As an evolving, future-focused and agile organisation, we are looking for an experienced Business Analyst to establish and lead our analytical capability as a standalone function.
This is a unique opportunity for a highly capable analyst who is comfortable working with ambiguity and building analytical approaches from first principles.
You will have the opportunity to shape how data and insight are developed and used across the organisation, in an environment where reporting and analytical capability are still evolving.
You will work closely with senior stakeholders to understand complex business challenges, define the right questions, and deliver insight that informs operational, workforce, and strategic planning. This role is suited to someone who is motivated by impact – using data to challenge assumptions, identify opportunities, and influence real change.
Main duties of the job
This role will establish and lead the organisation's analytical capability as a standalone function.
The postholder will turn fragmented, incomplete, and complex data into meaningful intelligence, proactively identifying the right questions, interrogating multiple systems, and generating insight that drives operational, workforce, and strategic decision-making.
This role goes beyond producing dashboards and reports, focusing on delivering actionable insight, defining performance measures, developing benchmarks, and shaping how data is used.
The role requires a highly experienced, autonomous and self-sufficient analyst who is comfortable working with ambiguity, building analytical approaches from first principles, and operating without an established data function.
The postholder will be expected to demonstrate and promote the organisation's values of being supportive, progressive, and diverse. This includes working collaboratively with colleagues and partners, contributing to a positive and inclusive culture, and using data and insight to drive continuous improvement and meaningful change across the organisation.
About us
SWFT Clinical Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of the South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT). The company provides a number of services such as outpatient pharmacy facilities at Warwick, Stratford upon Avon, George Eliot, University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire and St Cross (Rugby) hospitals; estates and facilities management at Warwick, Stratford upon Avon and Ellen Badger hospitals, Acorn House and Lillington Health Hub; private patient service and consultancy services to NHS Trusts.
Subject to the Company and individual's performance, an annual discretionary bonus will be awarded.
There is automatic enrolment to the Company pension scheme, with the Company contributing 5%.
A benefits package is available to the appointed candidate upon successful completion of the six month probationary period. This gives access to benefits such as a car lease scheme; Home & Electronics scheme; discounted leisure and travel; retail discounts and a cycle to work scheme.
There is also access to a 24/7, 365 days a year Employee Assistance Programme to support colleagues who may be facing some tough times or they need extra support with their mental well‑being.
Job responsibilities
Analytical Leadership & Insight Generation
* Define and prioritise key analytical questions in the absence of clear requirements
* Conduct deep-dive analyses to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and root causes
* Translate complex data into clear, actionable insight that informs decision‑making
* Develop benchmarking, targets, and performance frameworks to measure organisational success
* Challenge assumptions and existing narratives using evidence‑based analysis
* Ensure outputs lead to action and measurable impact
Data Acquisition, Integration & Structuring
* Identify, access, and interrogate multiple, interdependent data systems across the organisation and partner environments
* Work with incomplete, inconsistent, or poorly structured data to create reliable and usable datasets
* Design and implement data extraction, transformation, and integration processes
* Develop robust data models and pipelines to support sustainable reporting and analysis
* Structure data to enable meaningful insight and decision‑making
Management Information & Decision Support
* Define and deliver high‑quality management information that supports operational, workforce, and strategic planning
* Develop metrics and KPIs aligned to organisational priorities
* Move reporting from descriptive outputs to diagnostic and, where appropriate, predictive insight
* Provide clear recommendations alongside analysis to support decision‑making at senior level
* Lead end‑to‑end analytical initiatives in a low‑structure environment by defining problem statements, developing methodologies from first principles, and delivering actionable insights despite incomplete or ambiguous data
* Operate independently to establish analytical frameworks, identify and source relevant data, and build scalable approaches that support decision‑making in the absence of an established data function
* Design and implement dashboards that drive decisions, not just display data
* Ensure reporting outputs are focussed, relevant, and aligned to organisational priorities
* Eliminate low‑value or redundant reporting and streamline analytical outputs
* Develop automated, sustainable reporting solutions where appropriate
* This role will require building analytical approaches, datasets, and reporting structures where none currently exist
Data Quality, Governance & Standards
* Establish and champion high standards of data quality, integrity, and governance
* Define data standards, definitions, and documentation to improve consistency
* Implement quality assurance processes to ensure accuracy and reliability
* Work with system owners and stakeholders to resolve data issues and improve data maturity
Stakeholder Engagement & Influence
* Work closely with senior leaders to understand business challenges and shape analytical approaches
* Translate complex analysis into clear, accessible insights for non‑technical audiences
* Influence decision‑making through evidence and structured thinking
* Build trust and credibility as the organisations analytical expert
Capability Building & Continuous Improvement
* Contribute to the development of a data‑driven culture across the organisation
* Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes, and analytical capability
* Support colleagues in understanding and using data effectively
* Continuously improve analytical tools, methods, and outputs
Systems & Tools
* Power BI (or equivalent BI tools)
* SQL (SQL Server / T‑SQL)
* Advanced Excel (including Power Query / DAX)
* Microsoft Office Suite
* Experience with complex datasets (e.g. NHS systems, workforce, operational systems)
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Educated to degree level in a relevant subject (e.g. Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Information Management, or a related discipline), or able to demonstrate equivalent level of experience and expertise.
