Warwick Business School (‘WBS’) is the UK’s top provider of finance and business research and education. In making this appointment The Dean of WBS is seeking a Data Architect who, among other duties, develop the School’s ability to utilise its rich stream of data and management information to support its strategic aim to be a world leader in business education, research and engagement, helping to create a better global society.
This is an exciting opportunity for anyone wishing to progress their career within a dynamic and innovative organisation. You will be a member of the Academic Services section in WBS, playing a key role in managing and co-ordinating large, School-wide projects associated with the effective integration and utilisation of the School’s data, both internally within the School as well as in relation to wider, university-level data structures and services.
You will be expected to solve problems creatively and pragmatically, demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, and possess the ability to listen, mediate, advocate and negotiate in an organisation with a number of different stakeholders encompassing a range of technical experience.
You will have project management experience and will be responsible proactively for the identification, design, development and implementation of innovative data-related applications of Information Technology within the Academic Services Office. You will manage the integration of accurate data and management information, often complex in nature and inter-related, into existing and new IT-based management tools. You will lead on supporting all areas of the School in ensuring the quality of data held on School systems through establishing robust processes and procedures. You will manage the Data and Technology Integrator (Academic Services); ensuring that they effectively fulfil the expectations of their role and will work closely with them on broad, School-level projects such as the development and publication of the WBS Teaching Timetable.
In October 2014 WBS opened a London base at The Shard, one of London’s most iconic buildings. Part of your role will be to work closely with the Shard Team (who are also part of the Academic Services section of the Dean’s Office) on integration and improvement projects. You will line-manage the Technology Integrator (Academic Services).
You must have an honours degree or equivalent qualification, with a postgraduate qualification to Masters-level being advantageous. Previous line-management experience would be advantageous and, ideally, you will have previous experience of working within a complex, and rapidly changing, environment, preferably in higher education.
WBS has engaged the services of Search Higher to manage this recruitment. If you wish to apply for this role, please submit a CV and covering letter directly by email to Paula Spain, Search Higher,Recruitment Executive (paula.spain@warwick.ac.uk) as soon as possible.
Job Description
The postholder will play a key part in the governance and flow of data within WBS and across interfaces with external and University stakeholders. The post-holder will advise and work alongside colleagues in Academic Services, WBS Programme Teams and WBS eSolutions to design data structures which support the School’s strategy as articulated in its Vision, Mission and Values, whilst ensuring that institutional and legal requirements are satisfied.
The post-holder will proactively be responsible for the identification, design, development and implementation of innovative data-related uses of Information Technology within the School. The post-holder will manage the integration of accurate data and management information, often complex in nature and inter-related, into existing and new IT-based management tools.
The systems provided and managed by the role-holder are ‘leading edge’ in infrastructural, service and software development terms. WBS is a leader in the provision of academic IT services and innovative tailored systems for teaching and business applications,
The post-holder will develop and manage projects, mentor staff engaged in technology integration activities and provide consultancy services to other WBS sections and groups.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Project managing the exploitation of IT within WBS and Academic Services including The Shard. As part of WBS’s leading‐edge development team within a major revenue generating section of the University, the work of the IS Consultant (Data Architect) in Academic Services has a School‐wide impact and also contributes directly and indirectly to wider IT developments and projects within the University.
2. Perform detailed, complex, analyses of management information, business information and/or data to establish the most appropriate IMT architecture, interfaces and/or software design to be incorporated in a technology solution. These analyses are primarily for internal use but the rationales and results often form the basis for briefings and presentations to external developers, staff from other institutions, accreditation panels and other interested parties.
- Provide detailed management information to inform decision making within the School and to lead on the shape and size of data collected, including the interactivity of data sets to ensure effective and valid analysis.4. Develop a broad, comprehensive understanding of the operation and business processes of both WBS and Academic Services including The Shard, with particular emphasis on operations which may affect WBS’s prestigious academic reputation such as accreditation quality marks or which are key to maintaining the competitiveness of WBS’s academic products. On the basis of this, and the role‐holder’s technical expertise, the role‐holder provides high-level advice, guidance and support on a consultancy basis to managers of specialist operational areas.5. Responsibility for data analysis and management requiring substantial knowledge, skills and developed techniques. The role‐holder takes the lead in achieving strategies, policies and business plans acting as the recognised source of expertise and providing advice, guidance and development for team members and colleagues in WBS and the University. The postholder will be expected to design platforms to present management information to inform decision making at a senior level within the School.6. Consult and steer policy developments through School and University-level committee structures.,through strong influencing skills, based on the role‐holder’s expertise in the use of technology. Develop strategies relating to the role‐holder’s area of expertise and contribute through these to general policy within the University, WBS and Academic Services. Forward plan strategies relating to technical requirements, service developments and support activities. The role‐holder will provide expert input to policy development.
- Oversee the construction and development of WBS’s teaching timetables for both undergraduate and postgraduate populations. Ensure the Technology Integrators are liaising with their Programme Teams or sections effectively to ensure the optimal use of all technology in WBS and Academic Services (including The Shard) incorporating scenario planning for anticipated growth, including new courses and other WBS‐wide ventures.
- Undertake a leadership role in understanding changes in the external landscape relating to data integrity, shape and security especially in light of the introduction of the GDPR.
Person Specification
The Person Specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively. This is measured by (a) Application Form, (b) Test/Exercise, (c) Interview, (d) Presentation.
Essential Criteria 1
Good honours degree or equivalent experience in relevant subject area.
(a) (c)
Essential Criteria 3
Requirement at the highest level for analytical problem solving skills relating to complex issues and also requiring significant understanding of and proficiency in IT systems provision and/or the development of services or applications. (b) (c)
Essential Criteria 4
Demonstrably enhanced interpersonal skills with the proven ability to explain and/or present complex information, to develop internal and external relations and to motivate, develop and encourage high levels of performance in others. (c) (d)
Essential Criteria 5
Proven ability to effectively lead and participate in the organisation and planning of complex projects often over a long period with a client-focused attention to delivery. (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 6
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of relevant work practices, processes, policies, procedures, regulations, legislation, quality standards, accreditation standards and codes of practice. (b) (c)
Essential Criteria 7
Robust understanding of wider University and HE issues and their impact on the role and deliverables. (d)
Essential Criteria 8
Ability to think creatively in a highly regulated environment (a)(c)
Essential Criteria 9
Excellent attention to detail, and effective written communication skills. (a)
Desirable 1
Experience of working in Higher Education
Desirable 2
Experience of line management.
Further Particulars
For further information about the University of Warwick, please read our University Further Particulars.
Interview Date: 22nd May 2018