Head of Data Platforms, Data Quality and Engineering

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job description:

The postholder provides strategic oversight for all data engineering, warehousing and integration activities, ensuring the Trusts data estate is secure, scalable, costoptimised and aligned to NHS digital reforms. They lead the design and continuous improvement of MPFTs enterprise data platform, managing the transition to cloudnative 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, welldocumented 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 Trusts data platform, data engineering and data quality strategy.
• Lead enterprisewide data architecture, modelling, integration patterns and interoperability.
• Ensure resilience, automation and assurance of all national data submissions.
• Introduce and govern automated pre/postsubmission validation and quality controls.
• Oversee cloud lifecycle management, FinOps principles and platform optimisation.
• Chair Data Quality Steering Groups and drive Trustwide data quality improvement.
• Ensure data quality is embedded at source through design, standards and collaboration.
• Lead a highperforming technical team and promote crossteam capability development.
• Provide authoritative advice to senior leaders and represent MPFT in regional/national forums.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

• 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.

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert or Databricks Certified Data Engineer.
• Membership of a professional body (e.g., BCS, DAMA, IET).

Experience

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Address

St. George's Hospital and Trust Headquarters,

Corporation Street,

Stafford

ST16 3SR

Employer's website

https://www.mpft.nhs.uk