* Evidence of continuing professional development in data analysis, business intelligence, or related analytical fields.
* Demonstrable experience in the use of analytical and data visualisation tools, such as Microsoft Power BI, SQL, Excel (advanced), or similar platforms.
* Proven experience in extracting, transforming, and analysing data from multiple and interdependent systems.
* Understanding of NHS data systems and reporting standards (e.g. ESR, Health Roster, TRAC, or similar workforce/operational systems).
* Knowledge of data governance, information standards, and GDPR requirements in a healthcare setting.
* Experience in developing and maintaining dashboards and management information reports to support organisational decision‑making and performance monitoring.
Experience
* Significant experience of working in a data analysis, business intelligence, or information management role, ideally within a complex or multi‑system organisation.
* Proven experience in extracting, manipulating, and integrating data from multiple, interdependent systems and databases.
* Demonstrable experience in the design, development, and delivery of dashboards, reports, and analytical outputs that inform decision‑making at operational and strategic levels.
* Experience in translating complex data into clear, meaningful insight for a range of audiences, including non‑technical stakeholders and senior leaders.
* Experience of ensuring data quality, consistency, and governance across multiple data sources and reporting systems.
* Proven track record of working collaboratively with operational, workforce, and corporate teams to understand requirements and deliver data‑driven solutions.
* Experience of using data visualisation and analytical tools such as Power BI, SQL, Excel (advanced), or similar software.
* Comfortable operating as the sole analytical resource, prioritising workload independently and shaping the role over time.
* Experience of working within the NHS or wider public sector, with understanding of NHS data flows, reporting processes, and workforce or operational systems (e.g. ESR, Health Roster, TRAC).
* Experience in developing automated reporting processes and performance dashboards to support continuous improvement.
* Involvement in data migration, system integration, or transformation projects.
* Knowledge of project methodologies.
Skills
* Advanced ability to analyse, interpret, and present complex data clearly and accurately.
* Strong working knowledge of data extraction, transformation, and integration across multiple systems.
* Skilled in developing and maintaining interactive dashboards and management information reports (e.g. Power BI, Excel).
* Excellent understanding of data quality, governance, and information security standards (including GDPR).
* Strong problem‑solving, critical‑thinking, and data visualisation skills to support decision‑making.
* Ability to communicate technical information effectively to non‑technical audiences.
* Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and data validation.
* Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple analytical projects.
* Ability to work collaboratively across teams and influence a data‑driven culture.
* Knowledge of NHS data systems and reporting frameworks (e.g. ESR, Health Roster, TRAC).
* Understanding of performance, workforce, and operational metrics within healthcare.
* Familiarity with data automation, process improvement, or data science tools (e.g. SQL, Python, R).
Personal Qualities
* Highly analytical, curious, and detail‑oriented approach to problem‑solving and data interpretation.
* Ability to work independently, exercising sound judgement and managing competing priorities with minimal supervision.
* Strong commitment to data accuracy, integrity, and ethical use of information.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across multidisciplinary teams.
* Resilient and adaptable, with a proactive approach to managing change and ambiguity in complex environments.
* Commitment to continuous professional development and improving analytical capability within the organisation.
* Passion for using data to improve organisational performance, workforce planning, or service delivery.
* Collaborative and supportive approach to developing a positive, data‑driven culture.
* Confidence in challenging assumptions constructively and influencing decision‑making through evidence.
Other
* Ability to work flexibly to meet organisational and reporting deadlines.
* Willingness to engage with multiple sites, teams, or systems as required by the role.
* Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and complying with data protection and information governance requirements.
* Willingness to undertake occasional travel between organisational locations or partner sites.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
£46,240.20 to £54,834.90 a year per annum
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