Principal Insights Analyst

Wunderman Thompson; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading creative agency is seeking a Data Analytics Principal to lead development and implementation of data analytics strategies. The role involves overseeing data integrity, leading project delivery, and collaborating with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in data analytics, strong leadership skills, and expertise in statistical methods and data analytics tools. This position emphasizes both strategic and technical aspects, aiming to drive continuous improvement in data practices.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Respect for individual identity

Hybrid work environment

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in data analytics and managing data teams.
• Proficiency in both web analytics and data visualization tools.
• Strong understanding of statistical methods and machine learning.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement data analytics strategies aligned with business goals.
• Lead planning and delivery of complex data analytics programs.
• Oversee data integrity and governance in analytics practices.

Skills

Data analytics

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field

Tools

Google Analytics

Tableau

SQL

Python

Power BI

Job description

About VML

VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award‑winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate‑Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca‑Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney. VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information, please visit www.vml.com, and follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Data Analytics Principal to join our growing team. This role is pivotal in shaping our clients’ data and analytics strategies, ensuring high‑quality data analysis, and driving actionable insights to support business decisions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in data analytics, a proven track record of leading teams, and the ability to communicate complex data insights to non‑technical stakeholders.

The Data Analytics Principal will collaborate closely with senior leadership, cross‑functional teams, and external partners to ensure that data is integrated into business strategies and operations. You will be a key point of contact for both internal and external teams building relationships and driving forward the offering of our data analytics department. You will be responsible for overseeing multiple key client engagements with varying degrees of Data Analytics maturity. You will support them with all aspects of Data Analytics, from strategic through to technical, and will be tasked with running large‑scale programmes of work.

What you’ll be doing

• Leadership and Strategy:
  • Develop and implement the data analytics strategies in alignment with our clients’ business goals.
  • Lead the planning and delivery of large and highly complex data analytics programs of work.
  • Be the SME in the room. Pinpoint business and technical requirements, you are the linchpin between customer needs and technical options and possibilities.
  • You have an advisory role to guide our clients towards an approach that best fits their needs.
  • Plan and schedule project timelines and prioritise workload for cross‑functional teams.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Insights and Data Visualisation analysts.
  • Collaborate with senior management to identify data‑driven opportunities for growth and improvement.
  • Support the Head of the Department with evolving our Data Analytics service offering.
• Data Management:
  • Oversee data collection, data integrity, and data governance practices.
  • Ensure the implementation of best practices in data management and analytics.
  • Work with IT and data engineering teams to maintain robust data infrastructure.
• Analytics and Insights:
  • Design and oversee complex data analysis projects to derive actionable insights.
  • Utilize statistical methods, machine learning models, and advanced analytics techniques.
  • Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders through reports, dashboards, and presentations.
• Collaboration and Communication:
  • Collaborate with various departments to understand their data needs and provide analytics support.
  • Translate technical data insights into business terms for non‑technical stakeholders.
  • Continuous Improvement:
    • Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in data analytics and implement relevant innovations.
    • Continuously improve data analytics processes and methodologies.

  What we want from you

  • Extensive and proven experience in data analytics or related fields, with proven expertise in leading and managing data teams and developing/implementing data strategies.
  • Proficiency in web analytics solutions (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, ContentSquare), data analytics tools/languages (SQL, Python, R, SAS), and data visualization platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
  • Strong understanding of statistical methods, machine learning, data mining techniques, data warehousing solutions, big data technologies, and data engineering concepts.
  • Exceptional leadership, team management, and communication skills, with the ability to provide clear reporting and manage stakeholder relationships both internally and externally.
  • Strong analytical thinking, problem‑solving, organizational, and project management abilities, thriving collaboratively in fast‑paced, dynamic, and cross‑functional environments.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field.

  If you know some of this, even better

  • Experience of analytics tools such as Content Square, Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager.
  • Working with tools such as Bloomreach, Dynamic Yield etc.
  • Certification in data analytics or related fields/tools.

  What we can offer you

  Alongside the opportunity to work with some of the most exciting brands around the world, we’ll also prioritise your career development and help you grow your skills. We’ll empower you to make a difference, allow you to be yourself, and respect who you are.

  Our culture thrives on our core values, designed for impact‑driven individuals: Heart, Brains and Courage. We lead with Heart, fostering empathy and trust where genuine connections and human‑centric work flourish. We empower your Brains for innovation, valuing relentless curiosity and collaborative intelligence to solve complex challenges. And we champion Courage, inspiring you to speak up, embrace experimentation, and advocate for bold solutions that push our thinking to be better than yesterday.

  We believe the best work happens when we’re together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

  WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

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