Reference Data Manager

DODS GROUP PLC

About the role

This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic and evolving part of Dods Group Ltd. The Political Intelligence division provides timely information and insight to clients seeking to shape policy making in the UK and EU. The Dods People product, for which this position is responsible for, is undergoing an exciting transformation in which it will be fully integrated into the Political Intelligence platform for the first time. The Reference Data Manager will assist with the development of Dods People as it takes on a new look and feel while overseeing the continued delivery of our service, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our data.

The reference data captured in our stakeholder management tool, Dods People, includes biographical and contact information for parliamentarians and civil servants across Westminster, the Devolved nations and the European Union.

This is a full time, fixed term contract role for 6 months. It is our ambition that the role will become permanent, and will be reviewed when the successful candidate is in post.

About Dods Group Ltd

Dods Group Ltd is a leading political intelligence business covering the Westminster and Brussels parliaments. We provide clients across the corporate, government and charity sectors with insight, intelligence and impact through our comprehensive suite of policy tools.

Our services comprise of three main elements:

• Dods Insight – based in Brussels and London, our industry experts offer real-time analysis and impartial guidance on the latest policy developments and trends.
• Dods Monitoring – our platform offers instant alerts and contextual insight from over 13,000 sources across the UK and the EU.
• Dods People – the original “who is who” in politics, Dods Parliamentary Companion, was established in 1832. Today, our stakeholder management tools cover the UK and the EU, helping you identify and communicate effectively with key contacts.

For further information, please visit:

What we are looking for

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Experience of delivering an information service.
• Good working knowledge of SQL and relational databases. Experience with Microsoft SQL preferred.
• An excellent understanding of political systems and institutions in the UK and the EU
• Have experience of managing a small delivery team, or demonstrate the aptitude to do so.
• Proficient using MS Office applications, especially Excel, and adept at learning new software packages.
• Work accurately with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Initiative to prioritise tasks to meet deadlines.
• Strong level of written and spoken English, candidates will be expected to communicate with a variety of people both internally and externally.
• BA Honours or Masters in a relevant field (desirable).

Key responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Manage the Reference Data team personnel, ensuring deadlines are met and covering the training and career development of team members.
• Responsible for the delivery, maintenance and development of reference data sets, setting update schedules, best practice and house style guidelines.
• Continuously develop our data collection methods help ensure all delivery processes are as efficient as possible both in terms of resource and practice.
• Liaise with the Head of Product – Political Intelligence and Commercial Teams to ensure time committed to data sets are reflective of commercial value and potential; and developing plans for new data sets where necessary.
• Oversee and deliver on plans for red letter events that impact our Reference Datasets e.g. elections.
• Oversee the delivery of reference data requests, acting as the sign-off on any information delivered to clients.
• Contribute to the wider Political Intelligence product development roadmap, advising on the feasibility of new Reference Data products and driving the development of new and existing datasets.

What’s it in for you?

Founded in 1832, you will be joining an organisation with a wealth of experience. Organisations have been turning to us for pertinent information on what’s going on in Government since we first published Dods Parliamentary Companion way back in 1832 and employees want to work with us to develop their careers. We are big on our people, our culture, and our values. We always look to go the extra mile for our employees and provide internal and external training as well as career development and growth.

Employee Benefits (UK)

• 25 days annual leave plus Bank holidays, with the option to buy an additional 5 days holiday per year
• Day off for your birthday!
• Flexible, hybrid working environment which values work-life balance and gives you the option to choose how you best work – including 4 weeks to ‘work from anywhere’
• 2 days paid volunteering leave per year to support a charity of your choice
• Life assurance of 4x salary
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave options
• Continual learning, professional development, and career progression opportunities, with up to 3 paid L&D days per year
• Company Pension Scheme
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Cycle to work and season ticket travel loan scheme
• Exclusive Shard Member Discounts
• In-year employee bonus scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• 4pm finish on Fridays
• Social activities, events and celebrations for you to connect with your team

Equal opportunities

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities. Dods Group Ltd wants to meet the aims and commitments set out in its equality policy. This includes not discriminating under the Equality Act 2010 and building an accurate picture of the make-up of the workforce in encouraging equality and diversity.

The organisation needs your help and co-operation to enable it to do this but answering our Equal Opportunity questions is voluntary. The information provided will be kept confidential and will be used for monitoring purposes. Please note, the answers to your questions will be kept separate from your application and not viewed by the Hiring Manager.

How to apply

Candidates should apply using the job application portal and supply a CV and covering letter explaining their motivations, relevant previous experience and technical qualifications.

If you are interested in the role, please submit your application through our Dods Careers Page. The closing date for applications is 25 th October :59 with interviews to be held in October and November.