Head of Data Applications

As Head of Data and Applications you lead data management, software development and information governance to support transformation while preserving delivery and KPIs. You will align technology investments with the organisation’s strategy and future clinical trials needs, building strong cross‑functional partnerships within the University and wider collaborators. You drive data strategy, digital transformation and regulatory compliance across platforms and services. This is a high-impact role shaping data-enabled clinical research and operational excellence.

• 41 days leave
• pension scheme
• flexible working
• health and wellbeing benefits
• relocation assistance
• potential sponsorship under visa routes

• Provide operational leadership across data management, software applications and information governance, including line management of senior managers and staff.
• Plan and allocate resources to meet objectives, service levels and KPIs during significant change.
• Lead the creation and evolution of a comprehensive data strategy leveraging multiple data sources and cloud-based and physical data solutions.
• Oversee major digital transformation initiatives with change management, risk management and business continuity.
• Develop future operating models for Data Management and Software Development to ensure sustainability and efficiency.
• Govern and optimize the electronic data capture and clinical trial applications portfolio (OpenClinica and bespoke services) with secure interfaces and APIs.
• Manage full lifecycle of research data collection, processing, and governance with standardised protocols and metrics.
• Lead complex data handling activities including merging, wrangling and structuring datasets for research.
• Produce documentation related to data strategy, governance and software development, including governance records and data linkage applications.
• Contribute to budgeting, resource models and potential funding sources for infrastructure, cloud solutions and compliance.
• Lead management and continuous improvement of software and application infrastructures for internal project coordination.
• Support ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 quality infrastructures and ensure compliance with data protection, governance and software development regulations.
• Collate information and generate reports to monitor progress against strategies and KPIs; prepare bids and presentations for stakeholders and funders.
• Collaborate with other operational leads to strengthen cross-functional processes and service delivery.
• Provide operational and strategic support to the Director of Operations and deputise as required.
• Duties may evolve with changing requirements; line management for senior software development and data management staff.

• Extensive knowledge of clinical trials legislation, data governance, GCP, ISO 9001, ISO 27001 and GDPR; ability to implement SOPs and oversee audits.
• Expert knowledge of data strategy, governance and information security; familiarity with clinical trial technologies, eCapture platforms, and system integration.
• Experience leading data management, software development, and technology delivery within highly regulated environments.
• Strong track record in strategic leadership, cross-functional collaboration and major technology transformation programmes.
• Experience working with vendors/partners and managing contracts, governance and performance.

• Strategic leadership
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Diplomacy in sensitive issues
• Strategic oversight of software architecture, database design and data integration
• SQL and data analysis proficiency
• Knowledge of APIs, system integration and data interchange standards