Principal Data Analyst

Transform; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Pension

Life assurance

Cycle to work

Job summary

Transform is seeking a Principal Data Analyst to join the Analytics & Data Science team in Manchester. You will lead complex data projects, mentor a small team of Senior Data Analysts, and partner with senior stakeholders to shape analytics strategy.

You will use SQL and Python, work with cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP), and push for best practices, scalable reporting, and data-driven decision making. The role blends technical delivery with leadership and client engagement.

Qualifications

• Extensive analytics experience with complex projects.
• Strong SQL and Python; experience with large datasets.
• Experience leading analysts and client engagement.
• Knowledge of cloud data platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP).

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of large-scale analytics projects and teams.
• Define analytical approaches and ensure high-quality outputs.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders to identify opportunities.
• Maintain best-practice coding standards and QA.

Skills

SQL

Python

Data analysis

Leadership

Client engagement

Analytical thinking

AI awareness

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

BI tools

SQL Server

Job description

Principal Data Analyst

Department: Data: Analytics

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Manchester, UK

Description

About us

We're Transform.

Transform is a fresh alternative to Big Consulting. As an end-to-end transformation partner, we define, design, build and operate systems that solve our clients’ toughest challenges and seize their biggest opportunities. That often means combining strategy, data, AI, technology, and change management. Sometimes we manage and operate the systems we create; other times, we hand it over for the client to run – standing by to make improvements when things change. It all comes down to making an impact: improving lives, supporting citizens, streamlining workflows, and making the world a better place. We specialise in public sector and public-facing organisations—from government agencies and local authorities to energy, utilities, transportation and healthcare. We also work for some of the world’s most dynamic brands across automotive, retail, financial services, and consumer goods. We work closely (often on site) with our clients; to deliver impact you are keen to help us build the workforce of the future, we should talk.

We’re all in! That's what gets us out of bed every day. We hope you feel the same.

The Role: Principal Data Analyst

Transform is looking for a Principal Analyst to join the Analytics & Data Science team. This role combines strategic analytical leadership with senior client engagement and line management responsibility, helping to shape and grow analytics workstreams for the Data Practice.

The Principal Analyst will lead the delivery of complex, large-scale analytical projects while also managing and developing a small team of Senior level Data Analysts (3–4). You will work closely with the Associate Director of Analytics and Data Science, senior client contacts and wider stakeholders to identify new opportunities, influence strategic decisions and support the growth of the practice.

Key Responsibilities

Hands-on Analytics Delivery

• Lead and oversee complex, large-scale data analysis projects that address strategic client and internal briefs
• Use strong knowledge of SQL and Python to shape analytical approaches, provide technical direction and support transformation and automation where appropriate
• Oversee BI and reporting deliverables as required, ensuring outputs are accurate, scalable and clearly aligned with strategic business and client needs

People Management & Team Development

• Act as line manager for 3–4 Senior level Data Analysts, providing leadership guidance, coaching and performance management while creating a high-performing team environment
• Lead the development of technical and consulting capability within the team, including SQL, analytical thinking and best-practice coding standards
• Carry out regular one-to-ones, goal setting and development planning, helping analysts take on greater responsibility and progress in their careers
• Provide senior review and quality assurance of analytical outputs and code, offering constructive challenge and promoting consistently high standards

Analytics Leadership & Collaboration

• Work closely with the Associate Director of Analytics and Data Science to identify and develop internal and external opportunities for new analytical approaches, products and capabilities that support practice growth
• Lead the development of analytical best practice, processes and standards across the team
• Build trusted relationships with senior client and internal stakeholders, translating complex requirements into impactful analytical strategies and solutions
• Communicate insights and recommendations clearly and confidently to senior technical and non-technical audiences, using data to influence decision-making at the highest level
• Support new business initiatives when required

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Extensive analytics experience, with strong SQL capability and a track record of leading complex analytical projects
• Proven experience analysing a wide range of data sources, including large and unstructured datasets
• Strong working knowledge of Python for data analysis, with the ability to guide technical approaches and best practice
• Experience working with cloud-based data platforms or services, such as AWS, Azure or GCP
• Proven experience line managing and developing senior level analysts
• Excellent business problem-solving skills, with a track record of developing creative, insight-driven analytical solutions to complex challenges
• Ability to lead multiple workstreams and priorities, balancing strategic oversight, client engagement and people management responsibilities
• Strong commercial understanding of how analytics drives client value, business performance and practice growth
• A keen interest in AI and emerging analytics techniques, with the ability to identify practical, value-driven applications; hands-on AI experience is not essential
• Confident and credible communicator, able to present findings, recommendations and strategic direction to varied senior level audiences
• Collaborative approach, with experience leading and developing others through quality assurance, coaching and constructive feedback
• Structured and methodical working style, with the judgement and adaptability to lead effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and a proactive, influential and supportive leadership style
• A growth mindset, with a focus on developing people, client relationships and analytical capability within Transform
• AI-curious and ready to lead the exploration and adoption of relevant opportunities when necessary

Our culture and benefits

Our culture is built on:

• We raise the bar
• We look out for each other
• We embrace our differences
• We shape a changing world
• We’re all in

Our benefits include:

• Holiday entitlement, 28 days with the option to buy/sell up to 5 days (note that 3 days are held for Christmas holidays)
• Day off (on or in the week of) your birthday
• Pension eligibility, up to 5% matched contributions
• Private healthcare
• Life assurance
• Enhanced maternity and enhanced paternity and shared parental leave
• Cycle to work schemes
• Gym & retail discounts
• Regular social events/activities
• A range of other benefits from our flexible benefits package

At Transform, you can expect meaningful work, with real impact and the space to grow as people as well as a professional.

You’ll work alongside curious, authentic experts who care deeply about doing the right thing, for our clients and for each other with no egos, no blame, and no standing on the sidelines.

We’re all in on creating an environment where people feel supported, included and trusted to do their best work. In return, we ask for curiosity, honesty and a willingness to lean into learning, quality, teamwork, and to making change that truly lasts.

We’re committed to equality of opportunity for all, and we actively seek applications from all ethnicities, orientations, beliefs, gender identities + those with neurodiverse traits and disabilities. We want you to have best opportunity to show us who you are and what you can do. Please do let us know if you need any adjustments now or at any point in the recruitment process.

Use of AI in CV and Interviews

We value authenticity and transparency in our hiring process. To ensure fairness and accuracy in assessing your skills and experience, we ask that you refrain from using AI-assisted tools to generate answers during the application process or within interviews.

We are looking for genuine insights into your abilities, experiences, and personality. Any misrepresentation through AI-generated content may impact our ability to make an informed decision. We look forward to getting to know the real you!