TEACH FIRST
Not specified
Full-time
Head of Digital &

Data Engineering

The role

The rundown: As Head of Digital and Data Engineering,
you will lead a team that brings together our digital and
data engineering capabilities. You will make sure that
technology is built and maintained securely, in line with
our standards, while managing technical debt and legacy
systems. You'll focus on ensuring our platforms and
systems are scalable, secure, and fit for purpose,
supporting both internal and external users. You will apply
principles of re-use and value for money to everything we
do, helping us achieve our mission to end educational
inequality. You’ll also have a hands-on approach,
providing technical expertise while ensuring we meet
GDPR and other legislative requirements.  You will
provide leadership and vision, inspiring and motivate staff
to achieve excellence.

The detail: day-to-day work

•  Managing internal and external administrators and

developers who work across a range of platforms and
technologies. This includes taking responsibility for
sourcing external development capacity, in line with the
team’s agreed budget and contracts.

•  Work collaboratively with experts in software engineer-
ing, data engineering, business process design, user
experience design and programme management, and in
partnership with technology architecture expertise to
deliver development that is fit for purpose.

•  Developing strategies and implementing processes that
ensure the iterative delivery of high-quality high-value
digital solutions to our users.

•  This extends to leading on developing reporting and

automated testing, to provide insight into the success
and failures of our software development processes, in

turn developing strategies for the continuous improve-
ment of our processes.

•  Developing and managing the high level approach to

Data Engineering in the Charity, to support an effective
data and integration architecture

•  Acting as a conduit between technical and non-

technical colleagues to ensure clear routes of effective
communication.

You’ll take ownership for:

•  Developing high performing, expert, engaged and
inclusive teams, fostering a culture of continuous
improvement by empowering teams and individuals to
take charge of their area of work and make decisions at
the lowest level possible.

•  Setting the strategic direction for both digital and data
engineering, aligning it with the organisation’s wider
technology strategy.

•  Being an active and collaborative member of the DDaT
leadership team, deputising for the Executive Diretctor
of DDaT, as required.

•  Managing elements of Teach First’s core data and
digital systems, ensuring they meet organisational
needs.

•  Leading, mentoring and coaching more junior col-

leagues, including playing a leading role in building and
supporting a community of practice for agile practises.

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More info on how the role fits in with the rest of the
team and charity:

•  You’ll report to the Executive Director for Digital, Data

& Technology

This position is a level 4 role. Take a look at our role
levels and where you’ll fit in.

About you

The Essentials: make sure you demonstrate these in
your application. Even if you think you don't quite
tick all the boxes we want to hear from you.

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•

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You have proven leadership experience in
managing digital and/or data engineering teams,
delivering high-quality solutions.

You have good knowledge of cloud technologies
(especially Salesforce and Microsoft  Azure /Azure
data technologies) and expertise in data engineer-
ing and digital product lifecycle management.

Strong understanding of technical architecture and
experience in managing technical debt and legacy
systems.

In-depth knowledge of GDPR and other relevant
legislation, with experience ensuring compliance
across data and digital platforms.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to
translate technical requirements for non-technical
stakeholders and influence senior leadership.

The nice to haves: we want to hear from you even if
you can’t demonstrate these yet. We’re looking for
potential, so tell us about what you can bring to
the role.

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You have experience working with Salesforce or
other CRM platforms, as well as data visualisation
tools like Power BI.

You have knowledge of software development
practices such as DevOps and continuous
integration.

A working knowledge of the educational system.

You’re committed to advancing diversity and
inclusion and have experience fostering inclusive
cultures within teams.

The main responsibilities of this role are described here.
As our needs as a charity change, we may need to make
reasonable changes from time to time.

We succeed when we work together. Here’s who
you’ll be working with regularly:

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You’ll work with other L4 Heads of Digital Experi-
ence, Data & Analytics, Infrastructure & Security,
Delivery & Business Analysis

You’ll manage a team of developers, data
engineers and an digital architect

More about working for us

There’s lots of great stuff about working here. For full details pop over to our webpages.

Our culture: We live by our principles. They underpin our culture and identity. And inform everything we do.
Find our more about our cultural principles

Diversity and inclusion: We want to be a place where everyone can perform, learn and contribute with the confidence
to be themselves. We particularly welcome applications from candidates who are disabled; Black, Asian or Minority
Ethnic; Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans including non-binary, and related communities; and candidates whose socio-economic
background reflects that of the pupils we work with. We’re committed to better representing the communities we serve.

Find out more about what we’re doing to improve our diversity and inclusion.

This role is suitable for agile and flexible working

Our agile way of working gives you flexibility. Need to start late, finish early or fancy a change of scenery? That’s fine, our
Agile Working policy  focuses on what you achieve, not presenteeism.

If you need a set and regular working pattern to support your life have a chat with us about flexible working options. Over
100 of us already have a flexible working agreement, with more than 70 different working patterns in place. We’re ready
to hear your request. Find out more via our flexible working policy  on our webpages.

Our benefits: Our mission is critical and the work’s important, but so’s your life. We’ve put together a benefits package
that means you can live and work well. Find out more on our Working at Teach First webpages.

Registered charity no  1098294

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Head of Digital & Data Engineering - TEACH FIRST | Work In Charities