About Cognita:
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world".
Technology plays a critical role in this transformation. As part of a global operating model, Technology provides shared platforms, standards and capabilities that can be adopted consistently across all regions while allowing for local operational needs. The function is responsible for delivering the tools, systems and services that enable schools and regional teams to work effectively, securely and efficiently.
Group Data, within the Technology function, is responsible for Cognita’s data and integration platform, analytics products, data governance and emerging AI capabilities. Operating as a centralised function, the team defines global standards, reusable patterns and shared data models that underpin decision-making across the organisation. We work closely with our functional Centres of Excellence — spanning Commercia, Education, Finance and HR — as well as school clusters globally, to deliver data products and insight that drive performance against Cognita’s strategic Performance framework.
The Analytics Product Manager is responsible for leading Cognita’s analytics and insight function — owning the analytics product roadmap, managing a growing team of analysts, and ensuring every data product we build drives measurable business value. Analytics products at Cognita span traditional reporting, self-serve dashboards and AI-powered tools; this role owns quality and value across all of them.
About the Role:
Key Responsibilities
Analytics Product Ownership
- Own the analytics roadmap, aligning priorities with business strategy and performance goals.
- Translate stakeholder requirements into clear, deliverable analytics products.
- Partner with Delivery Leads and squads to turn priorities into execution plans.
- Ensure all analytics products deliver measurable business value.
- Promote adoption of AI and ML capabilities across the analytics portfolio.
Analytics Delivery & Insight
- Lead analytics initiatives from requirements through delivery and business sign-off.
Maintain standards for analytics development, reporting, data quality, metric governance, and CI/CD practices.
- Improve data and analytics literacy to support data-driven decision-making.
- Deliver both quick wins and long-term solutions that create business impact.
- Convert complex data into actionable insights and recommendations.
People & Function Leadership
- Lead, develop, and grow a team of Data and Insight Analysts.
- Set objectives, conduct regular reviews, and support individual development.
- Establish consistent standards, processes, and a value-focused culture.
- Identify and address capability gaps through training, recruitment, or external support.
Strategy & Stakeholder Engagement
- Contribute to data strategy and operating model decisions as part of the Group Data leadership team.
- Partner with executive stakeholders to align analytics priorities with business outcomes.
- Collaborate on KPI definitions, data quality, and governance standards.
- Represent the analytics function in senior forums, providing clear updates and recommendations.
- Support the evolution of analytics and AI strategy to maximise business value.
Who We Are Looking For:
- Strong knowledge of data visualisation and reporting tools — Power BI preferred. Covers report design, semantic layer modelling and self-serve analytics.
- Strong SQL skills and working proficiency in Python for data exploration, transformation, analysis and CI/CD-driven development workflows.
- Solid understanding of dimensional modelling, metric definition and semantic layer design.
- Hands-on development of medallion architecture (bronze, silver, gold) — able to design and review gold and serving layer models, not just consume them.
- Able to translate complex business requirements into clear analytics deliverables for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Growing fluency in AI and ML — able to identify use cases and communicate business value to non-technical stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Degree in a relevant field — Data, Business, Computer Science, Statistics, Economics or equivalent.
- Product owner certification (PSPO, CSPO or equivalent) advantageous.
- Microsoft Power BI or Azure data certifications beneficial.
Experience
- 5+ years in analytics, including 2+ years leading teams.
- Proven experience delivering analytics solutions end-to-end.
- Strong knowledge of Azure data platforms (ADLS, Databricks, ADF) or similar cloud tools.
- Experience with CI/CD and agile, engineering-led environments.
- Track record of delivering insights that drive business decisions.
This is a hybrid position, working day's per week in our Central London office.
How to Apply:
Complete this application before the closing date.
The Closing Date for Applications is: Sunday 12th July 2026
Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.
