Lead Data Analyst

Blue Octopus Recruitment Limited; Rochdale; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A not-for-profit housing association in Rochdale is seeking a Lead Analyst to shape data-driven decisions within the organization. The ideal candidate will possess strong skills in data analysis using Power BI, Excel, and SQL. Responsibilities include leading the insights function while ensuring data governance and quality. This role offers generous holiday entitlement and various employee benefits, including healthcare and a defined contribution pension scheme.

Benefits

SMART working arrangements

30 days holiday plus bank holidays

Ability to purchase additional leave

Defined contribution pension scheme

Healthcare cash plan

24-hour confidential counseling support

Qualifications

• Strong experience in data analysis and visualisation using Power BI, Excel, and SQL.
• Hands-on knowledge of predictive modelling techniques such as regression analysis, clustering, or forecasting.
• Familiarity with cloud-based data environments for scalable, secure analytics.
• Confidence working with large, complex data sets including data cleansing and validation.
• An understanding of data governance principles regarding quality and compliance.
• A collaborative approach with good engagement skills.
• Ability to translate technical data into actionable insights.
• A natural problem-solver with attention to detail.
• Experience in mentoring others and building a team.
• Comfortable managing multiple projects with a flexible attitude.

Responsibilities

• Lead the data & insights function to support evidence-based decision making.

Skills

Data analysis and visualisation using Power BI

Strong experience with SQL

Predictive modelling techniques

Knowledge of Python or R

Familiarity with cloud-based data environments

Data governance principles

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving ability

Mentoring or coaching experience

Tools

Power BI

Excel

SQL

Python

R

Microsoft Azure

AWS

Google Cloud

Job description

At Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, we believe in building more than just homes. We’re here to create communities where people feel supported, safe, and empowered. As a not-for-profit mutual Housing Association, we serve residents across Rochdale and are committed to delivering excellent services and long-term value.

Overview

We are evolving to become a truly data-led organisation and we're growing our Data & Insights team and looking for a Lead Analyst to help shape the future with smart, evidence-based decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Lead the data & insights function to support smart, evidence-based decision making.

Qualifications / Experience

• Strong experience in data analysis and visualisation particularly using Power BI, Excel, and SQL.
• Hands-on knowledge of predictive modelling techniques such as regression analysis, clustering, or forecasting. Experience using tools like Python or R is a bonus.
• Familiarity with cloud-based data environments such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud – and how they can support scalable, secure analytics.
• Confidence working with large, complex data sets, including data cleansing, transformation, and validation.
• An understanding of data governance, including principles around data quality, security, and compliance.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to engage positively with colleagues from across the business, both technical and non-technical.
• Strong communication skills, being able to translate technical data into meaningful, actionable insights for a wide range of audiences.
• A natural problem-solver with curiosity, creativity, and a keen eye for detail.
• Proven experience in mentoring or coaching others, and a desire to help build a small team and foster a culture of learning and development.
• Comfortable working on multiple projects and priorities, with a flexible, can-do attitude.

Benefits

• SMART working arrangements
• Holiday entitlement – 30 days holiday plus all UK bank holidays, with an additional 5 days after completion of five years’ service. Part time employees will receive a pro rata entitlement
• Ability to purchase up to an additional 5 days leave per year
• A quality defined contribution pension scheme, with salary exchange and RBH matches your contributions up to 8%
• Healthcare – automatic enrolment into a health care cash plan, covering optical and dental costs, consultation fees and physio to name but a few
• You will also have access to our Employment Assistance Programme with a 24-hour confidential counselling support for both personal and work-related issues
• Plus, many more

Please refer to the attached Job Description upon completing your application.

Please note, we will be reviewing and shortlisting throughout the duration of this role and we could close early, therefore we recommend an early application.