Senior Data Platform Manager

You will lead the end-to-end management of the Power BI and Microsoft Fabric platform to align with Durham’s data strategy and university priorities. In this role you will collaborate with the SPIO and MI Hub to shape a transformative data platform, deliver scalable BI solutions, and drive governance and security. You’ll work across teams to enable analysts with high-value datasets and reports, contributing to data-driven decision making and institutional improvement. This is a chance to influence how data supports teaching, research, and administration at a leading UK university.

• 30 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days (total 42)
• University pension scheme (USS)
• Parking on campus and cycle-to-work scheme
• Discounts via benefits portal (retail, IT products, cinema)
• Professional development opportunities and funded qualifications/apprenticeships
• Health and wellbeing support including gym access and Employee Assistance Programme (24/7)

• Manage the Power BI and Microsoft Fabric platform end-to-end (design, configuration, deployment, support, maintenance, improvement)
• Lead delivery of technology change in support of the organisation’s Data Strategy
• Plan and implement large-scale, university-wide datasets and BI projects across HR, research, student, and finance domains
• Provide specialist advice and guidance to customers and colleagues, including senior managers
• Develop and optimise platform configurations, governance controls, and data access policies
• Collaborate with the Senior Data Governance Manager to design and monitor data governance policies
• Lead and manage cross-functional project teams and drive continuous service improvement
• Plan testing activities for datasets, reports, and security controls to ensure governance standards are met
• Monitor platform health, usage, performance, and expenditure; contribute to contract evaluation with CIS
• Promote iterative delivery and value-focused development of BI and data platform services
• Represent the service externally and in internal forums; deputise for Head of Business Intelligence when required

• Degree-level educated
• Specialist knowledge of dimensional/semantic data modelling (e.g., star schemas, complex relationships, calculation logic) in BI tools or data platforms
• Experience delivering data/analytics service or platform projects across diverse functions
• Experience providing specialist advice and influencing senior stakeholders
• Experience implementing policies and procedures and driving service improvements
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams through projects or service delivery
• Excellent written and spoken communication; ability to develop relationships
• Strong digital competence across Microsoft 365, Power BI, and modern data platforms (e.g., Microsoft Fabric)
• Commitment to continuing professional development and data governance compliance
• Knowledge of information governance and cyber security regulations
• Ability to plan and deliver technology-based services at operational and strategic levels

• Excellent communication and relationship-building
• Influencing and stakeholder management
• Team leadership and mentoring
• Power BI
• Microsoft Fabric
• Dimensional/semantic data modelling