Analytics & Policy Specialist

What will you be doing?

You will develop comprehensive systematic models for the construction, collection and analysis of complex management information in order to inform policy, effective planning, strategic direction and delivery of critical and front line services.

A key part of the role is to provide direct support to the Intelligence and Partnerships Manager to improve performance through the provision of critical financial and performance information across all council service areas using specialist and comprehensive knowledge and skills to support decision making and management of corporate and national objectives.

Their will be the opportunity to project manage specific information projects to provide a platform of statistical evidence for management decision making; to work with all levels of authority and partner organisations including Strategic Managers, Service/Operations Managers, Business Development Managers, Team Managers and Finance Business Partners and provide them with the information they need through analysis, interpretation, evaluation, hypothesis testing and consensus building to inform decision making and council objectives.

The insights and analysis you produce will support the development of key strategies and policies ensuring that wider implications are considered across the Council and that the approach has a sound evidence-base and to act as a key officer in coordinating and facilitating the development, implementation and review of corporate and cross-cutting policy work; supporting and advising the leadership team, Cabinet, Scrutiny and other senior officers and councillors on the relevant policy, guidance or legislation.

You'll also support the development of excellent performance management strategy and systems across the organisation, taking responsibility for projects and tasks, ensuring that analysis and reports are to a high standard within defined timescales, deliverables, budget and quality standards are met and resulting expectations from services areas are achieved.

You will be expected to keep under review trends and developments in legislation and national and local service planning to ensure provision of accurate and timely information that anticipates requirements and is responsive to changing demands of the council and its where appropriate its strategic partners.

About you

You will need the following skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills to build strong working relationships to ensure a collaborative approach to data analysis and the production of strong business intelligence 

• An advanced understanding of performance information, statistical analysis and the importance of high quality data and its use. 

• Excellent presentation skills, conforming to corporate templates, but also demonstrating the most effective way to present data for maximum clarity 

• Knowledge of how to understand, digest and reframe complex information requirements so issues can be understood by a wide range of audiences varying knowledge levels 

• A proactive, flexible and enthusiastic attitude and able to contribute new ideas to the team, sharing good practice and information. 

Our benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits to our employees, these include:

• Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days annual leave per year, 29 days for senior managers (pro rata, depending on how many hours per week you work), plus bank holidays. An additional 5 days, linked to continuous service, and ability to purchase up to 6 weeks additional leave per year.
• Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill-health protection.
• Employee discounts with local and national retailers, days out, finance, health and beauty, travel and eating out plus lots more.
• Car Lease scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme - We have an employee support programme run by Health Assured, an independent, external organisation. Health Assured is available for you and your immediate family members, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and includes telephone counselling, legal advice, bereavement support and medical information.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• A variety of flexible working options to support your work/life balance, including full or part time, term time, 9-day fortnight, etc. (subject to business needs).
• Our West Ways of Working – We want our workforce to thrive, and we equip our employees with the right technology to support hybrid and collaborative working, on or off site, depending on the role.
• Making a difference - If you want to use your skills and experience with an organisation that are genuinely invested in making a difference, are committed to improving people's lives, and whose success has a direct impact on the wellbeing of your family, friends and people in your local area, then West Northamptonshire Council is the place for you.

The council is in the process of implementing a new pay structure and terms and conditions which will be applicable to this role.  The outcome could result in a future variation to the advertised salary, and this will be discussed at interview.

About us

We’re a new council, following one of the largest shake-ups in local government reform in recent history. As a new authority, we’re embarking on an exciting journey to deliver exceptional services for our residents, customers and communities.  

Our vision at West Northamptonshire Council is ‘to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive’. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality. Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services. 

At West Northants Council, it’s about our people. People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like-minded people.

When potential is unlocked, talent thrives.

Choose a career that offers you a true sense of achievement, fills you with pride and challenges you in a positive way, every day.

West Northants Council, where careers thrive.