Associate Director, Data Analytics and Research

Each year, millions of people take qualifications that help them to progress in their lives – to the next stage of their studies, into employment or in their enjoyment of a leisure pursuit.  Now, more than ever, the work of Ofqual does on behalf of students and apprentices to secure quality and confidence in those qualifications is critical.

Ofqual has a key role to play in overseeing the current qualifications system and looking ahead to the future. That means we need to perform leading-edge research and analytics to enable us to regulate existing qualifications effectively and develop policy to influence the future.

As part of this, we perform quantitative research and produce reports and data sets, covering regulated qualifications, to help all stakeholders understand the qualifications and exams system. This is complex work – but is also deeply engaging and stimulating.

The data and statistics we publish on GCSEs, AS/A levels, and vocational and technical qualifications provides the education system and wider public with a valuable lens into qualifications system. Ofqual’s analytics culture is strong and we have developed a range of innovative approaches to reporting data, including interactive visualisations that are made available to the public.

We’re looking for an Associate Director to build on the strong platform we have in our Data & Analytics work.  That will require excellent analytical skills and equally, a well-developed ability to work closely with and support colleagues across the organisation in their work too. Many of the reports we produce are Official Statistics and the role of Associate Director Data Analytics & Research also acts as Head of Profession for Statistics, taking responsibility for the publication of these reports.

You can read more about the role in the candidate pack but here is a flavour of who we are looking for.

• You’ll have expert analytical ability and be very comfortable with both quantitative and qualitative data – it’s analysis and presentation.
• An extensive track record of effective design and delivery of data solutions and statistical publications.
• Demonstrable experience of collecting, analysing and interpreting large data sets using computational statistical software tools such as R and/or Python.
• Experience in data privacy and data governance.
• You’ll be excited to innovate, develop new approaches and engage in analytical challenges.
• We need a strong communicator – with confidence to communicate clearly at all levels of seniority, including making technical work accessible to non-expert audiences.  
• You’ll be great at building relationships internally and externally. 
• You’ll enjoy leading a function that is there to equip, support and enable others in their work - able to lead experts in their field, adding value through your insight, challenge and support.
• Experienced in developing analytical and business intelligence applications using tools such as Power BI, SAS or Tableau.
• It is essential that the person in this role is a member of (or has the ability to become a member of) one of the Government Analyst Function professions Membership – Government Analysis Function (civilservice.gov.uk)

To apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above