Data Services Executive in London

Are you looking to start a career in data and research? Do you want a role where you can develop your technical and analytical skills while supporting project teams making a real difference in the UK? Do you value a supportive and collaborative team environment? IFF is an award-winning social research agency that helps organisations, businesses and individuals to make better informed decisions. We deliver best-in-class social research on topics that really matter, helping shape public policy and informing programmes and initiatives that make a difference to people’s lives.

About the role: This is an entry level development role that sits within our Data Services (DS) team and reports into the Head of Data Services. The role is focused on delivering accurate, well-structured datasets and outputs, rather than leading on analysis or insight generation. Whether you’re a recent graduate or early in your career, this role offers the opportunity to build practical experience working with real datasets and research projects. After a period of training, you’ll work with the research team on a number of projects, supporting the full data services process including sampling (Excel data) and analysis (SPSS). Working to deadlines and budgets you’ll develop your skills, work with different stakeholders and while overtime you will become more autonomous in your work, you’ll continue to receive training and ongoing support from the DS team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Manage data tasks and projects to agreed timelines.
• Produce accurate outputs as specified.
• Carry out detailed and reliable quality checks.
• Present and explain all data clearly as required to non-technical colleagues.
• Communicate updates openly, honestly and frequently.
• Collaborate with internal teams, clients and suppliers.
• Support colleagues, other departments and team members as needed.

About you: We’re looking for someone with a genuine interest in data and research. Full training will be provided but you should bring:

• Confidence working with data, particularly in Excel.
• Good numeracy and attention to detail.
• Clear and confident communication skills.
• A proactive and organised approach to your work.
• Willingness to learn new tools and approaches.
• Comfortable using AI-powered tools and applying prompt engineering techniques to work with large language models (LLMs).
• Knowledge of R, or experience using it for data processing or analysis, would be beneficial.

You will likely have studied a degree in data science, maths, engineering, computer science or similar or you will have experience in similar work. This role would suit someone who:

• Enjoys solving problems using data.
• Is comfortable working independently, with support when needed.
• Wants to build a long-term skillset in data services and research.

Our values are key to how we work, we’re looking for somebody that aligns with our “human first” approach and enjoys working collaboratively. Don’t quite tick all the boxes, but still believe you’d add value? We’d encourage you to apply and tell us how.

Why join us?

• A friendly and supportive work environment, true to our value of “being human first”.
• Genuine flexibility, with hybrid working and the ability to flex when you work around our core hours of 11-3.
• Learning culture, with ongoing investment in your personal development.
• Competitive remuneration, including 5% pension contributions.
• 28 days’ annual leave (+ bank holidays), increasing by one day at 3 and 5 years’ service.
• PLUS a range of nice perks designed to bring the team together such as all team events and team lunches.