Lead Data Analyst - Finance BI

Sainsbury’s Group; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retailer in the UK is seeking a Lead Data Analyst to drive the delivery of impactful financial analytics. This role involves translating complex data into actionable insights, collaborating closely with finance managers, and navigating a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in SQL and Python, experience with BI tools like Power BI or Tableau, and a track record of delivering business impact through data analysis.

Benefits

Colleague discount (10%, up to 15%)

Pensions scheme and life cover

Performance-related bonus up to 10%

Annual holiday allowance

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Proficiency in SQL and Python for data analysis and manipulation.
• Knowledge of Python modules such as Pandas, scikit-learn and statsmodels.
• Experience delivering insights that contribute to business change.

Responsibilities

• Deliver impactful financial analytics and translate data into actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain a strong sense of ownership in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

SQL

Python

BI tools (Power BI or Tableau)

Relationship-building

Data storytelling

Education

Educational background in a numerate discipline

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Lead Data Analyst - Finance BI

Sainsbury's

Location: London

Type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time

Posted: 11 hours ago

Job Category: Finance & Business Development

Overview: This role is based at the London Store Support Centre & Home. Colleagues go into the office 1-2 days per week on average.

What you’ll do

• Own the end-to-end delivery of advanced financial analytical projects, unlocking value from one of the UK’s dynamic retail data sets.
• Collaborate closely with Finance Managers and Senior Leadership; translate complex data into compelling narratives; drive decision-making and business change through insightful analysis and storytelling.
• Build strong relationships across the business and challenge assumptions; propose innovative solutions; apply numerate skills (SQL and Python) and attention to detail.

Who you are

• Dedicated, innovative professional with a willingness to learn; proven track record in driving advanced data analysis and delivering actionable insights.
• Experience with BI tools (Power BI or Tableau); proficiency in SQL and Python; able to visualise and communicate complex analytics to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong relationship-building, resilience, prioritisation, and ability to manage high-impact projects; drives continuous improvement in analytics processes to enhance finance value.

Essential Criteria

• Proficiency in SQL and Python for data analysis and manipulation (experience with Snowflake, R, GitHub, and Jira is advantageous but not required).
• Knowledge of Python modules such as Pandas, scikit-learn and statsmodels is advantageous.
• Experience delivering actionable insights that contribute to business change or impact.
• Ability to translate complex data into clear narratives; experience presenting to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Evidence of building and maintaining effective stakeholder relationships, including director-level conversations.
• Experience using BI tools (Tableau, Power BI or similar).
• Educational background in a numerate discipline (mathematics, statistics, finance or related analytics).

Responsibilities

As a Lead Analyst, you will deliver impactful financial analytics, collaborate with stakeholders, and translate data into actionable recommendations. You will work in a fast-paced environment, drive continuous improvement, and contribute to the wider group’s goals while maintaining a strong sense of purpose and ownership.

Benefits & Diversity

We are committed to being an inclusive retailer. Benefits include:

• Colleague discount (10%, up to 15% at times).
• Pensions scheme and life cover.
• Performance-related bonus up to 10% of salary, depending on performance.
• Annual holiday allowance with optional additional days; other benefits to help money go further (season ticket loans, cycle to work, health cash plans, salary advance, retailer discounts).
• Employee assistance programme; maternity/adoption pay up to 26 weeks and paternity pay up to 4 weeks.
• Further details at www.sainsburys.jobs (length of service and eligibility apply).

Sainsbury's