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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse sales data and generate insights to boost store performance.
- Company: Join WHSmith, a trusted global brand with over 230 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, annual bonus, and 24 days holiday plus your birthday off.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic team while developing your analytical skills.
- Qualifications: 2+ years as a Data Analyst, strong SQL skills, and a degree in a quantitative field required.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we celebrate diversity and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At WHSmith our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers. The ones that enable our growth.
We are seeking a highly analytical and commercially astute Commercial Data Analyst to join our agile delivery team on a 6-month Fixed Term Contract. This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact by focusing on the performance of our key stores across the UK.
As part of a dedicated agile squad, you will be instrumental in unearthing critical insights that will directly influence strategic decisions, optimise store operations, and enhance profitability in our most commercially significant locations.
Your role will be translating complex data into clear, actionable recommendations.
What you will be doing:
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Performance Analysis: Conduct in-depth analysis of sales, footfall, conversion rates, average transaction value (ATV), units per transaction (UPT), inventory levels, and operational metrics for our largest stores.
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Insight Generation: Identify key trends, anomalies, opportunities for growth, and potential risks within store performance data.
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Stakeholder Engagement: Present complex findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to various stakeholders, including Commercial, Operations, Finance and Merchandising Heads fostering a data-driven culture.
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Trial & Initiative Support: Provide analytical support for new commercial initiatives and operational changes being trialled within the largest stores, measuring their effectiveness and impact.
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Collaboration: Work collaboratively within an agile team, participating in daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and reviews, ensuring data insights are integrated into delivery cycles.
What we are looking for:
Essential:
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Proven experience (2+ years) as a Data Analyst preferably within a retail or consumer-focused environment.
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Strong proficiency in SQL for querying and manipulating large datasets.
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Expertise in data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or similar, with a portfolio of impactful dashboards.
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Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, complex formulas).
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Understanding of key retail metrics and commercial drivers.
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Experience working within an agile development methodology.
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Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for detail.
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Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate technical data into business-friendly insights.
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Proactive, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
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A degree in a quantitative field such as Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Computer Science, Business Analytics, or a related discipline.
Desirable:
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Experience with statistical programming languages (e.g., Python, R) for more advanced analysis.
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Direct experience analysing store-level performance data for a large multi-site retailer.
How we reward our teams:
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Competitive salary
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Annual bonus based on company and personal performance
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Hybrid working model from home and in the office
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24 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
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Finish at 4pm on a Friday
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Competitive pension contribution
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Staff discount card for stores and online
About us:
Celebrating 230 years, we’re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 12,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.
For UK and International Travel our mission is simple – to create value for our stakeholders by providing a platform for global brands responsible for essentials and technology in airports (including our InMotion stores), hospitals, rail stations and other markets. Our office is based in a buzzing part of London close to Liverpool Street Station. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture at all levels. It’s perfect for people who are happy to use their initiative and embrace life outside their comfort zone.
At WHSmith, we’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you—you’re welcome here.
We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we’re happy to help!
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Commercial Data Analyst employer: Funky Pigeon
Contact Detail:
Funky Pigeon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Data Analyst
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with WHSmith's key performance metrics and retail operations. Understanding their specific commercial drivers will help you tailor your insights and recommendations to align with their business goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your SQL skills and data visualisation tools like Tableau or Power BI. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these areas during discussions will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with agile methodologies. Highlighting your ability to work collaboratively in an agile team will resonate well with WHSmith's culture and operational style.
✨Tip Number 4
Think about how you can present complex data in a simple, actionable way. Practising this skill will be crucial for engaging with stakeholders effectively and showcasing your analytical prowess.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Data Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Data Analyst, particularly in retail or consumer-focused environments. Emphasise your proficiency in SQL, data visualisation tools, and any experience with agile methodologies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at WHSmith and explain how your skills align with their needs. Mention specific examples of how you've used data analysis to drive business decisions or improve performance.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Provide examples in your application that demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving abilities. Highlight any projects where you translated complex data into actionable insights, especially in a retail context.
Prepare for Potential Assessments: Be ready for possible assessments or tests that may evaluate your data analysis skills. Brush up on SQL queries, data visualisation techniques, and your understanding of key retail metrics to ensure you're well-prepared.
How to prepare for a job interview at Funky Pigeon
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've used data analysis to drive business decisions. Highlight your experience with SQL and any data visualisation tools you've worked with, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Understand Retail Metrics
Familiarise yourself with key retail metrics such as sales, footfall, and conversion rates. Be ready to explain how these metrics impact store performance and profitability, demonstrating your commercial acumen.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice presenting complex data in a simple, clear manner. You may be asked to explain your findings to non-technical stakeholders, so focus on translating technical jargon into actionable insights.
✨Embrace Agile Methodology
Since the role involves working within an agile team, be prepared to discuss your experience with agile practices. Share examples of how you've collaborated in a fast-paced environment and contributed to team goals.
