Senior Data, Performance and Insight Analyst

London Borough of Merton; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The London Borough of Merton is seeking a Senior Data, Performance and Insight Analyst to join the Data, Performance and Insights function within the Children, Lifelong Learning and Families Department. You will lead analysis, BI and performance reporting to inform strategic decisions and service improvement, with a focus on Children's Social Care.

You will develop Power BI dashboards, transform complex datasets into insights, support data governance and statutory returns, and help embed

Qualifications

• Significant experience in data analysis, BI and performance management in public sector.
• Experience delivering analytical products supporting service improvement and decision-making.
• Experience of statutory reporting, information governance and data compliance.
• Experience mentoring analysts and working with senior stakeholders.
• Experience with large, complex datasets from multiple systems.
• Strong skills with PowerBI for dashboards and visualisations.

Responsibilities

• Lead a complex portfolio of analytical, performance and insight work with timely delivery.
• Provide expert advice and prioritise risks and opportunities.
• Lead delivery of high-quality analytical products, performance reporting and BI.
• Develop and maintain engaging Power BI dashboards and visualisations.
• Transform complex datasets into actionable insights for policy and delivery.
• Lead statutory data collections and returns with compliance and timeliness.
• Drive improvements in data quality, governance and information management.
• Support service transformation programmes and digital modernisation.
• Apply predictive analytics and emerging AI to address business challenges.
• Manage and develop analysts to build capability across the service.
• Collaborate with senior leaders and stakeholders to embed evidence-based decisions.

Skills

PowerBI

Data analysis

Performance reporting

Business intelligence

Stakeholder management

Job description

Advert Text

Help us transform children's services through data, insight and innovation

At Merton, we believe that great data leads to better decisions, stronger services, and improved outcomes for children, young people and families.

We're looking for an exceptional Senior Data, Performance and Insight Analyst to join our ambitious Data, Performance and Insights function within our Children, Lifelong Learning and Families Department.

This is a pivotal role at the heart of our improvement and transformation journey. Working closely with senior leaders, operational managers and front-line services, you'll lead the delivery of high-quality analysis, business intelligence and performance reporting that drives strategic decision-making and service improvement.

This role will focus on Children's Social Care, although the postholder will work flexibly across the wider Children, Lifelong Learning and Families Department and contribute to our vision of becoming a truly data-led organization.

About The Role

You’ll oversee the data function for Children's Social Care and Youth Inclusion, shape how data is used across the department, and champion innovative approaches to performance management, business intelligence and insight generation. You’ll play a key role in helping services understand demand, performance, outcomes and future need, ensuring that decisions are informed by robust evidence and meaningful intelligence.

You Will

• Lead a complex portfolio of analytical, performance and insight work, managing competing priorities and ensuring delivery to agreed deadlines.
• Provide expert advice and champion best practice, while using professional judgement to identify priorities, risks and opportunities
• Lead the delivery of high-quality analytical products, performance reporting and business intelligence.
• Develop and maintain engaging Power BI dashboards and visualisations.
• Transform complex datasets into actionable insights that influence policy, strategy and operational delivery.
• Lead statutory data collections and returns, ensuring compliance, accuracy and timeliness.
• Drive improvements in data quality, governance and information management.
• Support service transformation programmes and digital modernisation initiatives.
• Apply predictive analytics, forecasting techniques and emerging AI solutions to address business challenges.
• Manage and develop analysts, building analytical capability across the service.
• Work with senior leaders, partners and stakeholders to embed a culture of evidence-based decision making.

About You

We're looking for an experienced senior analyst who combines technical expertise with curiosity, innovation and a passion for public service improvement.

Essential experience

• Significant experience in data analysis, business intelligence and performance management within a public sector environment, ideally Children's Services.
• Experience delivering analytical products that support service improvement and strategic decision-making.
• Experience of statutory reporting, information governance and data compliance.
• Experience managing, mentoring or developing analysts and working with senior stakeholders.
• Working with large and complex datasets from multiple systems
• Strong technical skills including use of visualisation tools such as PowerBI