Head of Data Analytics and Insights

Salary range: £90,865 - £111,270 per annum inclusive of London weighting

Contract: Permanent 

Hours of work: 36 hours per week

Location: Civic centre and other locations from time to time 

Brent is one of the most diverse boroughs in the country, with communities, ideas and experiences from across the world helping to shape who we are. Working here means joining a council that is focused on fairness, open to new thinking and committed to improving life for local people.

Our values shape how we work and what people can expect from us. We collaborate proactively, lead inclusively, embrace change, are bold and curious, and celebrate and share our success. For people who care about public service and want their work to matter, Brent offers the chance to make a meaningful difference.

About the role

At Brent Council, we believe data is more than numbers – it is the key to improving lives, reducing inequalities and creating better services for our residents, communities and businesses.

We are looking for an exceptional Head of Data, Analytics and Insights to lead our data transformation journey and help us unlock the full potential of data-driven decision making across the council. This is a rare opportunity to take a strategic leadership role at the heart of the organisation, influencing how services are designed, resources are targeted and outcomes are delivered for more than 340,000 residents.

Why this role matters

Every day, local authorities make decisions that affect people's lives – from housing and social care to community safety, digital services and economic growth.

As our Head of Data, Analytics and Insights, you will ensure that those decisions are informed by robust evidence, deep insight and innovative analytics. You will help Brent become a truly data-driven organisation, where information is used ethically, intelligently and creatively to deliver better outcomes for our communities.

You will be the council's senior leader for data and insight, working with elected members, senior leaders and service teams to turn complex information into clear action.

This role offers you the chance to:

• Lead the development and delivery of Brent's Data, Analytics and Insights Strategy.


• Shape how data influences major policy decisions, service transformation and innovation programmes.


• Build and champion a council-wide culture of evidence-based decision making.


• Drive the use of advanced analytics, predictive modelling and responsible AI to improve services.


• Lead investment in modern data platforms, infrastructure and cloud-based technologies.


• Manage and develop a highly skilled multidisciplinary team covering business intelligence, analytics, data science, GIS, data platforms and insight functions.


• Represent Brent at regional and national forums, helping shape the future of data and analytics across local government.

What you'll be doing

You'll sit within our Service Reform and Strategy directorate, reporting to the Chief Digital and Innovation Officer, and play a key role in Brent's wider corporate leadership team.

You will:

• Oversee the council's Data Lake and future data architecture.


• Build strong partnerships across Brent and with external organisations to unlock the value of shared intelligence.


• Lead and inspire a team of around 20 specialists, creating an environment where innovation, learning and collaboration thrive.


• Manage a budget of approximately £2.5 million and ensure excellent value for money.

We're looking for a passionate and visionary leader who can combine data operations leadership with insights that can transform public services.

• Significant senior leadership experience in data, analytics and insight.


• Strong experience leading specialist analytical and data science teams.


• Deep understanding of data governance, information management and data protection.


• Strategic thinking, curiosity and a commitment to continuous improvement.


• A passion for using data ethically to improve outcomes and reduce inequality.

Experience within local government or another public service environment would be advantageous, as would knowledge of advanced analytics, predictive modelling, responsible AI and modern cloud-based data architectures. 

Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects the people we serve. We welcome all applications from all sections of the community and encourage applicants to complete the diversity survey section of the application.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and fairness. We expect all employees to demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to promote inclusive, non-discriminatory practices in their work. This commitment forms part of our recruitment process, and candidates may be assessed on their understanding of and ability to contribute to an inclusive working environment.

The information we collect from you will be shared with Cifas, who will use it to help prevent fraud and other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. Further details on how your information will be used by Brent and Cifas, and your data protection rights can be found here.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. This includes people with hidden disabilities, long term health conditions, diagnosis, and mental health conditions. We also guarantee an interview to care-experienced applicants who meet the essential criteria. Information shared for this purpose will be treated fairly and used only to confirm eligibility under these schemes.

If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] 

Brent has a positive approach to flexible working.

View the job description here.