Deputy Head of University Data Services

Permanent

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to take a senior role within a specialist and high‑performing University Data Services team. As Deputy Head of University Data Services, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity and strategic value of all institutional University student data, supporting the full student lifecycle and underpinning essential planning and regulatory activity.

• Taking primary operational responsibility for Hartpury’s HESA Student return, ensuring timely, accurate and compliant submissions
• Leading and embedding robust reporting, validation and data quality processes, with a strong focus on sustainability and business‑as‑usual delivery
• Strengthening data flows and processes across systems and teams to support reliable student data capture and reporting
• Providing expert advice on HESA student data requirements to internal stakeholders
• Supporting team leadership, service improvement and project activity within University Data Services
• This role is particularly suited to an experienced Higher Education data professional with a hands‑on HESA expertise who is looking to step into a broader leadership role as processes mature

This is an excellent developmental opportunity for an experienced Higher Education data professional seeking broader leadership responsibility within a specialist environment. The role includes opportunities for team leadership, systems enhancement, project contributions and deputising for the Head of University Data Services where required.

About You 

• Significant operational experience in student records within Higher Education,
• Recent experience leading operational HESA Student returns across the full in‑year cycle, with strong understanding of HESA data structures, validation processes and regulatory requirements
• Strong understanding of assessment cycles, progression rules and exam board processes, alongside the ability to identify and resolve data quality issues effectively
• Analytical, methodical and solutions‑focused, with strong organisational skills
• An excellent communicator, capable of building effective working relationships across diverse stakeholder groups and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement
• Experience of line management and team leadership
• Data focused with demonstrable experience managing complex operational data processes

If you would like to discuss the role further prior to an application please contact jeni.thomas@hartpury.ac.uk.

We offer a fantastic package of staff benefits including:

• Hybrid working arrangements with blended approach of office and home working
• 25 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays rising to 30 days with length of service
• Wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous pension scheme (LGPS)
• Employee Discounts Scheme
• Onsite fitness facilities
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Support for continuous professional development
• Flexible working opportunities available
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity leave

About Us

Hartpury University and Hartpury College are among the UK’s leading specialist education providers in agriculture, animal, equine, sport and veterinary nursing. Located in Gloucestershire, Hartpury University and Hartpury College sit side-by-side on a beautiful 360-hectare campus. We provide world-class facilities to more than 4,500 university and college-level students studying undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, A-levels and diplomas, as well as undertaking industry research. The University is rated top 10 in the UK for Teaching Quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025) and has 97% graduate employability, whilst the College is rated Ofsted Outstanding in all areas.  A passionate and innovative business culture and exceptional support networks make Hartpury an ideal career choice.

Hartpury is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves. We particularly welcome applicants that we are underrepresented in, including those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQI+ communities, and those living with disabilities. As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion we offer a range of inclusive policies, flexible working arrangements and a multi-faith space to support staff from different backgrounds. To find out more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, please click here.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.  All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks. 

For further information and to apply online please click on the Apply Now button or call the number to the right of this advert to request documents by post.

Please note we do not accept CVs.

It is our policy that we do not notify candidates who have been unsuccessful with their application. Therefore if you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, we regret that you have not been successful on this occasion.