Principal Research and Information Analyst

East Midlands Councils/East Midlands Jobs; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional council in the United Kingdom seeks a Principal Senior Research and Information Analyst to support their research and information function. The successful candidate will work with various stakeholders to conduct evidence-led analysis, produce reports, and offer strategic insights that inform decision-making. A degree in a relevant field is required, along with skills in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and strong interpersonal ability. The role includes generous benefits such as a flexi-time scheme and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous Annual Leave Scheme

Flexi Time Scheme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Wellbeing Support Framework

Employee Wellbeing Support

Training and Development opportunities

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Derbyshire Rewards

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject with knowledge of legislation affecting local government.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Proven ability to motivate people at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Provide information and reports to support the Council’s management of evidence and insight.
• Lead and support on a variety of research, policy and performance projects.
• Use software to perform statistical analysis on various topics.

Skills

Enthusiastic

Versatile

Self-motivated

Confidence to work under pressure

Excellent interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Intermediate/advanced skills in Microsoft Excel

Excellent report writing

Motivational skills

Education

Degree level education in relevant subject

Tools

Power BI

SQL

Job description

Closing date

11 January 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Strategy and Policy Team for a dynamic and committed individual to support the council’s research and information function as a Principal Senior Research and Information Analyst.

You will provide the Council with a robust evidence and analysis service across all levels and departments. You will deliver and contribute to high profile Council priorities including Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) as well as analyse, interpret, report and present information, and make recommendations to assist the Council to understand the communities it serves and how well it serves them, supporting effective decision making and strategy development.

What will I be doing

• Use a wide variety of national and local data sources to provide information and reports to support the Council’s management of evidence and insight
• Provide robust evidence, insight and recommendations to inform the Council’s strategic decision making
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to evidence, develop and implement wider corporate initiatives and programmes
• Lead and support on a variety of research, policy and performance projects
• Use a variety of software to perform a range of statistical analysis on topics such as census, deprivation, economy, population, Council performance and consultation and engagement results
• Support and develop the Derbyshire Observatory website including dashboard creation using Power BI and SQL
• Managing and motivating a team of Research colleagues and contribute to the maintenance of a highly competent and professional working environment

This list is not exhaustive, take a look at our comprehensive job profile for more detail.

What skills and experience do you need to have

• Be enthusiastic, versatile and self-motivated with the ability to work well as part of a team
• Confidence to work under pressure and manage several tasks simultaneously
• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject with knowledge of legislation and current initiatives affecting local government
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills with attention to detail
• Intermediate/advanced skills in Microsoft Excel with the ability to utilise dashboard generation and geographical systems
• Excellent report writing and communication skills
• Proven ability to motivate people at all levels to make decisions in a complex and emerging evidence-led strategy and policy environment

We're always pleased to hear from talented people so if you're looking to join a dynamic team and have the skills and experience we're looking for, then we'd like to hear from you.

Support & Benefits

• Generous Annual Leave Scheme (27 days increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service): Ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
• Flexi Time Scheme: Up to two days flexi leave every four weeks (pro rata for part-time employees), subject to service needs.
• Local Government Pension Scheme: Providing financial security.
• Wellbeing Support Framework: Includes OH physician services, physiotherapy, CBT, and in-house counselling.
• Employee Wellbeing Support: Fast track physiotherapy, confidential psychological support services, Employee Assistance Programme, and “Wisdom” app.
• Training and Development: Opportunities for professional qualifications and ongoing training.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Promoting a healthy lifestyle.
• Electric/Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme: Encouraging environmentally friendly commuting options.
• Our Derbyshire Rewards: a package of benefits and discounts.
• & much more

If you would like to have an informal chat about this role, get in touch with Mel Turvey [e-mail]

Provisional Interview Date: Week Commencing 19th January 2026