Trust Data Manager in Lancashire

Trust Data Manager - Interim | Negotiable Dep on Exp
North West Based with Travel Across Partner Schools

Are you an ambitious and highly skilled educational data professional looking for an opportunity to lead data strategy across multiple schools?

Do you have extensive experience of managing MIS platforms, delivering high-level performance analysis and using data to drive school improvement?

Hays Education is working in partnership with a growing and forward-thinking education organisation seeking to appoint an experienced Trust Data Manager to provide strategic leadership of data systems, reporting and analysis across a network of schools in the North West.

This is a leadership support role offering an experienced school data professional who is ready to move beyond operational data management and take ownership of data strategy, compliance, systems development and school improvement reporting across multiple sites.

Your New Role

As the interim Data Lead for the Trust, you will be responsible for developing and delivering an outstanding data management function that supports executive leaders, headteachers and school improvement teams in making informed decisions that improve outcomes for pupils.

Key responsibilities will include:

Strategic Data Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of a multi-school data strategy.
• Provide senior leaders with meaningful analysis and insights to support school improvement.
• Analyse trends and performance indicators, identifying areas for targeted intervention and development.
• Present complex data clearly to Headteachers, Governors and other stakeholders.

MIS & Systems Management

• Lead the management, development and optimisation of SIMS and associated systems.
• Oversee data integrity, system configuration, upgrades and integrations.
• Develop efficient processes and consistent data practices across all schools.
• Evaluate new technologies and reporting tools to enhance data management.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Produce and oversee high-quality reports, dashboards and performance analysis.
• Monitor attainment, progress, attendance, behaviour, SEND and key pupil groups.
• Support schools in preparing for Ofsted inspections and accountability reviews.
• Deliver accurate and timely information to inform strategic planning and decision-making.

Compliance & Statutory Returns

• Lead on school census submissions and statutory reporting requirements.
• Maintain robust quality assurance processes to ensure data accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR, data protection legislation and DfE requirements.
• Act as the organisation's lead adviser on data governance and best practice.

School Support & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work collaboratively with school leaders to strengthen the use of data across the curriculum and wider school operations.
• Deliver training and guidance to staff on MIS systems, reporting and data interpretation.
• Support multiple schools with data-related projects and improvement initiatives.
• Travel across schools within the North West as required to provide hands-on support and strategic guidance.

Leadership & Development

• Provide leadership and direction to data and administrative staff where applicable.
• Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Support the development of data capability across schools through coaching, training and best practice sharing.
  
  What You'll Need to Succeed
  
  To be successful in this role, you'll need:
• Significant experience in a senior school data management role.
• Experience working across multiple schools, academies or trusts.
• Knowledge of Power BI, SQL, Arbor, Bromcom or other reporting systems.
• Experience of working with assessment, attendance, behaviour and attainment data.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into meaningful insights.
• Strong project management and organisational abilities.
• Up-to-date knowledge of GDPR and data protection requirements.
• Experience supporting senior leaders with strategic decision-making.
• The ability to travel between schools across the North West as required.

What You Need to Do Now

If you're interested in this Data Manager opportunity, click 'Apply Now' to submit your up-to-date CV or contact the Hays Education team for a confidential discussion.

If this role isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position within school business support or educational leadership, please get in touch to discuss other opportunities available across Lancashire and the North West.

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