Job summary
The Data Manager will play a central role in managing NHS-originating data within the East of England Secure Data Environment (SDE), ensuring it is securely ingested, curated, transformed, and made research-ready.
This role is particularly focused on working with NHS operational and commissioning datasets (e.g. SUS, HES, GP data), with responsibility for understanding their structures, coding standards, and lineage. The postholder will transform and standardise these datasets, including mapping to common data models such as OMOP, enabling interoperability and high-quality secondary use in research.
The postholder will work closely with NHS data providers, information teams, and research partners to ensure data quality, integrity, and compliance with governance standards. They will catalogue datasets, maintain pipelines, and provide first-line support for data queries, contributing to the trusted operation of the SDE.
Main duties of the job
Manage NHS patient datasets within the SDE, including commissioning datasets (SUS, HES) and GP extracts. Apply NHS data models, structures, and coding standards (SNOMED CT, ICD-10, OPCS, NHS Data Model and Dictionary). Curate, clean, and transform data into research-ready formats, including mapping to the OMOP model and other standards to enable interoperability and large-scale research. Develop and maintain data dictionaries, catalogues, and transformation documentation to support transparency and reproducibility. Monitor NHS data pipelines, working with engineering colleagues on ETL/ELT processes, and provide first-line support for researcher queries, escalating complex issues when required. Collaborate with technical, engineering, programme, NHS data providers, and research partners to resolve data quality issues, meet governance requirements, and build researcher confidence in the SDE. Ensure all data handling complies with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, NHS Digital standards, and information governance best practice. Support integration of NHS datasets with wider research/life sciences data, contribute to sustainable and scalable data platforms, and identify opportunities for automation, standardisation, and process improvement. Represent the SDE at external data meetings and support data airlock activities for research outputs.
About us
At Health Innovation East we believe that great ideas only make a difference for our health when they are put into practice. Health Innovation East is the innovation arm of the NHS in the East of England, and we are one of 15 regional Health Innovation Networks that support the introduction of innovative technologies, devices and care pathways to transform health and care.
Our team of clinicians, clinical scientists, commercial and NHS experts work with pioneering start-ups, universities, global corporates and the NHS to ensure that the best innovations in health and care reach the people and places where they deliver the most benefit. We also have a growing team of specialist programme managers, experts in real world evidence and data scientists who support the specialist work increasingly needed to deliver todays world of technology-enabled patient care.
The Health Informatics team designs and delivers secure, impactful data solutions that help healthcare, research, and life sciences organisations unlock the full potential of health data for patient benefit. We solve complex data challenges while upholding the highest standards of security, ethics, and public confidence to enable data-driven research and improve patient outcomes.
Job description
Job responsibilities
About Health Innovation East
At Health Innovation East we believe that great ideas only make a difference for our health when they are put into practice. Health Innovation East is the innovation arm of the NHS in the East of England, and we are one of 15 regional Health Innovation Networks that support the introduction of innovative technologies, devices and care pathways to transform health and care.
Our team of clinicians, clinical scientists, commercial and NHS experts work with pioneering start-ups, universities, global corporates and the NHS to ensure that the best innovations in health and care reach the people and places where they deliver the most benefit. We also have a growing team of specialist programme managers, experts in real world evidence and data scientists who support the specialist work increasingly needed to deliver todays world of technology-enabled patient care.
The Health Informatics team designs and delivers secure, impactful data solutions that help healthcare, research, and life sciences organisations unlock the full potential of health data for patient benefit. We solve complex data challenges while upholding the highest standards of security, ethics, and public confidence to enable data-driven research and improve patient outcomes.
Role Purpose
The Data Manager will play a central role in managing NHS-originating data within the East of England Secure Data Environment (SDE), ensuring it is securely ingested, curated, transformed, and made research-ready.
This role is particularly focused on working with NHS operational and commissioning datasets (e.g. SUS, HES, GP data), with responsibility for understanding their structures, coding standards, and lineage. The postholder will transform and standardise these datasets, including mapping to common data models such as OMOP, enabling interoperability and high-quality secondary use in research.
The postholder will work closely with NHS data providers, information teams, and research partners to ensure data quality, integrity, and compliance with governance standards. They will catalogue datasets, maintain pipelines, and provide first-line support for data queries, contributing to the trusted operation of the SDE.
