Research Lead

Looking for a new and exciting challenge?

Are you passionate about data and analytics and using them to improve outcomes for the residents of Staffordshire?

Our highly skilled Insight Team works collaboratively to support the organisation to be insight led, in shaping strategy and decision making, to deliver improved outcomes for the people of Staffordshire. On a day-to-day basis the team provides high quality strategic insight and intelligence, aligned to the priorities of the County Council and Staffordshire, that is used to shape and influence delivery of the Council’s key plans.

We are looking for an insight professional, with a proven track record in designing, leading and delivering high quality strategic insight projects, that lead to actionable insights which make a difference to the people of Staffordshire.

As a key member of the Insight Team, you will be working on a wide range of innovative and influential insight projects, with the opportunity to work across council directorates and further hone your data analysis and visualisation skills, using tools such as Excel, Power BI and GIS.

You will be:

• expected lead and deliver strategically important insight projects, analyse complex data, and most importantly, turn it into impactful insight, that informs the most senior levels of the county council and Staffordshire partnership.
• build and maintain positive, proactive relationships with managers and teams across the organisation and Staffordshire public sector, with the aim of developing and delivering high-quality insight projects that influence decision-making.
• proactively seek out new innovations in the use of data and insight and ensure that these opportunities are fed into the development and delivery of the insight work programme, to ensure we are continually improving how we use data and insight to deliver against our vision and strategic priorities.
• translate insight findings into meaningful products and outputs, and present and communicate findings to a range of audiences, including senior managers, with the aim of informing decision-making.
• work with the Research Manager to seek out new innovations in the use of data and insight with the aim of continually improving the insight produced, ensuring that it has impact, and makes a difference for the people of Staffordshire.

You will have:

• Knowledge and experience of using a range of insight tools, methodologies and statistical techniques
• Knowledge and skilled in the design and delivery of primary research, such as consultation and engagement activities
• Confidence in translating complex findings into insight and presenting this to a diverse audience
• Experience of using data and insight to tell an influential story, preferably with the use of visualisation tools such as Power BI
• Keen interest in understanding and applying innovations in data and insight
• A background in leading projects and of building and maintaining positive, proactive relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong analytical skills, including the use of Excel and ideally Power Query.

“We’re happy to talk flexible working”

If this sounds like a good match to your skills, we look forward to hearing from you. In return we can offer you an exciting and diverse role which is rewarded with a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work in a large, dynamic and supportive team.

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 30th September 2025.

Don't feel you meet all the requirements? We value transferable skills, experiences and qualifications so consider applying anyway or for an informal chat about the role please contact: Louise Goodwin, Research Manager at louise.goodwin@staffordshire.gov.uk or Wendy Tompson, Head of Policy & Insight at wendy.tompson@staffordshire.gov.uk

Our Recruitment Process: We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you'll bring to the role.

We are no ordinary county council:

Our Values:

The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively.

Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy:

We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future.

We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too.

Our benefits:

We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.

In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire

Our recruitment process:

As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities

As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.