BI Data Lead

Lookers Head Office Newcastle

Salary: £45,000 - £60,000 (Depending on Experience)

Working Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00

Here at Lookers we have an exciting opportunity for a Finance BI Data Lead!

As a Finance BI Data Lead, you will take ownership of the data strategy, integration, and project delivery within the Finance BI function. Reporting directly to the Head of BI this role combines hands-on technical delivery with strategic oversight to ensure the accuracy, efficiency, and scalability of financial reporting.

You will work closely with finance stakeholders, BI Reporting team, Systems Accountant, and senior leadership to deliver data-driven insights that empower effective decision-making across the organisation. This is an opportunity to lead from the front—bridging business needs and technical capabilities in a fast-paced, data-focused environment.

• Lead the data strategy and architecture for finance BI Reporting solutions, ensuring scalability and alignment with organisational goals.
• Project manage key BI data initiatives – from scoping and stakeholder alignment to execution, testing, and roll-out.
• Oversee and contribute to SQL development, including performance tuning, stored procedures, and high-volume data pipelines for reporting and analytics.
• Design, maintain and optimise ETL workflows to support data warehousing and reporting layers.
• Drive data quality and governance, ensuring robust validation and monitoring frameworks are in place.
• Promote knowledge sharing, mentoring junior team members and championing a collaborative and innovative culture within the BI function.
• Ensure compliance with change management and testing standards, safeguarding the integrity of business-critical data.

What you'll bring

Must-Haves:

• Proven experience in SQL development and optimisation, ideally within a financial reporting context.
• Solid experience with ETL tools and data warehousing principles.
• Strong analytical mindset with excellent Excel skills and experience in data manipulation.
• Leadership capability – able to manage projects, influence stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of translating complex data requirements into actionable plans.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities with precision and accountability.
• A passion for learning and adaptability to new BI tools, platforms, and methodologies.

Desirables:

• Degree in Computer Science, Data/Information Systems, Finance, or a related field.
• Background in the automotive industry or other fast-paced, transactional environments.
• Experience with OLAP cubes and data modelling tools.
• Familiarity with financial reporting structures, accounting principles, or FP&A processes.
• Exposure to Infor, Power BI or other BI reporting/dashboard platforms.

Why Join Lookers?

• Hybrid working model: 3 days in our Newcastle office, 2 days remote.
• Be part of a fast-paced, collaborative data team driving tangible business impact.
• Continuous learning and development opportunities in a data-first organisation.

About us

We are one of the top three automotive retailers in the UK, proudly representing 32 manufacturer brands, selling a huge range of new and used vehicles from over 150 dealerships across the UK and Ireland.

We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we’re committed to recognising the valuable contribution each person makes. That’s why we continue to invest in a leading rewards and benefits package designed to support your career, wellbeing, and life outside of work.

Core Benefits:

• Competitive salaries with structured pay scales and progression as you grow within the business
• Generous annual leave that increases with your length of service
• Enhanced family leave, including 6 months’ full pay for maternity and adoption leave, and 2 weeks’ full pay for paternity leave
• Access to Techscheme for discounted technology purchases with flexible payments

Health & Wellbeing:

• Eyecare vouchers to help cover vision care needs
• Smart Health – 24/7 access to GP services to support your mental and physical wellbeing
• Dental insurance for everyday dental care and unexpected treatments
• Critical illness cover for peace of mind during life's most challenging moments

Financial Wellbeing:

• MyView PayNow – access a portion of your pay as you earn, with features to stream, save, and track your money through a user-friendly app
• Will writing services to help plan for the future
• Flexible life assurance options and partner life assurance for added protection

Leisure & Lifestyle:

• Discounted gym memberships to support an active lifestyle
• Travel insurance to help you explore with confidence
• Access to home and technology vouchers
• bYond card and a wide range of exclusive retail and lifestyle discounts

We strongly believe in nurturing and providing our people with specific manufacturer brand and management training to enhance career development opportunities. We have a great bunch of people, and we like to celebrate and encourage success at all levels.

Lookers and Charles Hurst are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to a working environment that is free from discrimination, is inclusive, and empowers our people to bring their whole self to work and reach their full potential.

If your application is successful, we will conduct relevant employment checks prior to you commencing employment with us. These will include verifying your recent employment, address, credit history and a standard criminal record check. For roles that require you to drive, a driving licence check will also be carried out. Please note, all offers of employment are made subject to a 6 month probation period commencing from your start date.

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