Key responsibilities
-
Manage NHS patient datasets flowing into the SDE, including commissioning datasets (e.g. SUS, HES) and GP data extracts.
-
Understand and apply NHS data models, structures, and coding standards (SNOMED CT, ICD-10, OPCS, NHS Data Model and Dictionary).
-
Curate, clean, and transform NHS datasets into research-ready formats, including mapping to the OMOP common data model and other standards to support interoperability and large-scale research.
-
Develop and maintain data dictionaries, catalogues, and transformation documentation to ensure transparency and reproducibility.
-
Monitor and maintain NHS data pipelines, working with engineering colleagues on ETL/ELT processes.
-
Provide first-line support for data queries from researchers and collaborators, escalating more complex requests to senior data engineers where required.
-
Work collaboratively with technical, engineering and programme delivery colleagues to ensure that researchers have confidence in the SDE.
-
Collaborate with NHS data providers, commissioning teams, and research partners to resolve data quality issues and ensure data flows meet governance requirements.
-
Ensure all data handling complies with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, NHS Digital standards, and information governance best practice for sensitive health data.
-
Work alongside technical and research colleagues to integrate NHS datasets with wider research and life sciences datasets.
-
Engage with wider Health Informatics projects, supporting the development of sustainable and scalable data platforms.
-
Proactively identify opportunities for automation, data standardisation, and process improvement.
-
Represent the SDE at relevant external data meetings and cascade relevant information back to SDE colleagues.
-
Support data airlock activities relating to research outputs.
Corporate duties
-
Support the organisation in creating an environment that values risk management and promotes the highest standards of health and safety for Health Innovation Easts employees, supported by policies and procedures as appropriate.
-
Comply with current data protection laws and company data protection policy and procedures.
-
Support the organisation in developing a collaborative working environment and a culture of innovation and positive leadership, participating in the appraisal process as required.
-
Promote Equal Opportunities and affirm that staff, colleagues, patients and others who encounter Health Innovation East are afforded equality of treatment and opportunities.
-
Observe Health Innovation Easts Equality and Diversity policy in every aspect of your work, avoiding any behaviour which discriminates against colleagues, potential employees, patients or clients on any grounds.
-
Work with others appropriately to achieve organisational goals.
-
Comply with the Health Innovation East values and behaviours.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Knowledge, understanding and experience
-
Essential - Previous experience working directly with NHS data in provider, commissioning, CSU/ICB, or NHS research environments. Strong understanding of how data is stored and structured within NHS systems and databases. Practical knowledge of how NHS data is processed, structured and transformed into national datasets used for commissioning and secondary uses (e.g. SUS, HES). Familiarity with the NHS Data Model and Dictionary, and coding standards such as SNOMED CT, ICD-10, OPCS. Experience mapping or transforming NHS data to common data models such as OMOP. Awareness of UK data security and protection law and information governance processes for sensitive health data.
-
Desirable - Experience working in a Secure Data Environment or similar trusted research environment. Experience integrating NHS commissioning data with research datasets. Knowledge of ISO27001, DSPT, and/or other information security frameworks. Experience with metadata management tools and data cataloguing platforms.
Skills
-
Essential - Proficiency with Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) and SQL. Experience in data cleaning, transformation, and validation of large-scale NHS datasets. Scripting skills in Python and/or R. Ability to design and document data pipelines and transformations. Excellent spoken and written communication, able to explain technical solutions to non-specialists. Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
Disposition and Aptitude
-
Essential - Confident communicator, able to build strong working relationships with NHS data providers and research partners. User-focused, committed to improving health outcomes through high-quality data. Collaborative and proactive, with the ability to work independently and within multi-disciplinary teams.
Key information about the role
Applicants must be able to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK at the point of interview.
Must be resident within the UK for the duration of the contract and able to attend the office for meetings (2-4 days per month).
The role holder will sometimes be required to be flexible with their hours of work for the team to collectively meet certain deadlines.
Occasional travel both within the region and nationally is required.
Personal development responsibilities
Key relationships
Internal - all Health Innovation East employees will be expected to form key relationships within the organisation relevant to the role.
External - in addition, the successful appointee will need to develop and build relationships with external colleagues as relevant to the role. These may include, but are not limited to, relationships with colleagues within partner organisations such as
-
Industry partners including SMEs and large corporates within the health arena.
