Lead Data Developer

About the role
You'll join the Data Developments team, one of four specialist teams within Data Insights & Solutions (DIS), where data engineering, innovation and technology come together to deliver high-impact solutions for the UK higher education sector.
 
We're a highly skilled and forward-thinking team responsible for transforming complex data into meaningful products and services. Our work spans the automation of large-scale data pipelines, the development of bespoke reporting and visualisation solutions, and the creation of interactive tools that help users unlock valuable insights.
 
Working with technologies including Python, SQL, Power BI, Tableau, Plotly/Dash and AWS, we're constantly evolving our technical capabilities and embracing new tools and approaches to solve challenging problems.
 
What makes this team unique is our end-to-end ownership of the data journey. From data ingestion and transformation through to publication and visualisation, we work across the entire data lifecycle, giving team members exposure to a broad range of technologies and opportunities to develop their expertise.
 
 
What you’ll be doing:
In this role, you'll play a leading part in transforming complex higher education data into trusted insights, products and services used across the sector.

Design, develop and optimise automated data pipelines and systems using technologies such as SQL, Python and cloud-based tools, ensuring data moves efficiently from collection through to publication.
Extract, transform and prepare complex datasets, turning raw data into high-quality, actionable information.
Lead the development of innovative dashboards, visualisations and data products that deliver meaningful insights to stakeholders.
Take ownership of multiple projects, managing priorities, planning delivery and ensuring work is completed to agreed timescales.
Lead larger and more complex workstreams, collaborating with colleagues to define objectives, schedules and successful outcomes.
Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to automate processes, increase efficiency and enhance the quality of outputs.
Champion best practice in data engineering, analytics and governance, helping to raise standards across the organisation.
Stay at the forefront of developments in higher education data, emerging technologies and industry best practice, bringing fresh ideas and innovation to the team.
Mentor and support colleagues, sharing expertise and helping to develop the skills of junior team members.
Represent Jisc and HESA at sector events, conferences and stakeholder forums, building relationships and sharing knowledge with the wider higher education community.
Provide expert guidance and support to users of HESA data and data services.

What we are looking for:
Essential

Experience analysing quantitative data and presenting insights through clear, engaging visualisations.
Strong skills in one or more of the following: Python, SQL, Power BI, Plotly/Dash or Tableau.
A proactive problem-solver with the ability to tackle complex challenges and identify practical solutions.
Experience working with large and complex datasets, including data manipulation, analysis and reporting.
A passion for designing, building and improving automated processes and data workflows.
Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
The ability to quickly learn and apply new technologies, programming languages and visualisation tools to deliver project outcomes.

Desirable

Experience designing, building and maintaining ETL pipelines and automated data solutions.
Knowledge of open-source data and analytics tools and technologies.
Experience working with Azure SQL Databases.
Experience in AWS environments.
Knowledge of the higher education sector and its data landscape.
Experience working in Agile teams and using tools such as Jira for planning, collaboration and delivery.

Skills and personal attributes
We're looking for a talented data professional who combines technical expertise with curiosity, collaboration and a drive to make a difference.

Strong technical capability in one or more of the following: Python, SQL, Power BI, Plotly/Dash or Tableau.
Proven ability to extract, transform, analyse and quality assure complex datasets, delivering accurate, high-quality outputs.
Experience creating engaging dashboards, visualisations and interactive data tools that turn data into actionable insight.
Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to solve complex data challenges and identify innovative solutions.
A meticulous eye for detail and commitment to data quality.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to challenging deadlines.
Confident communicator, able to explain complex technical concepts clearly to a range of audiences.
A collaborative approach, building strong relationships with colleagues, stakeholders and partners.
A genuine passion for learning, with the curiosity and adaptability to embrace new technologies, tools and ways of working.
Able to provide and receive constructive feedback, supporting a culture of continuous improvement.
Empathetic, professional and able to work effectively with a diverse range of people and perspectives.

You'll Thrive Here If You...

Put customers first and focus on delivering value.
Continuously seek opportunities to learn, improve and innovate.
Want your work to have a measurable impact across the higher education sector.
Believe that the best outcomes come from inclusive, collaborative teams.
Enjoy solving complex problems and turning data into meaningful change.

Qualifications & training
Need to have

Bachelor’s degree level in a subject containing a good proportion of data, mathematical or statistical content, or equivalent experience.

Nice to have

Has a keen interest in the UK higher education sector, understanding some of the wider policy and social context. 
Master’s degree level in a subject containing a high proportion of mathematical or statistical content.

Don’t meet every single requirement?
We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they think they can’t tick every box, so we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet 100% of the requirements, but you feel this role is perfect for you. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles!
 
Hybrid working:
Specific patterns for working in the office are not mandated, and the frequency of time worked in the office is agreed with your manager. Meeting in person is something we value so you may need to travel on occasion to any of our hub offices.
 
Why work for us?
At Jisc, every role is meaningful, and every individual is valued. We foster a culture of continuous learning and personal growth, offering opportunities to develop new skills and make a real impact in education and research. With a strong focus on work-life balance, we embrace flexible working that prioritises outcomes over hours, empowering you to create a rhythm that energises both your professional and personal life.
 
Our Guiding Principles:
Jisc’s culture is powered by our four guiding principles: putting customers first, driving innovation, creating impact, and championing inclusive collaboration to deliver sustainable outcomes and shape a better future.
 
Discover the amazing benefits we provide! Here’s what you can look forward to:

Flexible work pattern, which can adapt to suit your schedules and personal commitments
31 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) that includes three closure days over Christmas
Buy up to an additional 5 days leave during the flexible benefits window
Generous flexible pension schemes
A range of wellbeing lifestyle benefits including company paid health care cash plan, mental health first aiders and support
A company culture of continuous learning with access to thousands of LinkedIn Learning courses, and lots of resources and opportunities to support your development
Financial well-being support including access to preferential loan and savings plans, mortgage advice, will writing tools and support and resources to help you make the most of your money
A wide range of discounts and cashback from retailers and big-name high-street stores
Family friendly policies including enhanced parental, maternity and paternity and co-parental leave as well as opportunity for career breaks
Support your volunteering with up to 3 days volunteer leave

Equity, diversity and inclusion: 
Jisc believe our people make all the difference in cultivating an inclusive culture that welcomes ideas, encourages innovation, and values belonging.
 
We work hard to create an equitable experience for our candidates and workforce which embraces all aspects of their identity including race and ethnicity, religion and belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, trans identities, age, class, disability, neurodivergence, or veteran status.
 
Application process:
Please let us know how we can best accommodate you throughout the recruitment process. We’re committed to making our process accessible and comfortable for everyone - just tell us what works best for you.
 
Just so you know, we review CVs as soon as we can and aim to provide an update on your application within 4 weeks of receiving it.  However, you may hear from us a lot sooner, so please keep an eye out for our emails or calls! 
 
We’re really looking forward to getting to know the real you. While we encourage the use of AI tools to help you get started on your CV or cover letter, we encourage you to review your application before submitting. Make sure it truly reflects your own voice, experiences, and personality.
 
If you are currently a Jisc employee, please apply through your Dayforce Employee profile.
 
We have a thorough background screening process that verifies the details you share with us in your CV and your application. Any inaccurate information supplied during the application stages can lead to a job offer being withdrawn. 
 
 
Sponsorship:
 Please note that this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. This decision is based on current Home Office eligibility criteria, which require specific conditions to be met in terms of job type, salary level, and other factors. As such, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.
 
No agencies please.