Principal Data Analyst

Matchtech Group; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech Group is recruiting a Principal Data Analyst in Reading on a hybrid contract. The role requires an active Security Check (SC) clearance, with DV preferred, and involves supporting sensitive Defence and aerospace programmes.

You will analyse data, develop interactive Power BI dashboards, write complex SQL queries, and ensure data governance while collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver scalable analytics solutions.

Qualifications

• Active SC clearance or ability to obtain UK clearance.
• Strong SQL querying, transformation and validation.
• Strong Power BI skills with dashboards and KPI reporting.
• Experience with data warehouses, modelling and ETL pipelines.
• Experience in Defence/aerospace environments preferred.
• Excellent communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Analytical, organized and discreet with sensitive data.

Responsibilities

• Analyse data from multiple sources to identify trends and anomalies.
• Develop and maintain Power BI dashboards, reports and monitoring tools aligned with KPIs.
• Write complex SQL queries for data extraction, transformation, validation and analysis.
• Create scalable data models and support development of efficient reporting and ETL processes.
• Ensure data quality, reliability, consistency and governance of data used for analysis.
• Work with cross-functional stakeholders to translate analytical requirements into scalable solutions.
• Document analytical logic, metrics and data sources to support transparency and repeatability.
• Manage analytical projects from initial business requirements through to communicating clear and actionable insights.

Skills

SQL

Power BI

Data analysis

Data modelling

ETL pipelines

Data governance

Python

Communication

Education

Statistics/Mathematics/CS degree

Tools

Power BI

Job description

Our client is seeking a Principal Data Analyst to support sensitive Ministry of Defence and aerospace programmes within the Defence and Security sector. This contract role is based in Reading with hybrid working and requires an active Security Check (SC) clearance; Developed Vetting (DV) is preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyse data from multiple sources to identify trends, patterns and anomalies that support strategic and operational decisions.
• Develop and maintain interactive Power BI dashboards, reports and monitoring tools aligned with business KPIs.
• Write complex SQL queries for data extraction, transformation, validation and analysis.
• Create scalable data models and support the development of efficient reporting and ETL processes.
• Ensure the quality, reliability, consistency and governance of data used for analysis.
• Work with cross-functional stakeholders to translate analytical requirements into structured and scalable solutions.
• Document analytical logic, metrics and data sources to support transparency and repeatability.
• Manage analytical projects from initial business requirements through to communicating clear and actionable insights.

Job Requirements:

• Significant experience in data analysis, business intelligence or a similar analytical role within Defence, Defence Digital, MOD or UK aerospace environments.
• Active SC clearance, with the ability to maintain UK security clearance; DV clearance is preferred.
• Excellent command of SQL for data querying, transformation and validation.
• Strong Power BI skills, with experience developing dashboards, visualisations and KPI reporting solutions.
• Understanding of data warehouse concepts, data modelling, ETL pipelines and data quality principles.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis languages such as Python or R.
• Ability to communicate complex insights clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills, with a high level of discretion when handling sensitive information.

Desirable Skills and Qualifications:

• Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Certification in analytics or business intelligence, such as Microsoft Power BI or Tableau.
• Familiarity with cloud-based data environments, including BigQuery, Snowflake or Redshift.
• Understanding of security, privacy and data governance principles.
• Experience delivering data architecture or analytical solutions in secure aerospace and defence environments.

If you are a security-cleared Principal Data Analyst with strong Power BI and SQL expertise, and are interested in supporting high-profile Defence and aerospace programmes,