-
Academic partners in Higher Education Institutes and Tech Transfer Offices.
-
Funding and investment organisations.
-
Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East of England colleagues.
-
NHS Trusts and NHS Foundation Trusts.
-
Local Government.
-
Integrated Care System and Integrated Care Boards.
-
Third Sector Organisations.
-
Patient Advisory Groups and Services.
Benefits of working at Health Innovation East
As part of the benefits package, Health Innovation Easts employees are entitled to 27 days of annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for less than whole time equivalent) and are offered a company pension (employer contribution up to 10 per cent of annual salary), life insurance (on completion of a probationary period) as well as a cycle to work scheme. In addition, all employees have unlimited access to the companys well-being programme which is externally provided and fully confidential. Team members on secondment will remain on their employers terms and conditions.
How to apply
To apply please submit your CV and a covering letter by Sunday 5th October at 11.59pm to recruitment@healthinnovationeast.co.ukspecifying your motivation for applying and how you meet our person specification.
Interviews will take place on Monday 20th October in person at our Cambridge office.
For an informal discussion, please contact informaticsoperations@healthinnovationeast.co.uk
Job description
Job responsibilities
About Health Innovation East
At Health Innovation East we believe that great ideas only make a difference for our health when they are put into practice. Health Innovation East is the innovation arm of the NHS in the East of England, and we are one of 15 regional Health Innovation Networks that support the introduction of innovative technologies, devices and care pathways to transform health and care.
Our team of clinicians, clinical scientists, commercial and NHS experts work with pioneering start-ups, universities, global corporates and the NHS to ensure that the best innovations in health and care reach the people and places where they deliver the most benefit. We also have a growing team of specialist programme managers, experts in real world evidence and data scientists who support the specialist work increasingly needed to deliver todays world of technology-enabled patient care.
The Health Informatics team designs and delivers secure, impactful data solutions that help healthcare, research, and life sciences organisations unlock the full potential of health data for patient benefit. We solve complex data challenges while upholding the highest standards of security, ethics, and public confidence to enable data-driven research and improve patient outcomes.
Role Purpose
The Data Manager will play a central role in managing NHS-originating data within the East of England Secure Data Environment (SDE), ensuring it is securely ingested, curated, transformed, and made research-ready.
This role is particularly focused on working with NHS operational and commissioning datasets (e.g. SUS, HES, GP data), with responsibility for understanding their structures, coding standards, and lineage. The postholder will transform and standardise these datasets, including mapping to common data models such as OMOP, enabling interoperability and high-quality secondary use in research.
The postholder will work closely with NHS data providers, information teams, and research partners to ensure data quality, integrity, and compliance with governance standards. They will catalogue datasets, maintain pipelines, and provide first-line support for data queries, contributing to the trusted operation of the SDE.
Key responsibilities
-
Manage NHS patient datasets flowing into the SDE, including commissioning datasets (e.g. SUS, HES) and GP data extracts.
-
Understand and apply NHS data models, structures, and coding standards (SNOMED CT, ICD-10, OPCS, NHS Data Model and Dictionary).
-
Curate, clean, and transform NHS datasets into research-ready formats, including mapping to the OMOP common data model and other standards to support interoperability and large-scale research.
-
Develop and maintain data dictionaries, catalogues, and transformation documentation to ensure transparency and reproducibility.
-
Monitor and maintain NHS data pipelines, working with engineering colleagues on ETL/ELT processes.
-
Provide first-line support for data queries from researchers and collaborators, escalating more complex requests to senior data engineers where required.
-
Work collaboratively with technical, engineering and programme delivery colleagues to ensure that researchers have confidence in the SDE.
-
Collaborate with NHS data providers, commissioning teams, and research partners to resolve data quality issues and ensure data flows meet governance requirements.
-
Ensure all data handling complies with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, NHS Digital standards, and information governance best practice for sensitive health data.
-
Work alongside technical and research colleagues to integrate NHS datasets with wider research and life sciences datasets.
-
Engage with wider Health Informatics projects, supporting the development of sustainable and scalable data platforms.
-
Proactively identify opportunities for automation, data standardisation, and process improvement.
