Head of Data Transformation

As our Head of Data Transformation, you will have the opportunity to shape and influence organisational strategy, performance and transformation outcomes that deliver real impact for our residents and communities. Reporting directly to the Director of Strategy, Engagement and Change, you will lead a transformative journey in data and performance management across a dynamic and forward-thinking council. What you will be doing:

• It will be your responsibility to lead the development and implementation of a council-wide Data Strategy, engaging with departments across the council and external partners.
• You will ensure our Data Strategy aligns with the Council Plan and medium-term Financial Strategy, and you will develop our Performance Management Framework to support this.
• Driving a programme of data transformation, you will improve data maturity and unlock efficiencies through automation and emerging technologies, including AI.
• Providing expert advice to senior leaders and elected members, you will influence decision-making and support cross-council data initiatives of which you will have prior experience.
• Overseeing strategic planning and operational delivery across multiple teams, you will ensure high-quality services and continuous improvement.
• It will be key for you to champion a culture of data-driven decision making, embedding robust governance and performance analysis tools.
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, you will deliver service outcomes and manage complex projects that support long-term organisational goals.

Do you have experience in Negotiation?, * It is essential you hold either a degree in a relevant subject such as business administration, data science or mathematics, or have equivalent senior-level experience leading data and/or digital transformation programmes.

• We require you to have developed expertise in data management, business intelligence and performance management, with a proven track record of delivery in one of these specific areas and in-depth knowledge of the data journey from collection through to visualisation. We are not asking for deep technical expertise in data infrastructure but in how data is used in an organisation.
• You must have experience in developing and implementing data strategies, working with data maturity models and driving transformation in complex organisations.
• Key to this role will be your strong leadership skills and the ability to engage, inspire and challenge, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• You will have excellent stakeholder management and a strategic mindset with the ability to negotiate, coordinate and plan effectively, building trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation.
• Given the elements of this role, you must have a solid understanding of the legislative, regulatory and best practice standards affecting data and performance management in the public sector landscape.
• A key requirement is commercial acumen, with the ability to make informed decisions that balance cost, value and strategic impact.

* This is a hybrid role, working from home and based in our offices in Yate as needed. Interviews will be held on 28th November 2025. How a career at South Gloucestershire Council is different: * We know our team work best when they have balance in their lives and we offer genuine flexibility to help them achieve that work/life balance. * We value our staff as individuals, investing in their careers and we are recognised for the quality, breadth and depth of our training and development offer, which helps make the greatest long-term difference in work. * We recognise that our diverse team of skilled and dedicated people make us a great place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and developed on the basis of their merits and abilities. Our teams at South Gloucestershire Council are making a real difference to the lives of people who live, work and learn here. * We're providing essential services across our internal network to ensure we can fully support our community. * We're positive and forward thinking, always looking for new and innovative ways of working work and were ambitious about the future. We've achieved a great deal, but we need talented and dedicated people to ensure we continue to make a difference. We're making a difference, be part of it!