Principal Business Intelligence Capability Lead

First Central

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

1st Central is seeking a Principal Business Intelligence Capability Lead to lead the evolution of its enterprise BI capability and transform how analytics solutions are designed, developed and delivered. This senior technical leadership role will define the direction for BI platforms, standards, governance and ways of working, building a trusted, scalable analytics ecosystem that supports better business decisions. The role will lead the introduction and adoption of Agentic AI across the BI development lifecycle. The successful candidate will identify opportunities to automate manual activities, redesign delivery processes and embed AI-powered development practices to improve speed and quality while enabling teams to focus on higher-value analytical work. The position will help establish a modern, AI-enabled BI function and drive innovation, efficiency and business value. Working with central data teams, federated BI communities, Data Engineering, Architecture and business stakeholders, the role will ensure reporting, semantic data models, analytics and insight solutions are consistent, effective and aligned with organisational objectives. The postholder will be the senior technical authority for BI and data visualisation, providing governance, guidance, coaching and mentorship to BI developers and analysts. They will promote quality, performance, usability, reuse and sound governance across analytical products, semantic models and KPI frameworks. The role is based across teams in Haywards Heath, Salford Quays and Guernsey, with flexible hybrid working. Employees work from home or the office, averaging one office day per week; more frequent office attendance is also welcome.

Requirements

Experience designing, developing and implementing enterprise-scale Business Intelligence and analytics solutions end to end.
Experience developing and governing self-service BI capabilities within a large organisation, including reusable semantic layers and certified reporting assets.
Demonstrable experience introducing AI-assisted or agentic development practices within analytics, software engineering or data environments.
Expert Power BI development skills, including DAX, semantic modelling and performance optimisation.
Deep technical knowledge and experience of ThoughtSpot and Databricks BI components.
Advanced SQL programming and analytical skills, ideally applied in a Databricks environment.
Experience with Azure DevOps, source control and CI/CD approaches for Business Intelligence development.
Strong understanding of dimensional modelling, Kimball methodologies and reporting data structures.
Expert dashboard and visualisation design capabilities, with a focus on storytelling and user experience.
Ability to create simplicity from complex business and technical requirements.
Strong technical leadership and decision-making capabilities.
Ability to influence stakeholders and drive adoption of standards and best practices.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts in business language.
Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
Ability to work with minimal direction, manage competing priorities, and maintain good time management and organisation.
Resilience and comfort making decisions in demanding and ambiguous situations.
Trustworthiness, integrity and discretion.
Ability to bring together different viewpoints and stakeholder perspectives to create agreed solutions and standards.
Proactive approach and capability to drive continuous improvement across the BI function.
Knowledge of FCA requirements, including individual responsibilities in relation to Consumer Duty.
Self-motivated and enthusiastic, with an organised and proactive approach.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a flexible approach and positive attitude.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership and governance for the organisation’s Business Intelligence and analytics capability.
Define and implement enterprise standards for semantic modelling, reporting, visualisation, development and governance.
Ensure BI solutions are scalable, reusable, performant and aligned with business priorities and data strategy.
Champion self-service analytics through reusable semantic models, data marts and certified analytical assets.
Drive consistency in KPI definitions, business logic and reporting practices across the organisation.
Maximise value from investments in Power BI, ThoughtSpot, Databricks and related analytics technologies.
Maintain strategic oversight of the BI and analytics landscape, identifying opportunities for standardisation, simplification and reuse.
Lead the evolution of enterprise reporting frameworks, certification processes and dashboard design standards.
Introduce and drive adoption of Agentic AI and AI-assisted development practices across the BI development lifecycle, identifying automation opportunities and redesigning delivery processes.
Provide technical coaching, mentoring and thought leadership to BI practitioners in central and federated teams.
Partner with Data Engineering, Architecture and business stakeholders to shape analytics roadmaps and delivery priorities.
Act as the organisation’s senior technical authority and escalation point for Business Intelligence and analytics solutions.
Comply with and act in accordance with the Group Code of Conduct and Fitness and Propriety policies.
Ensure compliance with Company Policies, Values, guidelines and other relevant standards and regulations.