Strong expertise in cloud data platforms (preferably Azure Synapse, Data Factory, and Power BI).
• Demonstrated success in enterprise data warehouse design, system integration, and data governance.
• Deep understanding of education data models, including admissions, enrolment, academic progression, attendance, and outcomes.
• Experience integrating data from systems such as Unit4, Moodle, Zoho, Salesforce, Panopto, or similar.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management experience within a complex, global organisational structure.
• Experience with AI / ML models for student success, retention, or operational forecasting.

Desirable Experience

• Understanding of ETL / ELT pipelines, API integrations, and metadata management.
• Exposure to multi‑region data consolidation and cross‑border compliance.
• Previous experience managing hybrid and offshore teams.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic mindset with the ability to execute at both technical and leadership levels.
• Strong communicator who can translate complex data concepts into business value.
• Passion for improving education through data and technology.
• Highly collaborative, with a focus on enabling institutional success through shared data capabilities.
• Commitment to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.