-
Represent the SDE at relevant external data meetings and cascade relevant information back to SDE colleagues.
-
Support data airlock activities relating to research outputs.
Corporate duties
-
Support the organisation in creating an environment that values risk management and promotes the highest standards of health and safety for Health Innovation Easts employees, supported by policies and procedures as appropriate.
-
Comply with current data protection laws and company data protection policy and procedures.
-
Support the organisation in developing a collaborative working environment and a culture of innovation and positive leadership, participating in the appraisal process as required.
-
Promote Equal Opportunities and affirm that staff, colleagues, patients and others who encounter Health Innovation East are afforded equality of treatment and opportunities.
-
Observe Health Innovation Easts Equality and Diversity policy in every aspect of your work, avoiding any behaviour which discriminates against colleagues, potential employees, patients or clients on any grounds.
-
Work with others appropriately to achieve organisational goals.
-
Comply with the Health Innovation East values and behaviours.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Knowledge, understanding and experience
-
Essential - Previous experience working directly with NHS data in provider, commissioning, CSU/ICB, or NHS research environments. Strong understanding of how data is stored and structured within NHS systems and databases. Practical knowledge of how NHS data is processed, structured and transformed into national datasets used for commissioning and secondary uses (e.g. SUS, HES). Familiarity with the NHS Data Model and Dictionary, and coding standards such as SNOMED CT, ICD-10, OPCS. Experience mapping or transforming NHS data to common data models such as OMOP. Awareness of UK data security and protection law and information governance processes for sensitive health data.
-
Desirable - Experience working in a Secure Data Environment or similar trusted research environment. Experience integrating NHS commissioning data with research datasets. Knowledge of ISO27001, DSPT, and/or other information security frameworks. Experience with metadata management tools and data cataloguing platforms.
Skills
-
Essential - Proficiency with Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) and SQL. Experience in data cleaning, transformation, and validation of large-scale NHS datasets. Scripting skills in Python and/or R. Ability to design and document data pipelines and transformations. Excellent spoken and written communication, able to explain technical solutions to non-specialists. Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
Disposition and Aptitude
-
Essential - Confident communicator, able to build strong working relationships with NHS data providers and research partners. User-focused, committed to improving health outcomes through high-quality data. Collaborative and proactive, with the ability to work independently and within multi-disciplinary teams.
Key information about the role
Applicants must be able to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK at the point of interview.
Must be resident within the UK for the duration of the contract and able to attend the office for meetings (2-4 days per month).
The role holder will sometimes be required to be flexible with their hours of work for the team to collectively meet certain deadlines.
Occasional travel both within the region and nationally is required.
Personal development responsibilities
Key relationships
Internal - all Health Innovation East employees will be expected to form key relationships within the organisation relevant to the role.
External - in addition, the successful appointee will need to develop and build relationships with external colleagues as relevant to the role. These may include, but are not limited to, relationships with colleagues within partner organisations such as
-
Industry partners including SMEs and large corporates within the health arena.
-
Academic partners in Higher Education Institutes and Tech Transfer Offices.
-
Funding and investment organisations.
-
Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East of England colleagues.
-
NHS Trusts and NHS Foundation Trusts.
-
Local Government.
-
Integrated Care System and Integrated Care Boards.
-
Third Sector Organisations.
-
Patient Advisory Groups and Services.
Benefits of working at Health Innovation East
As part of the benefits package, Health Innovation Easts employees are entitled to 27 days of annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for less than whole time equivalent) and are offered a company pension (employer contribution up to 10 per cent of annual salary), life insurance (on completion of a probationary period) as well as a cycle to work scheme. In addition, all employees have unlimited access to the companys well-being programme which is externally provided and fully confidential. Team members on secondment will remain on their employers terms and conditions.
How to apply
To apply please submit your CV and a covering letter by Sunday 5th October at 11.59pm to recruitment@healthinnovationeast.co.ukspecifying your motivation for applying and how you meet our person specification.
Interviews will take place on Monday 20th October in person at our Cambridge office.
For an informal discussion, please contact informaticsoperations@healthinnovationeast.co.uk
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in computing, physics, biological sciences or similar subject area. Other qualifications combined with relevant experience will also be considered
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in computing, physics, biological sciences or similar subject area. Other qualifications combined with relevant experience will also be considered
