Principal Analyst (Data)

BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL; Keynsham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Bath & North East Somerset Council is seeking an experienced Principal Analyst (Data) to lead Analytics Engineering within the Business Intelligence Service. You will shape data strategy, standards and delivery of trusted data to support evidence-based decisions across the Council.

The role involves overseeing datasets, data models and governance, collaborating with senior stakeholders, and mentoring colleagues to foster continuous improvement and innovation.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification or substantial experience at senior analytical/data leadership level.
• Experience leading complex projects including planning, resourcing, risk management and delivery.
• Experience developing standards, frameworks and best practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, coordination and delivery of analytics-ready datasets and data models.
• Drive analytics engineering standards across the service.
• Oversee integration, optimisation and governance of SQL, Fabric and geospatial data platforms.
• Mentor and develop colleagues to build capability and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

SQL

Microsoft Fabric

Standards & governance

Stakeholder management

Mentoring

Education

Postgraduate qualification

Tools

Microsoft SQL

Microsoft Fabric

Job description

We're looking for an experienced and innovative Principal Analyst (Data) to join our Business Intelligence Service and play a leading role in shaping how data is managed, engineered and used across the Council. This is an exciting opportunity to influence strategic decision-making, drive continuous improvement and help deliver better outcomes for residents through the effective use of data. About the Team The Business Intelligence Service provides data, insight and intelligence that support services across the Council. The Data Team works closely with colleagues throughout the organisation, particularly within Children's Services, Education, Adult Social Care and Place, helping services turn data into meaningful insight and evidence-based decisions. As part of a collaborative and forward-thinking service, the team is committed to developing high-quality analytical products, modern data platforms and innovative ways of working. We are continually exploring opportunities to improve how data is collected, managed and used to support the Council's priorities. About the Role As the Data Team Principal Analyst, you will provide technical and professional leadership for Analytics Engineering across the Business Intelligence Service. Working in close partnership with the Development Team Principal Analyst, you will help shape the future direction of the service, develop standards and best practice, and ensure the delivery of trusted, analytics-ready data that enables better decisions across the organisation.,

• Leading the planning, coordination and delivery of analysis-ready, trusted datasets and data models.
• Driving the development and implementation of Analytics Engineering standards across the Business Intelligence Service.
• Overseeing the integration, optimisation and governance of the Council's technical data environments, including Microsoft SQL, Microsoft Fabric and geospatial data platforms.
• Leading complex cross-service projects, ensuring effective planning, risk management and delivery.
• Supporting the development of data pipelines, architecture and engineering practices in collaboration with the Development Team.
• Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders and partners to understand business challenges and identify data-driven solutions.
• Mentoring and developing colleagues, helping build capability and promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Identifying emerging technologies, opportunities and best practice that can enhance how the Council works with data.

This is an influential role where your expertise will directly support service transformation, business improvement and the delivery of better outcomes for our communities.

We're looking for a data professional who combines strong technical expertise with leadership, collaboration and a passion for improvement. You will bring:

You will bring:

• A postgraduate qualification or substantial experience working at a senior analytical or data leadership level.
• Significant experience leading complex projects, including planning, resource coordination, risk management and delivery.
• Strong technical expertise in Microsoft SQL and/or Microsoft Fabric.
• Experience developing standards, frameworks and best practice approaches.
• A proven ability to build productive relationships with senior stakeholders and influence decision making.
• Experience mentoring, coaching and supporting the professional development of colleagues.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into practical recommendations.
• A proactive and innovative approach, with a desire to continually improve services and ways of working.
• Please note that this role is subject to an Basic DBS Check. Safeguarding Statement: The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.

You’ll thrive in this role if you’re excited by the opportunity to lead change, work collaboratively across services and use data to deliver meaningful improvements for residents and communities.

Why Join Us?

At Bath & North East Somerset Council, you’ll be part of an organisation that values innovation, collaboration and continuous learning. We are committed to empowering our people, encouraging new ideas and creating an environment where talented professionals will make a real impact. If you’re passionate about data, analytics and public service, we’d love to hear from you.

At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose - to improve people's lives.

About Bath and North East Somerset Council. Working at Bath and North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.

Why Bath and North East Somerset Council?

We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need.

Go to At Bath and North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose - to improve peoples lives.

Find out more about our values at We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us.

Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at We are a Disability Confident Employer - find out more at The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.