Principal Business Analyst (Data Platform)

We are seeking a principal business analyst for our data platform (DefCARS) that captures, stores and facilitates the use of data on MOD single source contracts, leading our team in:

• developing, and operationally delivering, the system to continue to meet stakeholder needs;
• building the future technology for the data platform to improve its capabilities; and
• managing external suppliers, procurement and our associated budget.

You will make a key contribution to the effective operation of the regulatory framework for the UK government’s single-source (non-competitive) procurement of military goods, works and services. The regulatory framework applies to contracts with estimated prices totalling more than £50 billion, including some of the UK’s most important capabilities, such as Astute and Dreadnought class submarines and Type 26 frigates.

The SSRO is an executive non-departmental public body, established under Part 2 of the Defence Reform Act 2014 and sponsored by the MOD. In carrying out our work, the SSRO must aim to ensure that good value for money is obtained for the UK taxpayer in expenditure on qualifying, single source defence contracts, and that suppliers are paid a fair and reasonable price under those contracts.

The Defence Contract Analysis and Reporting System (DefCARS) team supports delivery of the SSRO’s functions, which include:

• Annual assessment of the rates used in calculating contract profit rates.
• Statutory guidance on pricing contracts and completing contract and supplier reports.
• Reviewing compliance with contract reporting requirements.
• Providing opinions and legally binding determinations to the MOD and contractors.
• Keeping provision of the regulatory framework under review.
• Responding to requests for analysis from the Secretary of State.
• Keeping a record of qualifying contracts.

Our Data Strategy explains how our functions come together to promote use of data reported by contractors in support of better defence procurement.

If you are an exceptional business analyst and committed to developing data platforms and facilitating data utilisation, then we would like to hear from you. 

• A suitability statement clearly addressing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria, on no more than 2 pages of A4, giving relevant examples where possible.
• Your CV.

Please note that interviews are planned for Wednesday 20 October, applications will not be accepted after midday on the 1st of October.

Applications without a suitability statement and CV will not be considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of the SSRO’s system for receiving, reviewing, storing and using electronically submitted reports (currently the Defence Contract Analysis and Reporting System (DefCARS)) in line with business and stakeholder needs, including management and development of the system, and its security, budget, procurement, performance and processes.
• Oversee good practice in database design and data management and promote good data quality and analytical capability, including master data management, data quality management and data administration.
• Lead complex projects in support of the SSRO’s functions and take responsibility for delivering high quality, timely outputs.
• Direct, review and advise on the strategy and vision for future development of the reporting system. Develop and deliver future phases of DefCARS with SSRO colleagues and stakeholders and manage any necessary transformation, including leading any necessary procurement.
• Work closely with IT colleagues to maintain the security of the system and consider IT strategy and technology considerations, and.
• Contribute to development of the SSRO’s strategic direction and help achieve its statutory aims, by providing thought-leading, expert input to the preparation of plans, strategies and policies.
• Recruit the right people, manage them effectively and inspire them to deliver their best.
• Collaborate with staff across the SSRO and work successfully in multi-disciplinary teams, including project teams drawn from across other established teams. Manage and lead such teams as required.
• Engage actively with internal and external stakeholders and manage and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders. Represent the SSRO in meetings and other forums, participating actively and constructively in line with the SSRO’s vision, values, objectives and priorities. Keep stakeholders informed of system activities, and seek feedback on system performance and development priorities.
• Communicate the SSRO’s work with influence, including preparing high quality documents. Draft briefings and reports in a language and style that conveys technical information in a way that is easy for non-technical audiences to comprehend.
• Act with integrity, apply the SSRO’s governance procedures, and promote good governance.
• Make best use of available technology and contribute to the delivery of new and innovative ways to deliver our work that improve quality and efficiency.
• Promote the SSRO’s values.
• Such other duties as the SSRO may require, in line with business need.

• Hybrid working is on offer with other flexible options available
• Full time; open to different working patterns

Person specification

Essential

• Education to degree level and/or relevant professional qualification. The SSRO, subject to funding availability, offers support to staff to attain relevant professional qualifications.
• Wide experience of operational service delivery of databases and web-based data collection and analysis systems, including database design, data management, data security policies and procedures. High level of IT literacy and information management competency.
• Good experience of external supplier procurement and management in an IT-enabled service delivery and development environment.
• Track record of successful stakeholder management and managing relationships with senior decision makers, including managing the expectations and conflicting needs and demands.
• Good programme or project management skills. Can effectively manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously and has a track record of delivering to deadlines under pressure, while leading a team.
• Background in promoting new ways of working, continuously seeking opportunities to improve business processes, methods and outputs, and championing the use of new tools across an organisation or department.
• Good oral and written communication skills, with an engaging style, and proven ability to deliver written outputs that meet the necessary quality requirements, with the ability to express complex technical issues in easy-to-understand plain English.

Desirable

• Experience of Microsoft SQL Server-based systems.
• IT service management and programme / project management certification.
• Knowledge of single source defence procurement.

The role will require you to undergo national security vetting to the level of Security Check (SC) clearance.