Associate Data Analyst

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An exciting opportunity for a Data Analyst with strong SQL skills has arisen within the team at the Single Source Regulations Office - the body tasked with regulating the UK government’s ‘single source’, or non-competitive, procurement of military goods, works and services.

A message from Marcine Waterman, Chief Executive of the SSRO:

"Thank you for your interest in the SSRO.

Working for the SSRO makes a difference. We are a young organisation with an important role to play - assuring value, and building confidence.

As the independent regulator of the UK government’s procurement of non-competed military goods, works and services, we oversee public spending on a large scale. Single source procurement represents around 55 per cent of new MOD contracts and the MOD spent approximately £9 billion on these contracts in 2015/16.

Assuring value: We provide assurance that the single source procurement regime is credible, transparent and provides value for money for the taxpayer in the absence of competition.

Building confidence: As the independent regulator and expert on single source procurement, our work builds confidence in non-competitive procurement, from:

                                                                                                                         Defence contractors, who will receive clear guidance on Allowable Costs, a fair profit and an expert third-party view.

                                                                                                                         Our armed forces, who are entitled to receive the operational capability they need, on time and to budget.

                                                                                                                         Taxpayers, who will benefit from appropriate transparency on costs and assurance that their money is being spent appropriately and effectively.

By working for the SSRO you will be an important part of a dynamic organisation. Our staff have a range of professional skills, and include accountants, merchant bankers, analysts, economists, researchers and military experts.

Through the work of the Regulation and Economics Directorate, we want the SSRO to be fully engaged and considered to be the trusted go-to source on the analysis of the data that we collect. We are well placed and willing to provide useful information to the MOD and the tax payer including data analysis and benchmarking regarding a range of single source contracting issues such as contracting methods, direct and indirect costs, and profits.

Your work will directly contribute to the SSRO’s two aims. The first is to ensure that good value for money is obtained for the UK taxpayer in MOD expenditure on qualifying defence contracts (QDCs). The regime has the potential to deliver significant savings, which can be reinvested elsewhere in defence.

The SSRO’s second aim is to ensure that single source suppliers are paid a fair and reasonable price under QDCs. The regime can help to foster a more efficient and productive defence industry, incentivised to control costs by innovating and so becoming better able to compete for exports, thus contributing to greater UK economic prosperity.

Meeting these aims is a significant challenge. It requires a motivated team with the right blend of skills and experience, and a positive attitude to get the job done. We would like to hear from you, and I encourage you to apply."

What will I be doing?

We are currently recruiting for a Data Analyst to join the team at the SSRO. You will be an integral member of the Analysis team whose role it is to provide the organisation with the vital data it needs to succeed. We undertake analytical work (using data provided by the MOD’s contractors in statutory reports) that supports the MOD and industry to improve procurement, as well as allowing the SSRO to monitor the impact and performance of the single source procurement regime.

To meet this challenge you will have extensive experience and success in undertaking analysis gained in such areas as management consultancy, government analysis, competition, economic regulation or defence. You will be able to understand, analyse and interpret quantitative data, through creating and using SQL queries and using a range of analytical methods, and present findings clearly and succinctly, including at Board level. You will have a track record of working successfully in complex, dynamic and sometimes fast-paced environments, delivering projects on time and within budget. You will also have experience of working appropriately with data that is confidential or commercially sensitive in nature.

Responsibilities

                                                                                                                         Make substantial contributions to some of a wide range of projects including:

                                                                                                                         interrogating relational databases using SQL to produce authoritative statistical bulletins and management information that set out the key trends in single source procurement to provide insights; and

                                                                                                                         conducting analysis of costs included in contracts to identify trends and compare with appropriate benchmark data;

                                                                                                                         supporting the development of a suite of analytical reports to support benchmarking;

                                                                                                                         providing analysis for the SSRO’s programme of value for money studies on aspects of current practice in defence contracting, setting out key insights from the data available and assessing relevant benchmarks to provide insight; and

                                                                                                                         assisting with data analysis for work to propose a profit rate for non-competitively sourced defence contracts to the Secretary of State for Defence.

                                                                                                                         Contribute to the appropriate use of the data and information available to the SSRO including:

                                                                                                                         providing rapid analysis of data for speeches and briefings;

                                                                                                                         provide analytical support and advice across the SSRO, and promote the use of sophisticated data analysis techniques that provide insight; and

monitoring and reporting on data quality.

                                                                                                                         Promoting the SSRO’s values.

What skills do I need to be effective in this role?

Person specification

Essential

                                                                                                                         Education to at least degree level, or equivalent vocational/professional qualification.

                                                                                                                         A highly proficient creator and user of SQL queries, and strong IT skills including in Microsoft Excel.

                                                                                                                         Knowledge and experience of using quantitative and statistical analysis methodologies.

                                                                                                                         Knowledge of strategic data collection and experienced in carrying out analysis that significantly contributes to organisational goals, with a demonstrable background in being able to use data to provide solid insights.

                                                                                                                         Ability to present complex data in a clear and easy-to-understand format displaying excellent data visualisation, written and oral communication skills.

                                                                                                                         Good understanding of data quality and used to handling multiple sources of information.

                                                                                                                         Excellent time and resource management skills to ensure that work is delivered to time and quality standards, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, and a good team player.

Desirable

                                                                                                                         Experience of handling sensitive data (e.g. commercial, government, intelligence or military).

                                                                                                                         Experience of using data visualisation tools for the innovative presentation of analysis and dashboards.

Applying for the position

To be considered, please submit:

                                                                                                                         A covering letter clearly explaining using suitable examples how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as outlined in the person specification (no more than 2 sides of A4 paper); and

                                                                                                                         Your CV (no more than 2 sides of A4 paper) setting out your qualifications and experience.

Applications that do NOT contain a covering letter will be rejected. Applications in excess of the size guidelines will not be considered.