At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data analysis to drive business decisions and measurable outcomes.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and elevate data literacy across the organisation.
- Why this job: Shape strategic decisions with data insights and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in a commercial environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Principal Data Analyst to play a critical role in strengthening analytical capability across a fast-paced, portfolio-based business navigating changing audience behaviours and increasing market competition. This role sits at the centre of decision-making, helping teams across Product, Editorial, Commercial, Marketing, Finance and Technology better understand data, unlock insight and drive measurable commercial outcomes.
You’ll lead the delivery of high-quality analysis, shape how we measure success and ensure data is translated into clear, actionable insight that supports revenue growth, efficiency and innovation. Operating in a highly collaborative, matrix environment, you’ll influence senior stakeholders, provide analytical oversight and elevate standards across the organisation. You’ll champion best practice, improve analytical methodologies and help build data literacy and capability across teams.
This is an opportunity to combine hands-on analysis with strategic impact — shaping how data is used to inform decisions and drive business performance at scale.
- Strong experience delivering advanced analysis and insight in a commercial or digital environment
- Proven ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable recommendations that influence decision-making
- Expertise in developing and governing KPI frameworks, ensuring consistency and business alignment
- Experience leading analytical approaches, methodologies and quality assurance standards
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior partners across multiple functions
- Track record of driving measurable business impact (e.g. revenue growth, cost efficiencies, customer outcomes)
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including Product, Engineering, Commercial and Finance
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on analytical delivery
- Knowledge of modern analytical tools, techniques and data environments
- Experience improving processes, automation and analytical efficiency
- Passion for building capability in others and raising data literacy across teams
Critical Skills & Capabilities
- Data Analytics– Level 5: Leads analytical activities, ensuring high-quality insights and applying advanced techniques to support decision-making
- Strategic Planning – Level 5: Contributes insight to strategic planning and supports evidence-based decision-making
- Learning & Development Management – Level 4–5: Coaches and develops analysts, supporting capability growth across teams
- Enterprise & Business Architecture – Level 4–5: Aligns analytics with enterprise data models, standards and frameworks
- Stakeholder Relationship Management – Level 5: Builds strong, trusted relationships, ensuring clarity and shared understanding of analytical outputs
Behaviours We Value
- Being More Curious – Proactively explores data trends and challenges assumptions
- Experiment with Purpose – Tests new analytical methods to improve insight quality and speed
- Owning the Outcomes – Takes accountability for the clarity, accuracy and impact of insights
- Being More Collaborative – Works openly across teams, co-creating solutions and removing blockers
- Communicates clearly, simplifying complexity and building trust through evidence-based recommendations
- Adapts quickly to shifting business priorities and evolving needs
To apply: please follow our online application process and submit a CV and cover letter.
Closing date for applications: 4th June 2026 at 12:00 noon.
Principal Data Analyst employer: DC Thomson
Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Principal Data Analyst, where your expertise will directly influence strategic decision-making across various departments. Our collaborative work culture fosters continuous learning and development, providing you with ample opportunities to enhance your analytical skills while driving meaningful business outcomes. Located in a fast-paced environment, we prioritise employee growth and offer a unique chance to shape the future of data-driven insights within our organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Data Analyst
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to data analysis. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers — it helps you showcase your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical prowess during interviews. Bring examples of past projects where your insights led to measurable outcomes. This is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your fit for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Data Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Principal Data Analyst. Highlight your experience with advanced analysis and how you've influenced decision-making in previous roles. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us about your passion for data and how you’ve driven measurable business impact. Be sure to mention specific examples that showcase your analytical prowess and stakeholder management skills.
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit:We value collaboration, so don’t forget to mention your experience working with cross-functional teams. Share stories that demonstrate how you’ve co-created solutions and built strong relationships with senior stakeholders.
Follow Our Application Process:To make things easy for us both, please apply through our website. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Remember, the deadline is 4th June 2026 at 12:00 noon, so don’t leave it to the last minute!
How to prepare for a job interview at DC Thomson
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
As a Principal Data Analyst, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in data analytics. Make sure you’re familiar with the latest analytical tools and techniques relevant to the role. Prepare examples of how you've used data to drive business decisions and be ready to discuss specific metrics or KPIs you've developed.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
This role involves influencing senior stakeholders across various functions. Think of instances where you’ve successfully communicated complex data insights to non-technical audiences. Be prepared to explain how you built trust and clarity in those relationships, as this will be key to your success in the interview.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
You’ll need to balance hands-on analysis with strategic impact. Prepare to discuss how your analytical work has contributed to broader business goals. Highlight any experience you have in shaping strategic plans based on data insights, and be ready to share how you’ve adapted to changing business priorities.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Coaching
Collaboration is crucial in this role, so think about times when you’ve worked with cross-functional teams. Also, consider how you’ve helped others improve their data literacy. Be ready to share your approach to coaching analysts and fostering a culture of curiosity and experimentation within teams.
