Senior Data Analyst

Inside IR35 | SC Cleared | Contract | Defence

📍 Location: Reading (Hybrid)

📄 Contract: Inside IR35

🔐 Clearance: SC Clearance required

Role Overview

We are seeking a Principal Data Analyst to join a major defence digital programme, supporting the design and delivery of advanced analytics solutions across multiple workstreams.

This is a senior, hands-on role combining technical leadership, stakeholder engagement, and delivery ownership. You will play a key role in shaping data strategy, improving data governance and quality, and enabling data-driven decision-making across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

As a Principal Data Analyst, you will:

• Lead the design and delivery of advanced analytics solutions across multiple projects
• Oversee the development and maintenance of dashboards, reports, and automated workflows using data warehousing and SQL-based solutions
• Define and implement data governance, security, privacy, and compliance standards
• Collaborate with data architects, engineers, and senior business stakeholders to shape data strategies
• Translate complex datasets into clear, actionable insights for technical and non-technical audiences
• Provide expert guidance on data-driven decision making
• Lead and mentor analysts, contributing to capability and best-practice development
• Drive innovation through improved data practices, tooling, and emerging technologies

Core Skills & Experience (Essential)

• Strong experience across the data lifecycle, including governance, quality, and validation
• Advanced proficiency with SQL and data warehousing solutions
• Expertise in data modelling and dashboard/reporting design
• Strong experience with data visualisation tools (Power BI, Tableau)
• Proven experience working with cloud-based or hybrid data environments
• Strong understanding of data security, privacy, and ethical considerations
• Experience gathering and translating requirements into scalable data solutions
• Ability to plan, manage, and lead work packages within multi-disciplinary teams
• Experience working in Agile or DevOps environments and contributing to technical strategy

Desirable Experience

• Degree in STEM, Data Science, or a related discipline
• Professional certifications in analytics or data engineering
• Programming experience using Python
• Exposure to machine learning techniques or advanced statistical modelling

This is not an exhaustive list. We are keen to hear from candidates who may not meet every requirement but bring a strong attitude and willingness to learn.

What We’re Looking For

• A senior data professional who can lead, influence, and deliver, not just analyse
• Someone comfortable operating in a regulated, security-conscious environment
• Strong communication skills and confidence engaging with senior stakeholders
• Active SC clearance or clear eligibility is mandatory

Contract Details

• Contract role – Inside IR35
• Reading-based with hybrid working
• Long-term opportunity within a large defence programme

Apply

If you’re a Principal Data Analyst with strong technical depth and leadership experience, we’d like to hear from you.