Lead Performance Analyst

Hybrid 60% on site at either Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle or Sheffield (Must live within the proximity of these sites)

Contract role covering Maternity with a further extension

Rate £630 pd

Must be at least eligible for SC

Overview

As a key member of the Team, you will work alongside a diverse mix of civil servants, contractors and suppliers to shape the future of data, analytics and AI across the Service Group and wider organisation. Through close engagement with enterprise data functions and senior leaders, you will influence how data-driven insight, advanced analytics and emerging technologies are used to improve services, drive transformation and deliver better outcomes

This is a strategic leadership role, responsible for leading a multidisciplinary analytics function and establishing a culture where data is Embedded in decision-making. You will act as the senior analytics authority within the Service Group, championing innovation, professional standards and the safe, responsible and ethical use of data and AI.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Co-create and deliver the Retirement Data & Analytics Strategy, aligning with wider organisational Data and AI strategies and ensuring a clear roadmap for analytics capability within the Later Life Service Group.
• Collaborate with data leaders across the organisation to influence enterprise data capabilities, including standards, platforms, governance, tooling and operating models.
• Develop and establish a Value Measurement Framework that provides a consistent and scalable approach to measuring performance, quality and value across Service Delivery, Digital and Transformation functions.
• Provide strategic leadership on analytics, helping senior stakeholders identify opportunities to maximise business value through data, advanced analytics, machine learning and AI.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, influencing decision-making through evidence-based insight and strategic recommendations.

Delivery & Operational Excellence

• Lead a multidisciplinary team of data professionals across Data Analysis, Data Science and Digital Performance Analytics, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture.
• Drive the delivery of high-quality analytical products, value measurement frameworks, advanced analytics solutions and tactical reporting to support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Embed analytical best practices and continuous improvement techniques to maximise the impact and value derived from organisational data assets.
• Lead the implementation of the Value Measurement Framework across the Service Group, ensuring metrics are clearly defined, aligned to business outcomes and support decision-making at all levels.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across Service Delivery, Digital and Transformation to promote data-driven prioritisation and evidence-based decision-making.
• Work closely with senior data, digital and technology leaders to shape and deliver the roadmap for analytics capabilities, data products and enabling technologies.

Practice & Capability Development

• Act as Practice Lead for Data Science, Data Analysis and Digital Performance Analytics, providing leadership across workforce planning, recruitment, capability development and professional standards.
• Develop and maintain professional communities of practice that encourage knowledge sharing, innovation and continuous learning.
• Establish governance, quality assurance and assurance frameworks to ensure analytical products are robust, transparent, ethical and fit for decision-making purposes.
• Champion the safe, responsible and ethical use of data, analytics, machine learning and AI across the organisation.
• Identify opportunities to apply innovative analytical methods and emerging technologies to improve customer outcomes, operational performance and service delivery.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience leading large-scale analytics, data science or performance analytics functions within a complex organisation.
• Strong track record of developing and implementing data and analytics strategies aligned to wider organisational objectives.
• Experience establishing measurement frameworks, KPIs and value-driven performance methodologies.
• Demonstrable leadership of multidisciplinary teams, including data analysts, data scientists and digital performance specialists.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and challenge senior leaders and executives.
• Experience translating complex analytical findings into clear, actionable business insights.
• Strong understanding of data governance, ethics, AI adoption and responsible data practices.
• Knowledge of modern analytics platforms, data architecture and enterprise data ecosystems.
• Experience driving organisational change through data, analytics and evidence-based decision-making.