Job summary
- Main area
- Digital/Data
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 8b
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 301-JP-26-7780593
- Employer
- Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- St. George's Hospital and Trust Headquarters,
- Town
- Stafford
- Salary
- per annum
- Closing
- 27/04/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Head of Data Platforms, Data Quality and Engineering
NHS AfC: Band 8b
Job overview
The Head of Data Platforms, Data Quality and Engineering provides senior strategic and technical leadership for MPFT’s enterprise data platforms, cloud technologies, data quality frameworks, and engineering functions. As the Trust’s senior accountable officer for data quality by design, the postholder ensures that all data platforms, pipelines and national submissions are accurate, resilient, automated and compliant.
This role is central to the Trust aims of modernising data architecture, reducing duplication across management layers, aligning with national FDP direction, and embedding a capability that supports AI, predictive analytics and future‑ready transformation.
Main duties of the job
- Lead the data platform strategy, cloud modernisation roadmap, and engineering standards.
- Own data quality at platform level, including DQMI performance, assurance and governance.
- Manage enterprise data warehouse architecture, integration pipelines and automation.
- Provide technical leadership for cloud‑native platforms (Azure, Fabric, Databricks/Snowflake).
- Ensure interoperability with national standards and readiness for the Federated Data Platform.
- Lead and develop the Trust’s team of data engineers, architects and developers.
- Drive automation, resilience, and removal of single points of failure across data functions.
- Partner with Analytics & Insights to ensure a single version of the truth.
Working for our organisation
Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.
We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.
We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.
We are ‘United in our Uniqueness’ and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.
Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications
Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Job description:
The postholder provides strategic oversight for all data engineering, warehousing and integration activities, ensuring the Trust’s data estate is secure, scalable, cost‑optimised and aligned to NHS digital reforms. They lead the design and continuous improvement of MPFT’s enterprise data platform, managing the transition to cloud‑native services, implementing structured governance, and embedding automation across ingestion, processing and submission workflows.
The role is the senior accountable officer for data quality by design, ensuring national datasets (MHSDS, CSDS, etc.) are robust, well‑documented and accurate, and that pipeline failures, data anomalies and submission risks are proactively mitigated.
This aligns directly with the below objectives to:
- consolidate leadership roles,
- address benchmarking variation,
- strengthen core data functions,
- remove duplication,
- modernise the data architecture, and
- invest in emerging technologies and AI readiness.
Main Responsibilities:
- Deliver the Trust’s data platform, data engineering and data quality strategy.
- Lead enterprise‑wide data architecture, modelling, integration patterns and interoperability.
- Ensure resilience, automation and assurance of all national data submissions.
- Introduce and govern automated pre/post‑submission validation and quality controls.
- Oversee cloud lifecycle management, FinOps principles and platform optimisation.
- Chair Data Quality Steering Groups and drive Trust‑wide data quality improvement.
- Ensure data quality is embedded at source through design, standards and collaboration.
- Lead a high‑performing technical team and promote cross‑team capability development.
- Provide authoritative advice to senior leaders and represent MPFT in regional/national forums.
Person specification
Qualifications & Training
Essential criteria
- Educated to Master’s level (or equivalent experience) in Data Science, Analytics, Informatics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative discipline.
- Evidence of continuing professional development in data architecture, cloud, or engineering.
- Formal training in Database Administration, Data Engineering, or Data Architecture (e.g., Microsoft SQL Server, Azure).
- Demonstrable leadership and management training or equivalent experience.
Desirable criteria
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert or Databricks Certified Data Engineer.
- Membership of a professional body (e.g., BCS, DAMA, IET).
Experience
Essential criteria
- Significant experience leading the design, delivery, and optimisation of data platforms or enterprise data warehouses in large, complex organisations.
- Proven experience in data architecture, data integration, ETL/ELT, and data modelling.
- Experience delivering cloud-based data solutions (e.g., Azure, Data Factory, Databricks).
- Demonstrated success in implementing data governance and data quality frameworks.
- Experience of working with clinical and/or operational systems and understanding how frontline data entry impacts downstream reporting and decision-making.
- Experience of engaging with senior stakeholders, including clinicians and managers, to influence change and improve data quality.
- Experience in project management and delivering technical programmes to tight deadlines.
- Experience of managing technical teams, contractors, or third-party suppliers.
Desirable criteria
- Experience of working with NHS data standards and information flows.
- Experience working with RiO, IAPTUS, or other NHS clinical information systems.
- Experience collaborating with regional NHS bodies, ICBs, or national digital programmes.
- Experience in developing AI or data science platforms within healthcare.
- Experience of leading data assurance or external audit responses.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Essential criteria
- Expert knowledge of data architecture, modelling (Kimball/Inmon), and integration patterns (API, ETL, ELT).
- Advanced technical proficiency in SQL, Python, and PowerShell for automation and data engineering.
- Strong understanding of data governance, data quality management, and information security principles.
- Deep understanding of Microsoft Azure data ecosystem, Fabric, Data Factory, and Databricks.
- Strong grasp of NHS datasets, standards, and reporting frameworks (e.g., MHSDS, CSDS, SUS).
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to design scalable, performant data solutions.
- Excellent planning and organisational ability, managing multiple priorities and long-term projects.
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge of emerging AI/ML integration within data pipelines.
- Knowledge of interoperability standards (FHIR, HL7).
- Familiarity with data orchestration and DevOps pipelines (CI/CD).
- Experience with open data standards or public data APIs.
- Ability to lead data assurance processes and respond to IG/data audit reviews.
- Ability to represent the Trust in regional or national data forums.
- Demonstrated experience influencing senior stakeholders and driving change.
Personal attributes
Essential criteria
- Demonstrates MPFT values: Respectful, Honest, Caring, Compassionate, Collaborative.
- Strong leadership, coaching, and motivational skills with the ability to develop a high-performing technical team.
- Professional, calm, and decisive with the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.
- Highly self-motivated, proactive, and committed to delivering excellence in data and digital transformation.
- Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels.
Desirable criteria
- Active engagement with professional data or NHS digital communities.
- Evidence of continuous improvement and innovation in previous roles.
- Political awareness and diplomacy when engaging across organisational boundaries.
- Completer-finisher mindset with a focus on quality and impact.
- Experience of mentoring or knowledge-sharing within technical communities.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Avi Reddy
- Job title
- Associate Director of Data and Analytics
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 07429408584