Head of Data Insights in 1 Abbey Wood Rd, ME19 4YT West Malling

Location: Kings Hill / Hybrid

Salary: Up to £70,000 per annum

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Are you a people-focused data leader who can bring together technical expertise, strategic thinking and excellent stakeholder engagement?

As Head of Data Insights, you'll lead and develop CSG's Data Insights function, bringing together Data Partners and Data Engineers to turn complex data into insight, intelligence and solutions that support better decision-making across the Group. You'll set the direction for the function while ensuring great ideas translate into practical, measurable business value.

Just as importantly, you'll be the visible face of Data Insights across the organisation. We're looking for an engaging and approachable leader who enjoys building relationships, creating connections and bringing people with them. You'll give an experienced and independent team clear direction and support, creating an environment where technical specialists can do their best work while continuing to develop and collaborate.

Who we are

Commercial Services Group (CSG) is one of the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading organisations, operating 35+ businesses across education, energy, IT, procurement, HR and more.

With over 1,700 employees, our ambition is to create value and impact for every customer, every day.

Our mission is simple. We support the delivery of better public services to help people live, learn and thrive. This purpose underpins everything we do.

A significant proportion of our profits is reinvested into frontline public services, enabling us to combine commercial performance with meaningful social value.

Why this role matters

You will play a key role in shaping how data is used across CSG, ensuring leaders and teams have access to high-quality insight and intelligence that helps them make better informed decisions.

This is a role where people leadership, influence and strategic data expertise are equally important. You'll own the Data Insights roadmap, establish clear priorities and champion the team's capabilities across the organisation while strengthening data governance, quality and standards.

What you'll be doing

• Leading, coaching and developing a multidisciplinary team of Data Partners/Analysts and Data Engineers

• Setting the strategic direction and roadmap for Data Insights across the Group

• Managing and prioritising the team’s portfolio of work across strategic projects, transformation and operational requirements

• Acting as the visible ambassador for Data Insights, building strong relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders

• Translating business challenges into effective data, intelligence and insight solutions

• Leading the development of data governance standards, policies and frameworks across the organisation

• Overseeing data platforms, engineering capabilities and integration approaches to improve data quality, accessibility and reliability

• Demonstrating the value and impact of Data Insights through clear performance measures and communication

What we’re looking for

• Proven leadership experience within data, analytics, business intelligence or data engineering (preferable)

• Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams of technical and business-facing professionals

• A confident, engaging and approachable leadership style, with the ability to motivate independent specialists and bring people together

• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the confidence to build relationships at senior levels across the organisation

• Experience developing data strategies, roadmaps and prioritised portfolios of work

• Knowledge of data governance, data quality and modern data engineering principles

• The ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business language and demonstrate the value of data initiatives

• A proactive and collaborative approach, combining strong people leadership with commercial and strategic thinking

What you’ll get in return

• Salary of up to £70,000 per annum

• 25 days annual leave, rising in line with policy for the role

• Birthday Day Off

• One concessionary day during the Christmas period

• Pension scheme with 6% employer contribution

• Life assurance cover

• Access to Learning & Development opportunities via our CSG Academy

• Hybrid/flexible working

Why CSG?

CSG is the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading company (LATCO), generating over £700 million in revenue per annum and supporting more than 16,000 education and public sector customers globally.

We are growing through a combination of organic development, acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Our businesses deliver services across education, IT, HR, legal, energy, procurement and more, all focused on delivering meaningful impact.

As a locally owned organisation, we take pride in reinvesting a significant proportion of our profits into frontline services, helping strengthen the communities we serve.

Inclusion & Accessibility

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from suitably qualified people of all backgrounds.

As a member of Inclusive Employers with Silver Accreditation, we are actively building an environment that supports inclusion, flexibility and belonging for all colleagues.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our application and interview process; please let us know if you require any.