Lead Transport Research and Data Analyst

Lead Transport Research and Data Analyst

Final date to receive applications: 2 August 2026

Department: Data and Intelligence

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Reporting To: Alexander Mc Phie

Compensation: £47,181 - £50,269 / year

• Hours: 37 hours per week (full time)
• Contract: Permanent
• Salary: Grade 10 - £47,181 - £50,269
• Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is committed to creating a modern, integrated and sustainable transport network that supports economic growth and improves opportunities for people across the region.

We are looking for a Lead Transport Research & Data Analyst to join our Insight Team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced research and data professional to lead the development of transport research, insight and evidence that informs strategic decision making and demonstrates the impact of transport investment across South Yorkshire.

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

In your cover letter, please discuss your experience with the following:

As Lead Transport Research & Data Analyst, you will lead the delivery of research and analysis that supports SYMCA's Transport Directorate. You will oversee a programme of transport surveys, customer research and consultation activity, ensuring that high-quality insight is available to support policy development, service improvement and investment decisions.

You will lead a specialist team with line management responsibility of a data analyst, responsible for transport research and analysis across key transport programmes, including bus, tram, rail and active travel. Working closely with senior colleagues, local authorities and transport partners, you will transform complex data into meaningful insight and clear recommendations.

The role will involve developing dashboards and reporting tools, managing data quality and governance standards, and supporting the continuous improvement of how evidence is used across the organisation.

We are looking for an experienced research and data professional with a strong background in analysing complex information and turning it into clear, actionable insight.

You will have experience:

• Leading multiple research programmes at once.
• As a confident communicator who can build strong relationships with colleagues, stakeholders and partners, while providing expert advice and challenging constructively when required.
• Presenting statistical information and research findings to a non-technical audience.
• Understanding data governance protocols including adherence to data quality standards, data protection and quality assurance both in an electronic research and market research environment.
• Providing specialist and technical advice and guidance to managers at all levels of seniority and external stakeholders.
• Defining and delivering specific measurable results to affect programme change, ensuring approaches provide a strong rationale for change.
• Designing and analysing the results of surveys.
• Analysing and interpreting data from a variety of sources to support improved evidence led decision making.
• Using Excel and PowerBI for processing, presenting, and manipulating data.
• Presenting data and findings from data analysis in visual form (i.e. charts, dashboards
  
  Using SQL (or similar) for extracting and manipulating large datasets

Most importantly, you will be…