Lead Analyst – SQL – Argos in London

In this role, you will be responsible for leading the delivery of optimised analytical outputs working in partnership with cross-functional teams to step-change analytical capabilities for the Argos teams. You will be supporting several key projects, playing a major role in ensuring new solutions are developed, adopted, and drive the expected benefits for our customers and colleagues. You are a real ambassador for change and are passionate to make a difference.

The role primarily operates within standard business hours; however, support for critical reporting processes is required on Monday mornings, alongside occasional out-of-hours or weekend coverage during key reporting releases, major system changes, or business-critical go-live activities.

What you need to do

• Play an active role in scoping and developing analytical outputs that support action-based decision making and evolves to be fit for the future, providing one version of the truth for our colleagues.
• Plan for and action the delivery of new KPIs as our Commercial, Supply Chain and Logistics operations transform.
• Resolve risks in delivery, ensuring continuity whilst leading the associate analysts in work to improve efficiency & consolidation.
• Provide holistic analytical support across the Argos business, playing a key role in planning and developing new solutions to meet business priorities.
• Communicate and cascade best practice and quick wins internally and across the business teams, flexing your style to get traction within and outside your team.
• Build trust by effectively communicating with business stakeholders to support changes, providing insight and guidance.
• Work following agile delivery methods at pace, with a 'learn and fail' quick mindset.
• Identify and implement opportunities to simplify the operating model for stakeholders and the team.
• Show and encourage a deep passion for continuous learning and seek to provide and share knowledge.

What you need to know

• Understanding of end-to-end project management and problem-solving techniques.
• Understanding of corporate strategy and how functional priorities align.
• Work following agile methodology and principles in a fast-paced high-pressure environment.
• Ability to think both strategically and tactically, supporting the input of key learnings as outputs are planned and reviewed.
• Works with the relevant teams to ensure that everyone's needs are known and ensures customer outcomes are at the forefront of decision making.
• Working knowledge of Sainsbury's analytical tools and data sets.
• Experience working in a multi-channel business within a Commercial or Analytical role, designing & scoping solutions to meet business needs.

What you need to show

• The implementation of change and improvement within an analytical environment.
• Interpersonal and influencing skills to secure commitment and support to solutions inside and outside of the team.
• Anticipating next steps and future risks and opportunities within your area and making action plans to address them.
• Demonstrate ability to identify opportunities, solutions and priorities and an adaptable approach to resolving problems.
• A passion for continuous learning and development, seeking new ideas and best practice.
• Strong cost-savings, growth opportunities and risk management mind-set.

Essential Criteria

• Strong numerate background (degree or equivalent analytical experience).
• Excellent SQL and Ms Excel/VBA skills.
• Proven experience leading or mentoring analysts, with a track record of developing capability.
• Demonstrated impact through delivering actionable insights and driving business change.
• Strong strategic analytical thinking.
• Strong stakeholder-management and influencing skills.

At Argos, we’re a digital-led UK retailer that keeps pushing boundaries to meet every generation with what they want, how and when they want it. As a market leader in general merchandise, serving millions of customers through our website, app, same-day delivery and Click & Collect services, we offer real opportunities to learn, grow and shape your career. With roles spanning Commercial, Buying, Merchandising, Design and Supply Chain, through to Digital, Operations, Customer Experience, Marketing, and People and Transformation, you will work with brilliant colleagues and directly shape how we serve our customers every day.

We are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer so you’ll be welcomed whoever you are and wherever you work. Around here, there’s always the chance to try something new — whether that’s as part of an evolving team or somewhere else across the business - and we take development seriously and promise to support you. We also recognise and celebrate colleagues when they go the extra mile and, where possible, offer flexible working. When you join our team, we’ll also offer you an amazing range of benefits.

Starting off with colleague discount, you'll be able to save 10% on your shopping online and in-store at Sainsbury's, Argos, TU and Habitat, and we regularly increase the discount to 15% at points during the year. We've also got you covered for your future with our pensions scheme and life cover. You'll also be able to share in our success as you may be eligible for a performance-related bonus of up to 10% of salary, depending on how we perform. Your wellbeing is important to us too. You'll receive an annual holiday allowance and you can buy up to an additional week's holiday. We also offer other benefits that will help your money go further such as season ticket loans, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, salary advance (where you can access some of your pay before payday) as well access to a great range of discounts from hundreds of other retailers. And if you ever need it there is also an employee assistance programme. Moments that matter are as important to us as they are to you which is why we give up to 26 weeks’ pay for maternity or adoption leave and up to 4 weeks’ pay for paternity leave.