Lead Analyst

Sainsbury's; Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Colleague discount

Bonus up to 10% of salary

Pensions scheme

Life cover

Annual leave

Job summary

Sainsbury's is seeking a Lead Analyst in the Commercial division to drive end-to-end analytics projects, mentor junior analysts and translate complex data into actionable insights for strategic decision-making. You’ll blend strong SQL/Python skills with business acumen to deliver high-impact analyses across a multi-brand retail environment.

Based in the UK, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape data-driven strategies and storytelling that informs leadership and improves

Qualifications

• Highly numerate/analytical background with degree in maths, stats, or similar or strong analytical experience.
• Strong technical skills — SQL and Python are essential.
• Proven ability to deliver actionable insights and drive business change.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, curiosity, attention to detail, and ability to partner effectively with the business.
• Experience in managing or mentoring analysts, including shaping their development and overseeing analytical workload.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end delivery of analytical projects within the Commercial division.
• Coach and develop junior analysts and build strong relationships across the business.
• Translate complex data into compelling narratives to inform decision-making.
• Question assumptions and propose innovative solutions to drive business change.
• Demonstrate high attention to detail and a track record of delivering actionable insights.

Skills

SQL

Python

Analytical thinking

Mentoring

Stakeholder management

Education

Maths/Statistics degree

Job description

At Sainsbury’s, data sits at the heart of how we operate, innovate and serve our customers. Our Data & Analytics team is building a technically advanced, commercially focused and impactful capability, powering our Next Level Strategy and helping to create a Sainsbury’s powered by industry leading AI algorithms. We use data, technology and advanced analytics to drive better decisions across the business, from forecasting and optimisation to experimentation, personalisation and machine learning. With one of the richest retail datasets I n the UK and a portfolio spanning Sainsbury’s, Argos, Habitat and Nectar, the opportunity to innovate is huge. Here, you’ll tackle complex challenges at scale, create measurable impact and grow quickly alongside brilliant colleagues. People who thrive with us combine business understanding, technical expertise and curiosity, with a natural instinct for problem-solving. Join us and help shape the future of retail through data and AI.

Why join us

Joining Sainsbury's Data & Analytics function means becoming part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to harnessing the power of data to drive strategic decisions and deliver impactful solutions. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, you will have the opportunity to work with one of the most exciting data sets in the country, shaping high-performance products that enhance the shopping experience for millions of customers. Embrace our values of Owning It, Making it Better, and Being Human, and be part of a dynamic environment where your analytical skills and passion for problem-solving are valued and encouraged to thrive.

What You'll Do

As a Analyst in the Commercial division at Sainsbury's, you will be a key member of the Strategic Projects Analytics team, dedicated to unlocking the value of our vast multi-brand, multi-channel data asset. Your responsibilities will include owning the end-to-end delivery of analytical projects, coaching and developing junior analysts, building strong relationships across the business, translating complex data into compelling narratives, questioning assumptions, and proposing innovative solutions. Your numerate background, strong SQL and Python skills, proven track record of delivering actionable insights, and high attention to detail will be essential as you drive decision-making and business change through impactful analysis and storytelling.

Who You Are

As a Lead Analyst within the Strategic Projects Analytics team, you are a highly numerate and analytical professional with a passion for deriving actionable insights and driving business change through data. Your expertise in SQL, Python, and data storytelling, combined with your commercial acumen and proactive mindset, allows you to deliver actionable insights that drive business change and support strategic priorities. You excel in building strong relationships, coaching junior analysts, and translating complex data into compelling narratives that inform and inspire stakeholders across the organisation. Your ability to challenge assumptions and propose innovative solutions reflects your commitment to continuous improvement and delivering high-impact analysis that adds value to the business.

Essential Criteria

• Highly numerate / analytical background (degree in maths, stats, or similar, or strong analytical experience)
• Strong technical skills — SQL and Python are essential
• Proven ability to deliver actionable insights and drive business change
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, curiosity, attention to detail, and ability to partner effectively with the business
• Experience in managing or mentoring analysts, including shaping their development and overseeing analytical workload.

#DataAndAnalytics #Analytics

We are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer so you’ll be welcomed whoever you are and wherever you work. Around here, there’s always the chance to try something new — whether that’s as part of an evolving team or somewhere else across the business - and we take development seriously and promise to support you. We also recognise and celebrate colleagues when they go the extra mile and, where possible, offer flexible working. When you join our team, we’ll also offer you an amazing range of benefits. Here are some of them:Starting off with colleague discount, you'll be able to save 10% on your shopping online and instore at Sainsbury's, Argos, TU and Habitat, and we regularly increase the discount to 15% at points during the year. We've also got you covered for your future with our pensions scheme and life cover. You'll also be able to share in our success as you may be eligible for a performance-related bonus of up to 10% of salary, depending on how we perform.Your wellbeing is important to us too. You'll receive an annual holiday allowance and you can buy up to an additional week's holiday. We also offer other benefits that will help your money go further such as season ticket loans, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, salary advance (where you can access some of your pay before pay day) as well access to a great range of discounts from hundreds of other retailers. And if you ever need it there is also an employee assistance programme.Moments that matter are as important to us as they are to you which is why we give up to 26 weeks’ pay for maternity or adoption leave and up to 4 weeks’ pay for paternity leave.Please see www.sainsburys.jobs for a range of our benefits (note, length of service and eligibility criteria may apply).