Statutory Data Returns Manager - 1089-26

Lancaster University; Lancashire; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancaster University is seeking a Statutory Data Returns Manager to lead a central data team delivering student statutory returns, data governance and assurance that informs understanding of student experience and outcomes.

The role is permanent, full-time with a hybrid pattern; flexible working opportunities are available. You will manage data quality, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive improvements across large datasets and systems.

Qualifications

• This role requires experience managing data returns or related compliance processes in a large organisation with data quality and governance implementations.
• Technical experience with large, complex datasets and relational databases, plus data workflows, transformation, analysis and assurance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation, optimisation and submission of statutory student data returns.
• Develop understanding of required data across systems and data flows to meet statutory requirements.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to compile data, resolve quality issues and improve data assurance processes.

Skills

Data governance

Data quality management

Relational databases

Data workflows

Analytical problem-solving

Stakeholder collaboration

Line-management

Tools

SQL

Data transformation

Job description

Statutory Data Returns Manager

Planning and Analytics

Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK

Salary: £47,389 to £56,535 Full Time, Indefinite

Closing Date: Sunday 22 November 2026

Interview Date: Thursday 03 December 2026

Reference: 1089-26

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a central team of data experts delivering student statutory returns, building effective data governance and assurance processes, and directly informing our understanding of student experience and outcomes.

The Opportunity

As Statutory Data Returns Manager, you will:

• lead the preparation, optimisation and submission of statutory student data returns;
• develop a deep understanding of the data required from the institution to meet statutory requirements, including data flows across systems;
• collaborate with internal stakeholders to compile necessary data, identify and resolve data quality issues, and enhance data assurance processes.

About You

You will have experience managing data returns or related compliance processes within a large organisation, including implementing data quality and governance processes. Technical experience of working with large and complex datasets, relational databases and data workflows, including data transformation, analysis and assurance is also essential.

The ideal candidate will be a highly analytical problem-solver, with the ability to understand, interpret and relay complex information and requirements. We are also looking for proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to resolve data quality issues and drive continuous improvements in data processes. You will also have experience of line-management, including effective prioritisation of work and team development.

Knowledge of the UK Higher Education sector and policy environment, as well as experience delivering Higher Education statutory returns is desirable but not essential.

Contract

This post is offered on a permanent full-time basis with a hybrid working pattern. We are happy to talk about flexible working opportunities.

Contact

To find out more about this opportunity, please contact Mark Yoxon, Co-Director of Strategic Planning and Governance with any questions, or for an informal discussion about the role ([e-mail])

Further Details

Job Description

Person Specification

Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.

Find out what it's like to work at Lancaster University, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace.

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We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.