Sally Brown

Data and BI professional with hands-on experience designing multi-source analytical data models, automating reporting and developing business intelligence products from complex operational data. Strong technical expertise across Power BI, SQL and Azure Databricks, combined with senior stakeholder engagement and previous leadership of five teams comprising 45 staff. Experienced in translating fragmented data and business requirements into governed, scalable reporting solutions that improve decision-making and operational efficiency.

Currently completing an MSc in Data Science, with applied experience in machine learning and AI-enabled decision-support tools.

Research Data Analyst at University of Salford (2025-03 – Present)

Lead the design and delivery of data, BI and analytical solutions integrating complex operational systems into governed reporting and decision-support products.

• Design multi-source data models integrating research, HR and external data into structured analytical layers within Azure Databricks.
• Develop Power BI products that replace fragmented reporting with accessible, consistent insight for senior leaders and operational teams.
• Identify opportunities to automate reporting and analytical processes, reducing manual activity and improving access to self-service insight.
• Analyse organisational data to identify trends, risks and opportunities, translating findings into practical recommendations rather than reporting alone.
• Define reporting requirements, KPIs, classifications and data standards with business and technical stakeholders.
• Champion data quality and governance, working with data engineering and system owners to resolve inconsistencies and improve reliability.
• Design data flows spanning Databricks, Azure SQL and application layers, contributing to architecture, security and integration decisions.
• Develop machine-learning and AI-enabled approaches to organisational problems, translating analytical prototypes into practical decision-support products.

Evaluation and Impact Manager at University of Salford (2023-05 – 2025-03)

• Developed evaluation frameworks, KPIs and Power BI reporting supporting evidence-based organisational decision-making.
• Translated complex analysis into clear insight and recommendations for senior leaders.
• Led cross-organisational improvement initiatives, establishing consistent measures, reporting standards and data-quality approaches.

Teaching and Learning Manager at University of Manchester (2019-07 – 2023-01)

• Led five operational teams comprising 45 staff and supporting services for 6,000+ students.
• Led large-scale change and process-improvement programmes, improving processes, data capture and reporting.
• Used performance insight to support resource planning and continuous improvement and delivered organisational training in data governance and compliance.

Student Experience Manager at University of Manchester (2016-01 – 2019-07)

• Delivered £100K+ savings through data-driven service redesign and process optimisation.
• Increased engagement by 60% through insight-led service improvements.
• Product Owner for a major systems change programme, translating operational requirements into system and process improvements.
• Led implementation of CRM and survey technologies to improve data collection and reporting.

Graduate Education Manager (Maternity Cover) at University of Manchester (2015-05 – 2016-01)

• Managed postgraduate research studentships, financial reporting and operational improvement.

Deputy Doctoral College Manager at University of Brighton (2011-09 – 2015-04)

• Managed a £2.5m studentship portfolio.
• Increased applications by 83% through improved processes and data-informed outreach.
• Developed reporting tools to improve operational and strategic decision-making.

MSc in Data Science – University of Salford (2026-10)

MA in Gender and Media – University of Sussex (2011)

BA (Hons) in Film, Media and Culture – Brunel University (1999)