Data Strategy Manager

Data Strategy Manager

£54,267 -£57,402 per annum

2 Years Fixed Term

Newham Dockside, London

Please attach your CV and a supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role. 

About Us

Newham is a place that is full of potential and brimming with energy and talent. Proud to be one of the youngest and most diverse boroughs anywhere in the UK, 72% of our residents are from ethnically diverse communities, speaking over 220 languages and our population of 351,000 is growing at a rate of 14%, the third highest rate of growth in London.

In recent years we have seen unparalleled levels of investment, growth, and interest in our Borough, but for all our successes, Covid-19 laid bare the endemic inequality that exists in our borough and how now, the Cost of Living crisis is exacerbating that. That’s why we are working towards Building a Fairer Newham, focused on economic security, health, equality and the environment.

About the Role

Newham offers a unique and exciting opportunity to build your career in a forward-thinking environment. The Council has recently launched its Data Strategy and is now entering an important phase of delivery, setting the stage for transformative change. As the Data Strategy Manager within the Digital, Data, and Service Design service, you will play a critical role in driving the implementation of key workstreams within this strategy, ensuring that Newham’s data initiatives align with its broader goals.

In this role, you will collaborate closely with a range of service teams and senior leaders to co-deliver initiatives that focus on data governance, architecture, accountability, skills development, and the essential infrastructure needed for the successful integration of AI. You will be responsible for ensuring the seamless connection between business, product, and technical teams, with clear communication, managing stakeholder expectations, monitoring progress, and removing obstacles that may hinder project success.

Additionally, you will oversee the development and implementation of organisation-wide data practices, ensuring all initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and meet the highest quality standards. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the way in building a data-driven culture that will have a lasting impact on the Council’s services and residents.

About You

You will have a strong track record of delivering and implementing data strategies, data governance frameworks, and large-scale data management programmes. You will possess a deep understanding of data management principles, including data quality, metadata management, master data management, and data stewardship, which will enable you to lead complex initiatives with confidence.

You will have experience working with cross-functional teams to embed governance practices into operational services, ensuring their effective implementation and sustainability. You will be skilled in monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on data initiatives, with a proven ability to identify risks, gaps, and opportunities for improvement, and to take proactive steps to address them.

You will be knowledgeable about data literacy and change management strategies, using these to advance culture change and encourage the adoption of governance practices and data-driven decision making across the organisation. You will also have the ability to plan, manage, and deliver complex data governance and strategy initiatives on time, within scope, and to a high standard.

You should excel at building strong relationships with senior leaders, service managers, and board-level stakeholders, securing buy-in and driving the adoption of data initiatives. You will communicate complex information clearly and persuasively, ensuring stakeholders are aligned and informed.

You will have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data, identify risks and opportunities, and translate findings into actionable recommendations that drive meaningful change.

You should be familiar with tools and platforms for data governance, metadata management, data visualisation, and data quality monitoring, such as SQL, Microsoft Purview, and Power BI. Your understanding of Agile principles and frameworks will allow you to implement these practices effectively across teams, driving productivity and continuous improvement.

You will have strong negotiation and communication skills, enabling you to influence key decisions and engage with directors and senior managers to meet evolving performance reporting needs. You will also be experienced in building positive stakeholder relationships and navigating complex or sensitive matters, developing product strategies, and coaching others in product management best practices.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements including offices in Dockside and working from home.
• Generous pension allowance (with employer contributions of up to 8%)
• Access to Newham Rewards employee benefits scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Eye test and Flu vouchers

If you have any questions, please contact Arsalan Engineer, Head of Data and AI: Arsalan.Engineer@newham.gov.uk

IMPORTANT: If you are an LBN member of staff and applying for this role as a secondment you should note that secondments are subject to the agreement of your current employing service. Please ensure that you inform your line manager of your intention to apply for the post in the first instance.

Please view JD here

Closing date: 3rd February 2026

Additional Information

We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.

The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found by https://www.cifas.org.uk/fpn.