Principal Data Analyst

Our client, a Defence and Security supplier is looking for a Principal Data Analyst to join them on a contract basis at their site in Reading.

• Due to the nature of the role, applicants must achieve SC Clearance ahead of starting.
• This role will be based in Reading with hybrid/custom working options where appropriate.
• 5 month initial contract.
• 87.15 p/h Umbrella, inside IR35.

What you will do as a Principal Data Analyst

• Lead the design and delivery of advanced analytics solutions across multiple projects.
• Oversee the design and maintenance of dashboards, reports and automated workflows using dashboarding tools and data warehousing solutions, such as SQL.
• Define and implement data governance, security, and compliance standards.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers and business leaders to shape data strategies and solutions.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to stakeholders on data-driven decision-making.
• Lead and mentor junior analysts, contributing to team capability development.
• Lead innovation by adopting emerging technologies and improving data practices.

What you'll bring

• Strong understanding and proven experience with data lifecycle, governance and quality principles.
• Advanced proficiency in data warehousing tools, such as SQL, for data manipulation and analysis.
• Expertise with data visualisation tools (Power BI, Tableau) and reporting automation.
• Proven experience with interpreting and communicating insights from large, complex datasets to diverse audiences.
• Proven experience influencing technical decisions and leading data initiatives.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills within a collaborative environment.
• Driving best practice and innovation in visualisation techniques and the art of design.

Core Areas (must have):

• Experience leading the implementation data modelling and dashboard design techniques to support future-proofed, portable reporting designs.
• Strong knowledge of data modelling, validation and quality assurance.
• Proven expertise with data warehousing solutions.
• Experience with cloud-based or hybrid data environments.
• Expertise in the security, privacy and ethical considerations in data use.
• Proven ability to plan and manage the work packages for yourself and others and as of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Expertise in requirements gathering process and best practice.
• Experience in Agile or DevOps environments and contributing to technical strategy.