Business Intelligence Analyst (compliance)

The SSRO’s principal aim is to ensure that good value for money is obtained for the UK taxpayer in Ministry of Defence expenditure on qualifying defence contracts, and that single source suppliers are paid a fair and reasonable price under those contracts.

We support the regulatory framework established by Part 2 of the Defence Reform Act 2014 (DRA), which provides a basis for pricing single source (i.e. non-competitive) defence contracts and requires transparency from defence contractors about their prices.

As part of the regime, contractors are required to submit a range of reports. We provide guidance on those obligations and keep under review the extent to which contractors comply with their obligations under the regime.

Working at the SSRO

The SSRO values diversity and inclusion and welcomes flexible working arrangements. We currently offer a range of benefits to our employees including, but not limited to:
•    30 days’ leave plus bank holidays with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave each year;
•    Opportunities for homeworking, part-time working and compressed hours;
•    An oyster card up to zone 6 or a season ticket loan; Cycle to work scheme;
•    Auto-enrollment in the civil service pension scheme; 
•    A focus on development, with a minimum of three training days a year and opportunities for funding qualifications related to the role; an employee staff group, which provides feedback to Executive Committee.

Role description

We are currently searching for a Business Intelligence Analyst (compliance) to join the compliance and reporting team at the SSRO.

Working within a collaborative team of specialist staff, you will play a key role in the team by undertaking analysis of data for compliance on report submissions made by defence contractors and producing analysis of data extracted from the SSRO’s “Defence Contract Analysis and Reporting System” (DefCARS).

The post holder will work closely with the SSRO’s analysis team, with links to that team for support, training and quality assurance, and may be required to occasionally travel to contractor sites. 

DefCARS is the central system for the capture, storage and analysis of all data submitted in accordance with the regulatory framework. Defence contractors submit data relating to single source contracts into this secure database, so that the SSRO and MOD can utilise this data for contract management and analysis purposes.

You will use SQL and Power BI to carry out analysis of the data, including developing compliance management information for DefCARS users in the Ministry of Defence, Industry and the SSRO, for example by considering the timeliness and quality of report submissions and provide analysis to support the SSRO publish its Annual Compliance Report.

You will have strong experience of providing analysis of datasets to provide management information to help meet the needs of decision makers. You will have experience of using code to query structured databases and data visualisation tools to provide management information and reports. You may also have experience of analysis to support policy and regulatory projects in a relevant environment such as management consultancy, audit, regulation or defence. You will be able to work successfully in complex, dynamic and fast-paced environments, delivering on time and working together with colleagues and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

•    Support a wide range of SSRO projects through providing business intelligence analysis including: querying, extracting and cleansing compliance and other data;
•    Supporting the production of regular management information and provision of analysis to understand and track the extent to which contractors are complying with reporting obligations;
•    Interrogating contract data to assist in the provision of useful and relevant management information and analysis to the SSRO and the MOD;
•    Undertaking bespoke research and analysis requests; assisting the wider team with user acceptance testing by following test scripts and logging any failures; providing analytical support across the SSRO;
•    Maintain appropriate records, such as an accurate audit trail of reviews and correspondence; 
•    Engage with internal and external stakeholders and maintain good relationships, including following up queries with contractors and attending meetings as appropriate; 
•    Contribute to the work of cross-disciplinary teams to deliver the SSRO’s activities;
•    Collaborate with staff across the SSRO and work successfully in multi-disciplinary teams, including project teams drawn from across other established teams and matrix management of those teams;
•    Assist with compliance development of DefCARS; 
•    Promote the SSRO’s values; 
•    Support in demonstrating the functionality of DefCARS to stakeholders; Contribute to written reports and communicate your work to internal stakeholders;
•    Act with integrity and apply the SSRO’s governance procedures; and
•    Make best use of available technology and contribute to the delivery of new and innovative ways to deliver our work and improve quality and efficiency.

Person specification

Essential criteria:
•    Education to degree level and/or relevant professional qualification;
•    Experience of using and writing Structured Query Language (SQL) code, or other coding languages, to query and interrogate quantitative databases;
•    Expertise in data visualisation and business intelligence tools to clearly explain findings from analysis. 
•    Significant experience of producing influential analysis or quantitative management information and reports;
•    Advanced Microsoft Excel skills;
•    A team player who can work collaboratively and build relationships internally and externally whilst maintaining credibility and professionalism;
•    A pro-active nature, with a flexible 'can do' attitude, and the tenacity to actively challenge assumptions and processes;
•    Ability to communicate effectively in a collaborative environment with both internal and external stakeholders; and
•    Ability to manage multiple competing priorities effectively and deliver to tight deadlines.

Desirable

•    Experience of providing analysis and management information in a relevant field, such as audit, compliance, regulation, policy, defence contracting or public sector procurement;
•    Experience of Power BI; and
•    Experience of Azure Synapse

Security clearance

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

Applying for the position

•    Your CV. Please include your contact details and the names of two referees (including their relationship to you and contact details).
•    A suitability statement clearly addressing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria outlined above, with examples, in no more than 1200 words.

Applications that do not contain both the suitability statement and CV will be rejected.