Senior Data Analyst (Report Developer)

Social Security Scotland; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Social Security Scotland is seeking a Senior Data Analyst (Report Developer) in Glasgow to lead the design, development and support of Power BI reporting solutions that enable decision-making across the organisation. The role focuses on translating business needs into robust data visualisations, with governance and best practices guiding a move to self‑service reporting.

As part of the Data Services Team, you will drive end‑to‑end BI delivery, manage complex datasets, and collaborate with

Qualifications

• Solid experience in manipulating, linking and preparing data for analysis, including data modelling and Power BI usage.
• Experience leading workshops with technical and non‑technical staff to define information and reporting requirements.

Responsibilities

• Proficient in designing, developing and maintaining Power BI reports and dashboards.
• Translate reporting requirements into user‑focused visuals and products, working with stakeholders to understand needs.
• Develop data visualisation standards and governance practices.
• Carry out complex data analysis and synthesis using varied methods and tools.
• Produce written and verbal data analysis outputs for technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Lead meetings/workshops to discuss data analysis, reporting and visualisation topics.

Skills

Data analysis

Data visualization

Stakeholder engagement

Data modelling

Data governance

Tools

Power BI

Job description

Expected Timeline (subject to change)

Sift - week commencing 26th October

Join Social Security Scotland as a Senior Data Analyst (Report Developer) and help shape how data is used to support the delivery of vital public services across Scotland. This role is focused on the design, development and support of high-quality Power BI reporting solutions, enabling colleagues and leaders to make informed operational and strategic decisions based on trusted data.

Working within the Data Services Team, you will lead the end-to-end development of Power BI dashboards and reports, from understanding requirements and business needs through to developing, publishing and supporting solutions within the Power BI Service. You will work with complex datasets and enterprise data platforms to create accurate, insightful and user-focused reporting products that meet organisational needs.

A key aspect of the role is supporting the organisation's move towards a managed self-service reporting model. You will help establish and promote reporting standards, governance and best practice while ensuring reporting products are robust, accessible and fit for purpose. You will also provide guidance, documentation and support to users, helping colleagues build confidence in the effective use of data and reporting tools.

This role is ideally suited to an experienced Power BI Developer, BI Developer or Reporting Analyst with strong technical expertise in Power BI (including Power BI service) data analysis and stakeholder engagement. You'll be comfortable working with complex data, translating business requirements into meaningful visualisations, and influencing how reporting services are developed and delivered across a large organisation.

Above all, we're looking for someone who combines excellent Power BI development skills with a passion for using data to drive improvement, support decision-making and deliver better outcomes for the people of Scotland.

A Senior Data Analyst leads data analysis in a team or across an area. They ensure data is appropriately prepared, managed and used, and that data analysis outcomes align with the organisation's goals.

At This Role Level, You Will

• Guide others in appropriate practices for preparing, managing and using data.
• Lead the application and improvement of processes and ways of working with data, reporting and data visualisation.
• Lead communication of data, data products and data projects with stakeholders, adapting to their needs and requirements, including translating business requirements into effective reporting and visualisation solutions using Power BI.

Responsibilities

• Proficient in applying a variety of data visualisation approaches, including the design, development and maintenance of Power BI reports and dashboards.
• Works with stakeholders and colleagues to understand reporting requirements and translate these into effective, user-focused visualisations and reporting products.
• Develops data visualisation standards.
• Carries out complex data analysis and synthesis with a variety of methods and tools.
• Produces written and verbal data analysis (e.g. reports, dashboards, presentations or briefings) for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Runs meetings and workshops, where data analysis, reporting and data visualisation matters are discussed with technical and non-technical colleagues.
• Assures and peer reviews data analysis and synthesis output of other colleagues.
• Resolves data issues and manages others in data-driven solution implementation, including investigating and resolving reporting issues and validating reporting outputs.
• Defines and employs data management and governance mechanisms and tooling, including reporting and business intelligence platforms.
• Carries out data mapping and pipelining activities in support of data integration exercises.
• Contributes to established corporate data patterns and standards.
• Ensures data meet the necessary metadata standards in support of semantic interoperability across digital systems.
• Deals with diverse datasets.
• Applies methodology for data quality management.
• Manages data analysis projects and exchanges relevant views and knowledge with others.

Success Profiles

We use an assessment framework called ‘Success Profiles’ which lists the elements we test and provides detailed descriptions of each. Find out more about the framework here.

Experience

• Solid experience in manipulating, linking and preparing data in order to carry out data analysis, reporting and visualisation activities including data modelling and use of Power BI.
• Experience of leading workshops with technical and non-technical staff, identifying information and reporting requirements and/or presenting technical output in relation to data analysis and data visualisation activities.

Behaviours

• Making Effective Decisions (Level 3)
• Leadership (Level 3)

Technical / Professional Skills

This role is aligned to Senior Data Analyst within the Government Digital and Data Profession. Please review the following to understand the skill expectations: Data Analyst - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework. These skills will be tested during the Technical Assessment if you are successful at sift stage. They will not be assessed at application stage.

Information Session

About

We will be hosting an online candidate information session to provide you with information about the application and interview process as well as further information on the role and team. We will be talking about: The Senior Data Analyst role and Data Services team About Social Security Scotland Our recruitment process Q&A with the hiring manager.

The session will be held on Thursday 22nd October at 12 - 1pm.

Reserve List

In the event that there are more successful candidates than posts available, a reserve list will be kept for up to 12 months.

About Us

Social Security Scotland is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government. Our benefits help people from all walks of life in Scotland. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that is representative of the clients we serve. Find more about us here. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Working Pattern

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options, depending on the needs of the role. We embrace a hybrid working style where all colleagues will spend time in either our Glasgow or Dundee offices. There is an expectation of a minimum 2 days per week in your assigned location, which will be either Glasgow or Dundee. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

Security Checks

Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions). You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.

Equality Statement

Social Security Scotland are committed to equality and inclusion, and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Social Security Scotland are a Disability Confident Employer. We will consider and implement any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process and during the course of your employment, should you be successful in securing a post. If you feel you may require assistance with any part of our recruitment process, please contact us at [e-mail]. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Right to Work in the UK

Social Security Scotland is an approved sponsor under the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Please note that UK immigration guidance, including skill and salary thresholds and eligible occupations, is reviewed regularly and subject to change. If you require visa sponsorship, you should check the latest criteria to confirm whether this role meets current requirements before applying. You can find further advice at Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK

Further Information

Social Security Scotland’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the recruitment principles of the Civil Service Commissioner, which outline that selection for appointment be made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition - Recruitment - Civil Service Commission. If you feel at any time your application has not been treated in accordance with the values in the Civil Service Code and/or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in such a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, you can make a complaint, by contacting Social Security Scotland at [e-mail] in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commissioner. The successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 3 years unless successful in gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade. Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes. If you experience any difficulties accessing our website or completing the online application form, please contact the Resourcing Team via [e-mail].

Expected Timeline (subject to change)

Sift - week commencing 26th October

Interview – week commencing 16th November

Location - In Person in either Dundee or Glasgow