Senior Data Analyst (Sponsorship Available) at Social Security Scotland

Job Summary

Social Security Scotland is looking for a Senior Data Analyst (Report Developer) to 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 Social Security Scotland’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.

Job Details

• Employer: Social Security Scotland

• Job Title: Senior Data Analyst

• Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

• Salary: £49,401 – £59,152 per year

• Job Type: Full-time

• Working Hours: 35 hours per week

• Working Pattern: Hybrid

• Application Deadline: 26 October 2026 at 23:55

About the Role

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.

Social Security Scotland is 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.

Job Responsibilities

The Senior Data Analyst will be responsible for:

• Applying a variety of data visualisation approaches, including the design, development and maintenance of Power BI reports and dashboards.

• Working with stakeholders and colleagues to understand reporting requirements and translate these into effective, user-focused visualisations and reporting products.

• Developing data visualisation standards.

• Carrying out complex data analysis and synthesis with a variety of methods and tools.

• Producing written and verbal data analysis, including reports, dashboards, presentations or briefings, for technical and non-technical audiences.

• Running meetings and workshops where data analysis, reporting and data visualisation matters are discussed with technical and non-technical colleagues.

• Assuring and peer reviewing data analysis and synthesis output of other colleagues.

• Resolving data issues and managing others in data-driven solution implementation, including investigating and resolving reporting issues and validating reporting outputs.

• Defining and employing data management and governance mechanisms and tooling, including reporting and business intelligence platforms.

• Carrying out data mapping and pipelining activities in support of data integration exercises.

• Contributing to established corporate data patterns and standards.

• Ensuring data meets the necessary metadata standards in support of semantic interoperability across digital systems.

• Dealing with diverse datasets.

• Applying methodology for data quality management.

• Managing data analysis projects and exchanging relevant views and knowledge with others.

Success Profiles

Social Security Scotland uses an assessment framework called Success Profiles, which lists the elements assessed and provides detailed descriptions of each.

For this post, the following Success Profile elements will be assessed.

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).

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours through the relevant guidance.

Technical and 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.

Application Requirements

Applications must be submitted online, providing:

• CV

• Supporting Statement: No more than 750 words, providing evidence of how you meet the Experience and Behaviours listed in the Success Profiles above.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience.

Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own), applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Please see Social Security Scotland’s candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.

Selection and Interview Process

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the CV and Supporting Statement on the first Experience criterion.

Candidates who pass the initial sift will have their applications fully assessed.

Please note that there may be a telephone interview prior to the final interview stage.

Successful candidates will be invited to a competency-based interview which will assess the Experience and Behaviours, and a technical assessment comprising a short presentation which will assess the Technical Skills.

Full details of the interview and assessment process will be shared with shortlisted candidates once the sift has been completed.

Social Security Scotland aims to provide feedback on request.

However, where a large number of applications are received, it may not be possible to give feedback to candidates who are not invited to interview or assessment.

Feedback will be available on request to all candidates who attend an interview or assessment.

Candidate Information Session

Social Security Scotland will be hosting an online candidate information session to provide information about the application and interview process, as well as further information on the role and team.

The session will cover:

• The Senior Data Analyst role and Data Services Team.

• About Social Security Scotland.

• The recruitment process.

• Q&A with the hiring manager.

Session Details

• Date: Thursday 22 October 2026

• Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

• Platform: Microsoft Teams

Join the information session:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/324257625267872?p=YpLCH6RDVf60Or5oqc

Expected Recruitment Timeline

Subject to change.

• Sift: Week commencing 26 October 2026

• Interview: Week commencing 16 November 2026

• Interview Location: In person in either Dundee or Glasgow

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 Social Security Scotland

Social Security Scotland is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government.

Its benefits help people from all walks of life in Scotland.

The organisation offers rewarding careers and employs people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.

Social Security Scotland is committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that is representative of the clients it serves.

The organisation offers a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits.

As part of the UK Civil Service, Social Security Scotland upholds the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Working Pattern and Hybrid Arrangements

Social Security Scotland’s standard working hours are 35 hours per week, with a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role.

The organisation embraces a hybrid working style where all colleagues spend time in either its Glasgow or Dundee offices.

There is an expectation of a minimum of 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 Social Security Scotland.

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.

• 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 the Candidate Guide.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Social Security Scotland is committed to equality and inclusion and aims to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of Scotland.

The organisation is a Disability Confident Employer.

Social Security Scotland 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 the recruitment process, please contact:

Email: Recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot

Further information about the organisation’s commitment to diversity and support for recruitment adjustments is available through its recruitment guidance.

Right to Work in the UK and Visa Sponsorship

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 Recruitment 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.

Further information is available through 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, or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, you can make a complaint by contacting Social Security Scotland in the first instance.

Email: recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot

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.

How to Apply

Apply before 23:55 on Monday 26 October 2026.

If this opportunity interests you, head to the company’s official website for full details — click here to submit your application.