Data Architect

Costain Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Remote/Hybrid options

Job summary

Costain Group is seeking a data analytics professional to turn disparate project and financial data into proactive insight for senior leadership on the HS2 programme. You will perform analytics to reveal trends, provide explanations, and support decision-making with concise narratives.

You will work with PMO/Project Controls/Finance, build lightweight forecasts, and develop visuals while improving data quality and simple data models for faster analysis.

Qualifications

• Experience analysing cost and schedule data.
• Proficient in Excel and Power BI.
• Experience with time-series/ regression analyses.
• Knowledge of Primavera P6 and EV/cost analytics.

Responsibilities

• Analyse large, multi-source datasets (cost, schedule, risk, change, progress) to uncover trends and anomalies.
• Perform time-series, regression, variance and sensitivity analyses; translate results into clear recommendations.
• Create fit-for-purpose visuals (small-multiples, run-charts, control charts) to evidence findings.
• Define and track leading KPIs and thresholds; set up alerts for emerging risks.
• Partner with PMO/Project Controls/Finance to align insights with reporting cycles.
• Improve data quality and shape simple data models for recurring analysis.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Power BI

Data storytelling

Statistical analysis

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field

Tools

SQL

Python/R

Primavera P6

Azure ETL

Job description

Purpose

Turn disparate project and financial data into clear, proactive insight - linking trends, early warnings, and predictive signals to decisions made by senior stakeholders and the leadership team. You’ll work with and around existing reporting requirements, adding analysis that explains the “why” and “what next,” not just the “what.”

Key Outcomes

• Early warning: Detect leading indicators of cost/schedule variance, risk exposure, and delivery slippage before they surface in monthly reporting.
• Predictive view: Build light‑weight forecasts and scenarios that quantify impact and recommend mitigations.
• Decision support: Deliver concise, executive‑ready narratives (one‑pagers, briefings) that drive action.

What You’ll Do

• Analyse large, multi‑source datasets (cost, schedule, risk, change, progress) to uncover trends, drivers, and anomalies.
• Perform time‑series, regression, variance and sensitivity analyses; translate results into clear recommendations .
• Create fit‑for‑purpose visuals (e.g., small-multiple charts, run‑charts, control charts) to evidence findings - no “dashboard factory.”
• Define and track leading KPIs and thresholds; set up alerts and watchlists for emerging risks.
• Partner with PMO/Project Controls/Finance to align insights with the reporting cycle and governance forums.
• Improve data quality and consistency; shape simple data models that make recurring analysis faster.

Flexible working: We welcome you to ask about the flexibility you need. This might be part‑time, remote working, or compressed hours for example. Anyone who applies for a role can ask about flexibility at interview. In return, we will explore what is possible for the role.

The Ideal Candidate

What You’ll Bring

• Strong analytical toolkit: advanced Excel (modelling, Power Query, complex formulas), sound statistics, and storytelling with data .
• Working knowledge of Power BI for light modelling/visuals (deep dashboard development not required).
• Ability to join the dots across data, context, and delivery realities; crisp written and verbal communication for senior audiences.
• Experience operating in fast‑paced project environments and influencing through evidence.

Nice to Have (Desirable, not essential)

• Project Controls background (EV, cost & schedule analytics, trends, PMB, WBS) and/or Finance (budgeting, forecasting, variance).
• Ability to interpret Primavera P6 outputs (logic, slippage, float) and link schedule signals to cost/risk.
• Exposure to major infrastructure programmes.
• SQL and/or basic Python/R for heavier analysis or repeatable workflows
• Demonstrable experience in the development of reports and dashboards to a diverse set of stakeholders in a fast paced environmen
• Highly skilled in mainstream BI tools (including but not limited to Power BI
• Understand and promote data qualit
• Knowledge or experience with Extract Transform Load (ETL
• Knowledge with Azure integration services

About The Company

The role will work on the HS2 project. HS2 is the UK’s new high speed rail network. It will be a catalyst for economic growth across Britain, freeing up space on the existing railways and connecting 8 out of the UK’s 10 biggest cities with fast, reliable and frequent high speed services

The Skanska | Costain | STRABAG (SCS JV) is delivering the HS2 London Tunnels Contract. Scope of works includes twin-bored tunnels (TBM), SCL tunnels, shaft sinking, bridge demolition and reconstruction, services diversions, earthworks and the construction of site compounds.

You’ll be a welcomed member of the wider team, with opportunities to take on additional responsibility, join our EDI Champions program or support the local community (e.g. as a STEM ambassador).

Your personal and professional development is important to us. We welcome a discussion about how we can support you with further study, or professional membership or attainment for example.