Principal: Data and Spatial Analysis

Principal:
Data and Spatial Analysis

Final date to receive applications: 9 August 2026

Department: Insight

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Reporting To: Assistant Director Data, Planning and Performance (Andy Leverton)

Compensation: £61,352 - £66,514 / year

• Hours: 37 hours (full time)
• Contract: Permanent
• Salary: Grade 13 - £61,352 - £66,514
• Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)

Are you ready to shape how data and place‑based insight inform the future of South Yorkshire?

It’s an exciting time to join South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA). With new powers unlocked through devolution and the transition to an integrated settlement, we are strengthening our use of data, evidence and insight to deliver inclusive and sustainable growth.

We’re looking for a Principal:
Data and Spatial Analysis to lead the development of SYMCA's data architecture, data science and spatial analysis capabilities, ensuring evidence and insight inform policy development, strategic planning and operational delivery across the organisation.

If you think you’d be a great fit for this role but you’re not sure you meet every requirement equally, we’d still welcome your application.

We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking to work part time (4 days a week or more) or as part of a job share.

Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the criteria as detailed within the role profile. Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal.

As Principal:
Data and Spatial Analysis, you will provide strategic leadership across three key areas:

• Developing and implementing SYMCA's data strategy and data landscape, ensuring data is structured, governed and shared effectively.
• Leading the development of our new data science and advanced analytics capability.
• Developing our GIS and spatial analysis capability, using place‑based insight to support decision‑making, investment priorities and service delivery.

Working across the Insight Team, Digital and Technology Services, Information Governance and policy teams, you will play a key role in shaping how SYMCA uses data to achieve its ambitions.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams, creating an environment where people can thrive, collaborate and deliver meaningful insights. You will be equally comfortable discussing data architecture and governance as you are translating complex analytical findings into clear recommendations for senior leaders.

A key priority will be supporting the development of SYMCA's new data platform and wider digital transformation agenda. You will promote high standards in data quality, governance, interoperability and the ethical application of advanced analytics and AI, helping to build a modern and sustainable data function.

This is a unique opportunity to influence how data, technology and spatial intelligence are used to inform investment, support decision‑making and improve outcomes across South Yorkshire.

We’re looking for an experienced analytical leader and strategic thinker with a passion for turning data into meaningful insight.

You’ll have:

• Education to degree standard in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience, including significant knowledge of statistical techniques, data quality and data sharing.
• Substantial demonstrable experience at a senior level in data analysis, GIS analysis, operational research, statistics, data science or another related discipline, applying tools such as Python, R, SQL or equivalent.
• The proven ability to develop, manage and get the best from a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
• Experience using tools for managing, analysing and displaying geospatial data, and using geospatial data to communicate stories to stakeholders.
• Previous experience in developing strategies to unlock the value of data assets, including appropriate data sharing protocols to enable cross‑organisational insight.
• Significant experience and advanced understanding of data architecture and data modelling, and how the right data system design enables efficient…