Head of Data and Operations

Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and we are focused on one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a place of education. We offer more than just a career, we offer the opportunity to support our global movement in a dynamic and inclusive environment with a real focus on personal development.

Leading the Data Insights and Operations team, this role is key to advancing our fundraising strategy by utilising data analytics to inform decision-making and enhance donor engagement. You will manage all aspects of data governance, reporting, and operational efficiency and driving innovations that support the charity’s goals. Through ensuring high standards of data compliance, you will lead the development and implementation of a more advanced digital landscape, building a robust data function driven by insights.

Your experience and technical expertise will be essential in evaluating and recommending emerging technologies to strengthen our capabilities.

This is a full-time, permanent role that can be based anywhere within the UK.

Key duties include:

• Lead and develop the Data Insights and Operations team, fostering a culture of innovation and improvement.
• Provide strategic direction for data initiatives and operational functions across the organisation.
• Prioritise, delegate, and manage daily operations of the function.
• Resolve day to day issues with colleagues and 3rd parties.
• Ensure teams have sufficient support to provide the agreed level of service.
• Provide a stimulating, supportive and safe working environment.
• Drive Mary’s Meals UK’s data driven decision making through advanced analytics, ensuring insights support fundraising, donor engagement and organisational goals.
• Oversee data governance, ensuring accurate data management, reporting and compliance with legal standards.
• Lead the design and delivery of an enhanced digital landscape, leveraging technology to improve data capabilities and operational efficiency.
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement emerging technologies to strengthen the charity’s digital and data infrastructure.
• Lead on UK GDPR and DPA2018 compliance and reporting, including data management and retention, acting as Data Protection Officer for Mary’s Meals UK.
• Lead on key operational functions, including IT, data protection, travel, charity governance, risk management, facilities and insurance.
• Ensure efficient and effective operational processes.
• Monitor the external environment to identify new opportunities and challenges; developing reports and plans to ensure an appropriate and timely response.
• Manage effective systems for monitoring, evaluation and reporting of service delivery outcomes.
• Lead, facilitate or contribute to improvement and development of projects across the organisation as required.

Your covering letter should fill no more than two pages of A4 and make a compelling case for why you feel motivated to apply for this role within Mary’s Meals UK, as well as giving a concise overview of your most relevant skills and experience.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and interviews arranged accordingly.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Charity No. SC022140