Overview
The Senior Data Strategy Consultant will conduct a comprehensive strategic review of the data landscape for a leading Further Education provider, collaborating closely with senior leadership to evaluate existing capabilities and develop a pragmatic roadmap for enhancing data management and governance. This fully remote role focuses on blending technical expertise with strategic advisory to drive improved insights, compliance, and decision-making across the organization.
Responsibilities
- Lead a holistic review of Management Information Systems (MIS) and data ecosystems, encompassing systems, architecture, and reporting.
- Assess data quality, governance, stewardship, and ownership frameworks, emphasizing Master Data Management.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of Microsoft data platforms and tools, including Azure, Power BI, Fabric, and Dataverse.
- Review data contributions to funding, ILR, audit, compliance, and performance reporting.
- Identify areas for improvement across people, processes, technology, and operating models.
- Produce actionable recommendations, target architecture options, and a detailed investment roadmap.
- Facilitate workshops and interviews with stakeholders to gather requirements and identify pain points.
- Define data governance roles, RACI models, and establish foundational policies and standards.
Requirements
- Proven experience in delivering enterprise data strategy or MIS assessments within complex environments.
- Strong knowledge of data architecture, governance, and Master Data Management practices.
- Expertise with Microsoft data platforms and business intelligence tools such as Azure, Power BI, Fabric, and Dataverse.
- Familiarity with Further Education and Higher Education funding, ILR requirements, and regulatory compliance in public sector environments.
- Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business outcomes and investment cases.
- Demonstrated stakeholder management and facilitation skills at senior leadership levels.
- Experience in creating consulting-grade reports, options appraisals, and strategic roadmaps.
- Significant background in data strategy, enterprise architecture, or MIS leadership roles, particularly in FE/HE or regulated public sectors.