At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of high-quality data services for critical investment decisions.
- Company: Join Railpen, a key player in managing £34 billion in assets.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days leave, health cash plan, and employee assistance programme.
- Other info: Inclusive culture valuing diversity and community impact.
- Why this job: Shape how data supports investment business while driving innovation and improvement.
- Qualifications: Experience in data operations or application support, ideally in finance.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Senior Application Support Data Analyst to join our Investment IT Operations team on an 18‑month fixed-term contract, based in our London office with hybrid working. This is a key role at the heart of our investment data ecosystem, where you’ll lead the delivery and continuous improvement of high-quality data services that underpin critical investment decisions. You’ll play a central role in ensuring our data platforms are robust, scalable, and trusted by stakeholders across the business.
Railpen is responsible for the safekeeping and investment of around £34 billion in assets and the administration of several pension schemes, including the Railways Pension Scheme, one of the UK's largest and longest established pension funds. Our heritage of looking after the pension needs of the rail industry and its employees gives us our name and our unique outlook on how we serve our members. Railpen takes a holistic view, focusing on how we serve members today and how we can positively impact the communities and the world they will retire into.
As a Senior Application Support Data Analyst, you’ll take ownership of our investment data platforms and services, ensuring they perform reliably, efficiently, and at scale. You’ll act as a senior subject matter expert, providing leadership across data operations while driving improvements in data quality, governance, and automation. You’ll work closely with Investment, IT Operations, change teams, and external partners to translate business requirements into sustainable data solutions, while maintaining strong operational controls and governance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Owning the performance, stability, and optimisation of the investment data platform, ensuring resilient processing and accurate data flows
- Leading data quality, reconciliation, and governance frameworks to ensure integrity, auditability, and consistency of data
- Acting as a trusted advisor to stakeholders, providing insight into data trends, risks, and opportunities
- Managing relationships with data vendors and holding them accountable to agreed service levels and performance standards
- Supporting the delivery of change initiatives and ensuring smooth transition of solutions into business-as-usual operations
- Driving automation and continuous improvement to enhance operational efficiency and reduce manual workload
- Providing senior oversight of incidents, ensuring timely resolution and driving root cause fixes to prevent recurrence
This role offers the opportunity to shape how data supports the investment business, balancing operational excellence with innovation and long-term improvement. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
The Person
We’re looking for someone with strong experience in data operations or application support within a complex environment, ideally with exposure to investment or financial data. You’ll bring a deep understanding of data platforms and governance, alongside the ability to lead improvements and influence how data is managed across the organisation. You’ll also demonstrate:
- Strong ownership and accountability, with the ability to operate as a senior SME within data operations
- A track record of improving data quality, controls, and operational processes
- Experience working with stakeholders across both business and technology teams, translating requirements into effective solutions
- Confidence managing third-party providers and holding them to account for service delivery
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to identify trends and provide meaningful insight from data
- A proactive approach to continuous improvement, with a focus on automation and efficiency
Alongside your technical expertise, you’ll have excellent communication and collaboration skills, a pragmatic and risk‑aware mindset, and a strong focus on delivering high‑quality outcomes for stakeholders. Our values of integrity, community and alignment are the guiding principles that influence our behaviour. They help us make decisions and shape our relationships with others. They’re what we stand for. You will actively demonstrate our values, helping to create a safe environment, to place the needs of the community above oneself and, through a culture of ‘fair challenge’, align to the best interests of our members.
What we can offer you
- A competitive salary (depending on experience)
- 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Employee assistance programme
- Health cash plan
- Give as you earn scheme
Railpen is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment, we value diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Senior Application Support Data Analyst employer: Railpen
Railpen is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London with hybrid working options. As a Senior Application Support Data Analyst, you will be part of a team that values integrity, community, and alignment, while enjoying competitive salaries, generous leave, and a commitment to employee well-being through various support programmes. With a focus on continuous improvement and professional growth, Railpen provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the management of significant pension assets while positively impacting the communities we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Application Support Data Analyst
✨Get in on Networking Events
For a temporary role in investment asset management, you should definitely seek out networking events like industry conferences and seminars. These are fantastic for meeting the right people and getting noticed — it’s all about making those connections that can lead to gigs like the one you're after!
✨Join Investment Forums and Communities
Dive into online investment forums or communities, like those on LinkedIn or even specific investment platforms. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and be active — this is a great way to showcase your expertise and passion for the field. You never know who might take notice and lead you to a temporary role at places like Railpen.
✨Temporary Positions are Competitive, So Be Proactive!
With temporary roles, it's essential to be quick on the draw! Check job boards often and consider reaching out directly to companies like Railpen to ask about upcoming opportunities. It shows initiative and can really set you apart from other candidates!
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're currently in university or recently graduated, don't forget to tap into your career services for temporary placements in investment asset management. They often have connections with firms actively looking to fill short-term roles, making it easier for us to land that gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Application Support Data Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In investment and asset management, your ability to analyse data and make informed decisions is key. Showcase your analytical skills in your CV and provide specific examples of projects or coursework that highlight these abilities. Whether it’s through university projects or relevant internships, make it obvious that you’ve got what it takes to spot trends and evaluate risks.
Demonstrate Your Passion for the Market:For a temporary role in this industry, it’s vital to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the financial market. In your cover letter, share specific experiences or insights about market trends or investment strategies you've explored. This passion can set you apart, especially for shorter contracts where speed and enthusiasm can make a big difference.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve completed any financial or investment-related certifications, make sure they’re prominently featured in your CV. This not only shows your commitment to the field but also adds credibility to your application in the highly competitive asset management sector. Don’t forget to link any online profile or platform where you might showcase your achievements.
Be Ready to Hit the Ground Running:Given that this is a temporary position at Railpen, highlight your ability to adapt quickly and contribute from day one. Make sure your CV reflects any prior short-term roles or internships where you quickly picked up new skills or adapted to new teams. This will assure the hiring managers that you're ready to jump in and start delivering results.
How to prepare for a job interview at Railpen
✨Know Your Numbers
In investment asset management, your ability to understand and analyse financial data is crucial. Be prepared to tackle technical questions related to risk analysis, portfolio management, and quantitative methods. Brush up on common metrics and valuation techniques—you never know when they might come up!
✨Bring Your Analytical A-Game
During the interview process, you might be asked to evaluate a case study or a hypothetical investment scenario. Practice expressing your thought process clearly—this is about showcasing your analytical skills and thought agility. Use specific examples from your studies or work experience to demonstrate how you've approached similar tasks in the past.
✨Show Off Your Projects
Since this is a temporary role, a solid portfolio can really help you stand out. Share any projects or analyses you've conducted, even if they were part of your coursework. Use these pieces of work to demonstrate your understanding of the sector and your ability to apply theory to practice. It’s all about showing what you can bring to the table from day one!
✨Be Ready for Rapid Fire Questions
With a temporary position, they might want to gauge how quickly you can adapt and contribute. Prepare to answer questions that require quick, insightful responses about market trends or recent economic events. It’s a fast-paced environment, so showing that you stay updated and can think on your feet will really impress the interviewers at Railpen.
