Senior Data Analyst (Report Developer)

Join Social Security Scotland as a Senior Data Analyst (Report Developer) and 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 the organisation'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.

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.

Above all, we're 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.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Proficient in applying a variety of data visualisation approaches, including the design, development and maintenance of Power BI reports and dashboards. 
   
• Works with stakeholders and colleagues to understand reporting requirements and translate these into effective, user-focused visualisations and reporting products.
   
• Develops data visualisation standards.
   
• Carries out complex data analysis and synthesis with a variety of methods and tools.
   
• Produces written and verbal data analysis (e.g. reports, dashboards, presentations or briefings) for technical and non-technical audiences.
   
• Runs meetings and workshops, where data analysis, reporting and data visualisation matters are discussed with technical and non-technical colleagues.
   
• Assures and peer reviews data analysis and synthesis output of other colleagues.
   
• Resolves data issues and manages others in data-driven solution implementation, including investigating and resolving reporting issues and validating reporting outputs.
   
• Defines and employs data management and governance mechanisms and tooling, including reporting and business intelligence platforms.
   
• Carries out data mapping and pipelining activities in support of data integration exercises.
   
• Contributes to established corporate data patterns and standards.
   
• Ensures data meet the necessary metadata standards in support of semantic interoperability across digital systems.
   
• Deals with diverse datasets.
   
• Applies methodology for data quality management.
   
• Manages data analysis projects and exchanges relevant views and knowledge with others.

Qualifications

Success Profiles 
We use an assessment framework called ‘Success Profiles’ which lists the elements we test and provides detailed descriptions of each. Find out more about the framework here.

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

Experience:

1. 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.
    
2. 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 here. 

Technical / 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.  

How to Apply  
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 750 words) which provides 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 our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the CV and Supporting Statement on the first Experience criteria. Candidates who pass the initial sift will have their applications fully assessed. 

Please note, 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.

We aim 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.

Information Session 
We will be hosting an online candidate information session to provide you with information about the application and interview process as well as further information on the role and team.  We will be talking about:

• The Senior Data Analyst role and Data Services team
• About Social Security Scotland
• Our recruitment process
• Q&A with the hiring manager

The session will be held on Thursday 22nd October at 12 - 1pm.

Please join us using the link below: 

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

Expected Timeline (subject to change) 
Sift - week commencing 26th October
Interview – week commencing 16th November
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 Us  
Social Security Scotland is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government. Our benefits help people from all walks of life in Scotland. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that is representative of the clients we serve. Find more about us here.   

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.  

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.    

Working Pattern 
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options, depending on the needs of the role. We embrace a hybrid working style where all colleagues will spend time in either our Glasgow or Dundee offices. There is an expectation of a minimum 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 us.  

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 and a 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 our Candidate Guide.  

Equality Statement  
Social Security Scotland are committed to equality and inclusion, and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.    

Social Security Scotland are a Disability Confident Employer. We 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 our recruitment process, please contact us at Recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot. 

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. 

Right to Work in the UK  
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 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 - 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 and/or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in such a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, you can make a complaint, by contacting Social Security Scotland at recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot in the first instance. 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.  

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.  

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.  

If you experience any difficulties accessing our website or completing the online application form, please contact the Resourcing Team via recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot 

Apply before 23:55 on Monday 26th October 2026

Contact Name - Resourcing Team  
Contact email – Recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot