About the Role
<strong>Director of Funding, Data & Information</strong><br><br><strong>West Yorkshire</strong> | Hybrid Working (1-2 days from home) | <br><strong>£71,843 - £77,720 per annum</strong> + Outstanding Benefits<br><br>Are you an experienced FE funding and Data Leader looking for an opportunity to influence organisational strategy at the highest level?<br><br>We're partnering with a leading Further Education provider to recruit an exceptional <strong>Director of Funding, Data & Information</strong>. This is a pivotal senior leadership role, providing the opportunity to shape the future direction of funding, MIS, reporting, business intelligence, and digital transformation across a large and ambitious organisation.<br><br>Reporting directly to the Vice Principal you'll lead a high-performing function responsible for funding optimisation, data quality, management information, compliance, reporting, and strategic insight.<br><br>This is a role for someone who thrives on turning data into action, driving organisational performance, and ensuring senior leaders have the intelligence needed to make informed decisions.<br><br><strong>Why Join?</strong><br><br>You'll be joining an organisation with a strong social purpose, a commitment to transforming lives through education, and a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.<br><br><strong>Benefits Include:</strong><br><br>✅ Generous annual leave entitlement<br><br>✅ Excellent pension scheme with significant employer contributions<br><br>✅ Hybrid and flexible working arrangements<br><br>✅ Comprehensive health and wellbeing support<br><br>✅ Professional development and leadership programmes<br><br>✅ Free access to gym and sports facilities<br><br>✅ Employee discounts and lifestyle benefits<br><br>✅ Opportunity to shape strategic decision-making at executive level<br><br><strong>The Role</strong><br><br>As the Director of Funding, Data & Information, you'll provide strategic leadership across funding, MIS, reporting, analytics, and information services.<br><br>Working closely with executive leaders, curriculum teams, and support services, you'll ensure the organisation remains funding compliant, data-driven, and positioned for sustainable growth.<br><br>You'll play a key role in developing systems, processes, and reporting frameworks that support performance, accountability, and excellence across the college.<br><br><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong><br><br><strong>Strategic Leadership</strong><br><br><ul><li>Lead the Funding, Data & Information function and contribute to organisational strategy.<br><br></li><ul><li>Drive a culture of evidence-based decision-making.<br><br></li><li>Support the delivery of digital transformation initiatives.<br><br></li><li>Develop and implement innovative data and reporting solutions.<br><br></li></ul></ul><strong>Funding & Compliance</strong><br><br><ul><li>Maximise funding opportunities across FE, HE, Apprenticeships, and other income streams.<br><br></li><ul><li>Lead ILR quality and funding compliance activity.<br><br></li><li>Manage funding audits and regulatory scrutiny.<br><br></li><li>Identify funding risks and opportunities, providing strategic advice to executive leaders.<br><br></li></ul></ul><strong>Data & Business Intelligence</strong><br><br><ul><li>Develop impactful dashboards and management reporting tools.<br><br></li><ul><li>Ensure the delivery of accurate, timely, and meaningful performance data.<br><br></li><li>Support curriculum planning, forecasting, and organisational performance management.<br><br></li><li>Enhance business intelligence capabilities across the organisation.<br><br></li></ul></ul><strong>Leadership & People Development</strong><br><br><ul><li>Lead, coach, and develop a specialist team.<br><br></li><ul><li>Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.<br><br></li><li>Build strong relationships and influence stakeholders across all levels of the business.<br><br></li></ul></ul><strong>About You</strong><br><br>We're looking for a strategic, influential leader with a strong background in Further Education funding, MIS, and data management.<br><br>You'll be able to combine technical expertise with excellent leadership skills and possess the credibility to operate effectively at executive level.<br><br><strong>Essential Experience</strong><br><br><ul><li>Significant senior-level experience within FE funding, MIS, data, or information services.<br><br></li><ul><li>Expert knowledge of FE, HE, and Apprenticeship funding methodologies.<br><br></li><li>Experience managing ILR returns, funding audits, and compliance activity.<br><br></li><li>Strong understanding of Ofsted requirements and sector accountability measures.<br><br></li><li>Proven experience developing reporting frameworks, business intelligence solutions, and management information systems.<br><br></li><li>Strong financial planning and business analysis capability.<br><br></li><li>Track record of leading strategic projects and organisational improvement initiatives.<br><br></li></ul></ul><strong>Key Skills</strong><br><br><ul><li>Outstanding analytical and problem-solving ability.<br><br></li><ul><li>Ability to translate complex funding and performance data into clear strategic insight.<br><br></li><li>Strong leadership, coaching, and people management skills.<br><br></li><li>Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement capability.<br><br></li><li>Commercial acumen with a focus on identifying funding and growth opportunities.<br><br></li><li>High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.<br><br></li></ul></ul><strong>Desirable</strong><br><br><ul><li>Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional expertise.<br><br></li><ul><li>Leadership & Management qualification.<br><br></li><li>Experience of Tribal EBS, ProMonitor, ProObserve, or similar systems.<br><br></li><li>Experience supporting a full Ofsted inspection.<br><br></li><li>Experience working with ESFA, auditors, and sector regulators.<br><br></li></ul></ul><strong>Ready for Your Next Leadership Challenge?</strong><br><br>This is an outstanding opportunity to join a high-performing organisation and take ownership of a function that sits at the heart of strategic decision-making.<br><br>If you're a senior FE funding, MIS, or data professional looking to make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.<br><br>📩 <strong>Apply today or contact Simon Atkins for a confidential discussion 07894 752230</strong>