Head of Data and Analytics

Head of Data & Analytics

Noida, Uttar Pradesh

About the Role

This is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering a Group-wide Data & Analytics strategy across a multi-institution Higher Education environment. The role will lead the design, implementation, and governance of a unified enterprise data warehouse and analytics ecosystem, enabling data-driven decision-making and improved student outcomes across the full student lifecycle.

You will work at the intersection of technology, academic operations, and institutional leadership, building a single source of truth across Student Management Systems, CRMs, LMSs, and ERPs.

Important: Candidates must have prior experience in the Higher Education sector. Applications without this background will not be considered.

Role Purpose

The Head of Data & Analytics will define and execute the organisations Data & Analytics Strategy, establishing scalable, secure, and insight-driven data capabilities across multiple institutions. This role requires a visionary leader with deep expertise in higher education data models, cloud-based data platforms, and enterprise data governance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and deliver a Group-wide Data & Analytics Strategy aligned to academic, operational, and commercial goals
• Own and evolve the enterprise data architecture, ensuring alignment across all institutions
• Lead the creation of a central Data Warehouse serving as the single source of truth
• Embed data-driven decision-making across academic and operational leadership teams

Data Platform & Architecture

• Lead the design and delivery of a modern cloud-based data platform (preferably Microsoft Azure: Synapse, Data Factory, Power BI)
• Build and manage robust data pipelines integrating multiple systems (e.g. ERP, CRM, LMS, finance, and bespoke platforms)
• Define and maintain standardised student lifecycle data models (admissions to alumni)
• Ensure scalability, performance, reliability, and security of all data solutions

Analytics & Insights

• Establish a central analytics framework including enterprise dashboards, KPIs, and institutional scorecards
• Enable self-service analytics for leadership and business users
• Introduce advanced analytics and AI-driven insights (enrolment forecasting, retention, student success)
• Partner with academic and operational teams to translate insights into action

Governance & Compliance

• Design and implement a Group Data Governance Framework
• Ensure compliance with GDPR and education-sector data regulations
• Implement data quality standards, metadata management, and stewardship processes

Leadership & Collaboration

• Build and lead a central team of data architects, engineers, BI developers, and analysts
• Partner closely with institutional technology and academic leaders
• Manage external vendors, system integrators, and managed service providers

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field
• Senior leadership experience in Data, Analytics, or Business Intelligence
• Proven experience in Higher Education (multi-campus or multi-system environments strongly preferred)
• Strong expertise in cloud data platforms, ideally Microsoft Azure
• Demonstrated success delivering enterprise data warehouses and data governance frameworks
• Deep understanding of education data models (admissions, enrolment, progression, outcomes)
• Experience integrating data from ERP, LMS, CRM, and learning platforms
• Strong stakeholder management experience in complex, global organisations
• Exposure to AI/ML use cases for student success, retention, or forecasting

Desirable Experience

• ETL/ELT pipelines, API-based integrations, metadata/cataloguing tools
• Multi-region data consolidation and cross-border compliance
• Managing hybrid, offshore, or globally distributed teams

Personal Attributes

• Strategic leader with strong hands-on technical credibility
• Excellent communicator able to translate data into business and academic value
• Passion for improving education through data and technology
• Highly collaborative and outcome-focused
• Commitment to innovation, quality, and continuous improvement