Principal Data Analyst

Key Skills

Agile methodologies, Data Analysis, Data Analytics, Data science techniques, Machine learning techniques, Python Programming, R Programming

Job Description

About the role

At Auto Trader we have built a cloud data platform to support decision making in many areas of the business. We use machine learning to help millions of car buyers find their next car, and we provide insight to help thousands of automotive retailers optimise their businesses. Our goal is for every process, product and strategic decision to be informed by data and enhanced by analytic thinking. We are looking for a talented Principal Data Analyst to drive our vision of making Auto Trader a data science-led organisation.

This is a highly influential role which is very people-orientated, but also requires analytical and technical expertise. We work in cross-functional workstreams with engineers, product leads, designers, and developers, so you will be collaborating in a team with a diverse set of skills and personalities.

You will be a leader in your team, jointly responsible for delivering goals, setting the roadmap and aligning with the wider business strategy. You will also prioritise stories and projects for other analysts in your team, and support them as necessary to complete their tasks. As a leader in the wider analytical community, you will identify opportunities for cross-stream collaboration, make decisions on how we prioritise analytical resource, and influence business-wide priorities.

Our Data Analysts work across all of Auto Trader, so there is no shortage of opportunities to make an impact. Projects you might work on include enabling online transactions as we evolve from a digital advertising to a digital retailing platform, or developing a real-time personalised experience for buyers on our website through our customer data platform.

Data Analysts form part of a wider analytical community of Data Scientists and Digital Analysts. Together we share insights, learn from each-other and overcome common challenges through regular showcases, feedback sessions and mentorship initiatives. This role includes the opportunity to be a line manager taking direct responsibility for the career development of other analysts.

Join us, and you can expect to work with a range of technologies on our data platform (you are not expected to have experience with all of these):

• Python for data science
• Databricks and GCP for big data analytics
• dbt, airflow and BigQuery for data modelling and warehousing
• Looker for data exploration and business intelligence

What we're looking for

This is a Manchester based role, our hybrid working model, Connected Working, combines office with home working. You will be expected to be in the Manchester office on average 3 days per week. 

• Experience as a Senior/Principal Data Analyst (or similar role) in a commercial environment
• Confidence developing analysts in all stages of their career and fostering a collaborative environment where they can thrive
• Analytical expertise to embed best practices at a business level, and develop a business-wide culture of making decisions and products led by Data Science
• Experience orchestrating projects and roadmaps in agile cross-functional teams
• A deep understanding of how data should be used to answer business questions, including how it is collected, transformed, scheduled, monitored and federated
• Experience taking on a high degree of responsibility as an analytical leader, with the ability to influence business-wide prioritisation and strategy
• Expertise in the many facets of data analytics, particularly statistical inference and modelling, data modelling, programming (e.g. Python/R), storytelling and critical thinking
• Familiarity with data science methods, such as machine learning

It would also be beneficial (but not essential) if you have:

• Experience with our technology stack
• Experience managing or developing Data Analysts

Benefits and more

We're offering a salary between £60,000-£80,000 dependent on experience, and a flexible benefits package to support your health and well-being. You'll have 28 days holiday per year, and that's in addition to bank holidays and half day closures on Christmas and New Year's Eve. Our Aviva pension scheme offers between 5% to 7% employer contributions depending on the percentage you choose to contribute. We also provide Bupa healthcare cover for all of our employees. 

Our employee assistance programme, enhanced parental leave and share-save options and are just some of the other benefits on offer should you decide to join us.

Career development is something that we're passionate about at Auto Trader, and we all develop and learn things differently. Whether you attend an external conference, utilise a LinkedIn Learning license or choose one of our in-house masterclasses, there's something for everyone.

Our hybrid working model, Connected Working, combines office with home working. We've split it into fixed and flexible days to help you get the best out of the working week. Everybody has two fixed office days with their team, so you will know that the rest of your team will be in on those days. There is an expectation that everyone is, on average, in more than out; therefore, on top of your two fixed days, we should see you in the office on other flexible days. You can choose these flexible days in the office depending on your work, home and team commitments. Find out more about Connected Working here or speak to a member of our resourcing team.