Data Access & Quality Manager

Location Manchester, GB Department Name IS Group BI Services (807601) G1 About Network Rail About Network Rail… Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. Click here to learn more. We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support. If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you! Vacancy Details Duration: Fixed term of 6 months with the potential to extend or go permanent. (Please note, secondments are subject to line manager approval, please discuss this with them before applying). Location: This role is based in Manchester Square one. This role is a full-time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered. For Quadrant:MK, you must live within 90 minutes. Band & Salary: Band 4C (£43,588 - £51,719) Brief Description Oversee and optimise the availability of enterprise data sources, designing and refining data models that power insightful reporting and drive business intelligence adoption. By enabling richer analysis and informed decision-making across Network Rail, you’ll play a key role in turning data into actionable insight that shapes our future. About The Role (External) What does the average day look like? In this role, you’ll spend your day bringing structure and clarity to our enterprise data landscape. You’ll create and manage metadata structures, incorporating new data sources into the BI platform and curating datasets so our users can confidently self-serve. Working closely with colleagues across the business, you’ll translate real-world problems into clear, technical requirements for BI enhancements, ensuring our enterprise data sources evolve in line with our BI Strategy. A typical day will see you guiding technical teams on ETL activities, designing and assuring system tests, and ensuring every BI enhancement meets the highest quality standards. You’ll develop robust data models, feed accurate information into Group BI Service reports, and work alongside visualisation authors to make sure reports are both insightful and user-friendly. You’ll manage the data access process, building security models and advising customers on appropriate access levels, while maintaining integrity and consistency across all our systems. You’ll also be hands-on in identifying and resolving data inaccuracies, collaborating with production support teams and data owners to continually improve our BI platform. Throughout it all, you’ll provide expert advice on enterprise data sources, respond to customer queries, and ensure our data management practices align with the Information Management Framework and BI standards—driving better quality data across the organisation. Who are we looking for? We’re looking for someone who lives and breathes data—highly analytical, detail-driven, and passionate about making information work harder for the organisation. You’ll be equally at home working with complex data models as you are explaining data concepts to non-technical colleagues. Strong problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to translate business challenges into clear technical requirements. You’ll have experience guiding technical teams, overseeing ETL processes, and assuring the quality of BI enhancements. A strong understanding of data governance, security access controls, and metadata management will be key to your success. Just as importantly, you’ll be committed to continuous improvement—spotting issues before they become problems, refining processes, and championing best practice in data quality management. If you can combine technical expertise with clear communication, attention to detail, and a collaborative spirit, you’ll thrive in this role—helping to turn Network Rail’s vast enterprise data into reliable, actionable insight. Essential Criteria • Proven extensive previous experience in BI System configuration, security modelling and user profiling • Knowledge and understanding of data architecture methodologies and best practice • Demonstrable knowledge of data modelling skills and methodologies (e.g. Kimball or equivalent) • Knowledge and understanding of data integration architecture and approaches • Demonstrable knowledge of GDPR and its application within a data management environment • Proven experience of Informatica, azure integration technologies, Power BI data gateways or similar • Proven experience and understanding of relational databases e.g. Oracle / SQL server • Proven experience working within BI functions in NR and/or external organisations • Proven ability to interface with technical and business communities Desirable • Proven experience of Agile development methodology (Agile Foundation Certification) • Experience of applying problem solving and root cause analysis methodologies (e.g. Kenper Tregoe) • Experience of creating processes using tools such as data mapping and business flow diagrams • Knowledge of the Rail industry • Experience of working within a large, devolved matrix organisation • Knowledge of the current technology architecture within Network Rail How To Apply (External) Additional Information… Closing date : 28 th August. However, early application is advised as we reserve the right to close the advert early based on application volumes. Next Steps: Interviews will be held 17 th September, depending on business requirements. Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision If you require any support with your application, please click here for contact details. All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information Some of our great benefits: 🌍 Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered. 🌞 Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days. 🎁 Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass. Defined benefit pension scheme 🚂 75% subsidy on train tickets. 🎟 ️ Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets. 🕊 ️ Volunteer leave to make a positive impact. Plus more….