Head of Student Data

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Data Connect () is a strategic priority initiative by the University of Sheffield and is one of the University’s Centres of Excellence. It has direct funding from the University Executive Board and the Yorkshire and Humber Secure Data Environment (YHSDE) to develop a sustainable service to support Health and Social Care Data Research across the University and in the wider region.
The Data Connect service team is made up of Data Managers, Data Scientists, Project Managers and draws on support from Platforms and Systems Engineers and specialists from other teams. We are seeking someone who is a strategic planner, who can ensure the Data Connect service is sustainable, adaptable, and positioned to meet the future demands of regional health data research.
The individual needs to have the ability to manage a large and complex portfolio of work, balancing operational priorities with long-term strategic goals in a fast-evolving health and social care data landscape.A background in the technical practice, processes and governance needed to support research in the exciting field of health data is also highly desirable.
Work with external groups and stakeholders to understand and adapt to activity and legislative changes in the use of health data in research across the UK (e.g. the NHS SDE and Health Data Research Service policy development).
Liaise with researchers across the University (and beyond) to understand and promote how Data Connect can provide end to end data requirements for their current and future research projects.
Create and maintain a strategic vision, roadmaps and plans to continue to develop the Data Connect service to meet the needs of the researchers and the strategic goals of the University, national ambitions in data science and work with regional partners, especially the YH SDE and South Yorkshire ICB to achieve this.
Develop and maintain a pipeline of funded work that allows the Data Connect service to become sustainable.
Manage the Data Connect team, both the core team and any project specific staff, ensuring that all team members have the capabilities to run the service and provide the support required by researchers. Provide appropriate oversight, monitoring, visibility and reporting on roadmaps, plans, budgets and risks to stakeholders within ITS and the wider University
Work with other colleagues across the University including those in Research and Innovation IT and the wider ITS department to support improvements in how we work together
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. Demonstrable ability to lead the development and improvement of products and services, using understanding and analysis of the UK sector landscape to create a strategic vision
Experience of the data governance of sensitive health data for research e.g. patient health records including knowledge of the use of data in research and data security standards eg. NHS DSPT, ISO27001, UK GDPR and Data Protection law
Prior experience of managing sizable budgets and financial contracting.
Experience with risk-based approach to information security
Experience of leading a team of specialists and supporting them to continuously develop and improve a data/technical service.
Skills in analysis, negotiation and strategic decision making
Demonstrable ability to motivate high performance in others
Knowledge of the UK SDE Network and experience of working with regional SDEs
Experience of working in collaboration with academic and ‘non-traditional’ researchers, e.g. NHS Clinicians, Ambulance Service support staff, and researchers employed by commercial organisations
61,759 to £69,488 with progression to £80,524 with sustained exceptional performance
Full-time
Head of Research and Innovation IT
Senior Research Project Manager
Data Connect Service Administrator
Our website
(For informal enquiries about this job contact Saul Cozens, Head of Research and Innovation IT on s.It is anticipated that the selection process will consist of an interview (including a presentation) for a panel of IT Service and Academic staff, and a stakeholder panel. Contact it-services-recruitment@sheffield.A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
Generous pension scheme.
A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
integrated with our Academic Career Pathways and Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
A range of generous family-friendly policies
paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
paid time off and support for fertility treatment
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria you will be invited to to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Criminal record
A basic DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role .
Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision () outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.