Principal Business Intelligence Capability Lead

At 1st Central, everything starts with our people.

As one of the UK’s leading motor and home insurers, we use smart technology, data and great service to make insurance fast, fair and simple for over 1.4 million customers. We’re proud to create an environment where people feel supported, trusted and able to grow - whether that’s developing new skills, taking on fresh challenges or making a real impact every day. If you’re looking for a role where you can make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

We're looking for a Principal Business Intelligence Capability Lead to lead the evolution of our enterprise BI capability and drive a step-change in how analytics solutions are designed, developed and delivered across the organisation.

In this senior technical leadership role, you'll define the future direction for BI platforms, standards, governance and ways of working, helping to create a trusted, scalable analytics ecosystem that enables better decision-making across the business.

A key aspect of this role will be leading the introduction and adoption of Agentic AI across the BI development lifecycle. You'll be expected to challenge traditional approaches to BI delivery, identify opportunities to automate manual activities, and embed AI-powered development practices that increase delivery speed, improve quality and allow teams to focus on higher-value analytical work. This is an opportunity to drive a genuine transformation in how Business Intelligence is delivered, creating a modern, AI-enabled BI function that sets new standards for efficiency, innovation and business value.

Working closely with central data teams and federated BI communities, you'll ensure reporting, semantic data models, analytics and insight solutions are delivered consistently, effectively and in line with organisational objectives, maximising business value from data and analytics investments.

You'll act as the technical authority for BI and data visualisation, providing expert guidance, governance and mentorship to BI developers and analysts, promoting high standards of quality, performance, usability and governance. The role drives innovation, consistency and reuse across analytical products, semantic models and KPI frameworks, fostering a scalable, trusted and high-performing analytics ecosystem while championing modern BI, AI-assisted development and data-driven decision-making.

We’re big on flexible hybrid working. Our teams are based across Haywards Heath (West Sussex), Salford Quays (Manchester) and Guernsey, you’ll spend your time working either at home or in the office, with an average of one day a week in the office. But if you prefer to be in the office more often, that’s good with us too.

Core skills we’re looking for to succeed in the role:

• Technical BI & Data Expertise: Expert in Power BI, SQL, ThoughtSpot and Databricks, with a strong understanding of semantic modelling, dimensional modelling, and reporting data structures.
• Development & Data Engineering Practices: Experience of Azure DevOps, source control and CI/CD approaches for Business Intelligence development.
• BI Strategy & Governance: You’ll define and implement enterprise standards for semantic modelling, reporting, visualisation, development and governance.
• AI-Enabled BI Delivery & Transformation: Demonstrable experience introducing AI-assisted or agentic development practices within analytics, software engineering or data environments. Able to identify opportunities to automate manual activities, redesign delivery processes and drive adoption of AI technologies that improve productivity, quality and speed of delivery.
• Dashboard Design & Data Storytelling: Expert dashboard and visualisation design capabilities, with a strong focus on storytelling and user experience.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
• Planning, Organisation & Delivery: Able to operate with minimal direction and manage competing priorities effectively, good time management and organisation skills.

What’s involved:

• You’ll provide technical leadership and governance for the organisation's Business Intelligence and analytics capability.
• You’ll define and implement enterprise standards for semantic modelling, reporting, visualisation, development and governance.
• You’ll ensure BI solutions are scalable, reusable, performant and aligned with business priorities and data strategy.
• You’ll champion self-service analytics through the design of reusable semantic models, data marts and certified analytical assets.
• You’ll drive consistency in KPI definitions, business logic and reporting practices across the organisation.
• You’ll maximise value from investments in Power BI, ThoughtSpot, Databricks and related analytics technologies.
• You’ll maintain strategic oversight of the BI and analytics landscape, identifying opportunities for standardisation, simplification and reuse.
• You’ll lead the evolution of enterprise reporting frameworks, certification processes and dashboard design standards.
• You’ll provide technical coaching, mentoring and thought leadership to BI practitioners across central and federated teams.
• You’ll partner with Data Engineering, Architecture and business stakeholders to shape analytics roadmaps and delivery priorities.
• You’ll act as the organisation's senior technical authority and escalation point for Business Intelligence and analytics solutions.
• You’ll comply with the requirements, and act in accordance with, the Group Code of Conduct and Fitness and Propriety policies at all times
• You’ll ensure compliance with Company Policies, Values and guidelines and other relevant standards/ regulations at all times

Experience & Knowledge

• 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 designing reusable semantic layers and certified reporting assets.
• 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.
• A passion for developing capability in others through coaching, mentoring and knowledge sharing.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into business language.
• Resilient and comfortable making decisions in demanding and ambiguous situations.
• Highly trustworthy and able to operate with integrity and discretion at all times.
• Ability to bring together multiple viewpoints and stakeholder perspectives to create agreed solutions and standards.
• Energetic, proactive and capable of driving continuous improvement across the BI function
• Knowledge of FCA requirements (including individual responsibilities in relation to Consumer Duty)

Skills

• 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 of 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 strong focus on storytelling and user experience.
• Able to operate with minimal direction and manage competing priorities effectively.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Good time management and organisation skills

Behaviours

• Self-motivated and enthusiastic
• An organised and proactive approach
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
• A flexible approach and positive attitude
• Strives to drive business improvements to contribute to the success of the business

This role offers a rare opportunity to lead the next generation of Business Intelligence. You'll be empowered to define how Agentic AI is embedded into the end-to-end BI development lifecycle, helping to create an AI-augmented delivery model where reporting, semantic modelling, testing, documentation, governance and insight generation are faster, smarter and increasingly automated. We're looking for someone who sees AI not as incremental improvement, but as a catalyst for fundamentally changing how analytical products are built and maintained.

Ready to join us?

We’re looking for talented people who want to make a real impact for our customers, colleagues and business. Apply today and discover where a career at 1st Central could take you.

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