Job Description

About Us

TRUST DATA MANAGER

Salary: NJC Grade 9, points 25-28 36,363 - 39,152

Location: Trust-wide, based at Worthing High School

Contract: Full-Time, all year round contract - 8.00am to 4pm (3.30pm Friday) 37 hours per week with 30 minutes for lunch

Role description

The Trust Data Manager leads the development and management of the Trust's Management Information Systems (MIS) (currently SIMS) and associated data platforms and ensures accuracy, security, and accessibility of data to support high quality decision-making and compliance. It involves supporting senior leaders and teaching staff with meaningful analysis to drive student outcomes. The role includes overseeing data compliance as the Data Protection Officer, managing assessment cycles, leading statutory reporting and line managing key administrative staff.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

Degree or equivalent qualification (data protection qualification desirable).

Proven experience managing MIS systems (SIMS, Arbor, Bromcom, etc.).

Strong understanding of GDPR, statutory reporting, and data compliance.

Advanced Excel and data analysis skills; knowledge of Power BI or Tableau.

Leadership and staff training experience.

Excellent communication and organisational skills.

A proactive, detail-oriented leader with strong technical and analytical skills.

Desirable

Recognised GDPR or data protection certification (ICO, IAPP).

Experience in a multi-school or Trust environment.

Familiarity with secondary education systems and accountability measures.

Experience managing statutory data returns and timetable processes.

About us

South Downs Education Trust (SDET) is a dynamic and growing Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) committed to delivering exceptional educational outcomes across our schools. Currently comprising two schools, we have ambitious plans to expand by incorporating at least two additional schools in the near future. We are seeking a skilled and proactive People Manager to drive our people strategy and support our growth.

What We Offer

A unique opportunity to shape the people strategy of a growing Multi-Academy Trust.

A collaborative and supportive working environment, with access to senior. leadership and decision-making processes.

Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

The chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of staff and students.

Competitive salary package and benefits aligned with sector standards

Benefits

A friendly and supportive environment.

The opportunity to work with well-motivated students and supportive parents and staff.

A location on the coast very close to main line railway services and road networks.

Free well-being and medical support cover.

The opportunity to be part of the South Downs Education Trust MAT.

Free use of our fitness suite.

Job Details

Salary:

NJC Grade 9, 36,363 - 39,152

Contract Type:

Permanent Full-Time, all year round contract

Working Pattern:

8.00am - 4pm (3.30pm Friday) 37 hours per week with 30 minutes for lunch

Location:

Trust wide, based at Worthing High School

Interviews:

week commencing 17 November 2025

Closing date for applications is Friday 14 November 2025 at 9am, an early application is advised as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received.

What You Need to Succeed

Key Responsibilities

1. MIS &; Data Management

Lead the Trust-wide MIS strategy, ensuring consistency and efficiency across schools.

Manage and quality-assure all student, staff, and assessment data.

Oversee day-to-day MIS use (SIMS, 4Matrix, etc.), ensuring accuracy, security, and effective user access.

Support timetable setup, admissions, and leavers' processes.

Collaborate with Exams Officers to manage entries, results, and analysis.

2. Data Analysis &; Reporting

Produce clear, insightful reports for senior leaders, Trustees, and external agencies.

Analyse progress and attainment trends using MIS tools.

Develop dashboards and visual reports to support strategic planning.

Manage assessment and reporting cycles to ensure timely and accurate outputs.

3. GDPR & Compliance

Act as, or support, the Trust's Data Protection Officer.

Ensure full compliance with GDPR and UK data protection legislation.

Lead data protection training, audits, and incident management.

Manage subject access requests (SARs), FOI requests, and data breaches.

4. Statutory Returns & Data Quality

Oversee accurate, timely completion of school and workforce census returns. Maintain data integrity and compliance across all schools through audits and validation.

Support inspection readiness and external data reviews.

5. Leadership & Innovation

Line-manage and develop data and administration teams.

Provide MIS and data-related training across the Trust.

Collaborate with senior leaders in Education, HR, Finance, and Safeguarding.

Drive system innovation, integration, and automation to improve efficiency.

Lead MIS onboarding and data alignment for new Trust schools.

6. Safeguarding & Health and Safety

Safeguard and promote the welfare of learners through secure data practices.

Adhere to Trust safeguarding, health and safety, and data protection policies.

Maintain an enhanced DBS check.

Further Information

Worthing High School and West Sussex County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check along with other relevant employment checks, including satisfactory references.

How to Apply

To apply for this role please download the job description and application form below.



Please complete the application form and ensure that you outline your motivations for applying and explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role (please refer to the key skills in the job description).



Once complete please return this to

vacancies@sdetrust.net

Closing date for applications is Friday 14 November 2025 at 9am, an early application is advised as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received.



Should you have any questions regarding the role or the application please feel free to email us or contact us on

01903 237864

NOTE TO CANDIDATES

- Please

do not

select the 'Apply online' button as the School processes your applications directly rather than through this site.


The reference number for this role is SCHO01289.




Job Reference: SCHO01289