At a Glance
- Tasks: Capture and translate data requirements into actionable insights for impactful projects.
- Company: Join Thames Water, a leader in the utilities sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by bridging business needs and data solutions in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in data analysis and Agile methodologies is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
As a Data Business Analyst, you will play a key role within Thames Water’s Data function, working across the organisation to proactively understand, capture, and catalogue the demand for data solutions. Acting as the bridge between business stakeholders and technical delivery teams, you will translate business needs into clear, actionable requirements and user stories that enable the successful delivery of data products and services. Working closely with stakeholders, data engineers, analysts, and other data professionals, you will ensure that data initiatives align with business objectives and deliver measurable value. You will take ownership of requirements from early concept through to detailed definition, applying Agile methodologies and Product Owner principles to drive the development of high-quality, reusable data solutions that support Thames Water’s strategic goals.
What you’ll be doing as a Data Business Analyst:
- Capture and document data requirements from internal stakeholders based on requests submitted through the Data Front Door project request process.
- Translate high-level business concepts into detailed user stories, acceptance criteria, and task breakdowns to support delivery teams.
- Collaborate with stakeholders across the organisation to understand data requirements and ensure alignment with business objectives.
- Act as an Agile Product Owner, defining and communicating a clear vision that enables development teams to deliver valuable and reusable data products.
- Participate in technical and functional discussions to ensure data initiatives meet both business and technical requirements.
- Build strong relationships with internal colleagues to understand departmental and organisational data needs.
- Gather and analyse stakeholder feedback on data services and products to support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support the prioritisation, assignment, and management of work across data squads to ensure efficient delivery of data solutions.
- Facilitate workshops and requirement-gathering sessions to identify and document business and data needs.
- Work closely with data engineers, analysts, and architects to ensure solutions are fit for purpose and aligned with agreed requirements.
- Maintain accurate and comprehensive project and requirements documentation throughout the delivery lifecycle.
- Support the development of data products and services that enable informed business decision-making.
- Promote best practices in requirements management, stakeholder engagement, and Agile delivery.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of data processes, governance, and service delivery.
- Ensure delivered solutions provide value, meet stakeholder expectations, and support business outcomes.
What you should bring to the role:
- Proven experience as a Data Business Analyst or in a similar role delivering data-focused initiatives and projects.
- Hands‑on experience working within Agile delivery environments and acting as a Product Owner.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret complex information and translate it into actionable outcomes.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across all levels of the organisation.
- Experience facilitating workshops, gathering requirements, and documenting business processes and data needs.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non‑technical audiences.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within cross‑functional teams.
- Strong organisational skills with a structured and methodical approach to work.
- A strategic mindset with the ability to align data initiatives to wider business objectives.
- A commitment to delivering high‑quality outcomes and continuous improvement.
Technical experience and skills:
- Proficiency in SQL with a willingness to further develop technical and analytical capabilities.
- Strong understanding of data management, data governance, and analytics principles.
- Experience creating user stories, acceptance criteria, process maps, and project documentation.
- Knowledge of data mapping, requirements elicitation techniques, and business analysis methodologies.
- Ability to analyse data requirements and translate them into technical specifications for delivery teams.
- Experience working with Agile tools and frameworks to manage backlogs, priorities, and delivery activities.
- Strong understanding of how data solutions support business processes and operational decision‑making.
Desirable qualifications and experience:
- Experience working within the water, utilities, or waste management sectors.
- Knowledge of enterprise systems and platforms used within large organisations.
- Experience supporting data transformation programmes and enterprise‑wide data initiatives.
- Understanding of data governance, master data management, and data quality improvement practices.
Desirable technical skills and qualifications:
- Experience working with SAP, Salesforce, Azure, ESRI, GIS, Databricks, or similar enterprise platforms.
- Professional Business Analysis, Agile, or Product Owner certifications.
- Degree in Business Analysis, Data Analytics, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
- Familiarity with modern data platforms, cloud technologies, and analytics environments.
What’s in it for you?
- Competitive salary: Up to £60,000 per annum, depending on experience.
- Annual Leave: 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
- Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
- Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
- Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.
Data Business Analyst in Reading employer: Thames Water Utilities Limited
Thames Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of Clearwater Court. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities and a competitive salary package, alongside generous benefits such as a robust pension scheme and wellness initiatives. Our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, making Thames Water an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in data analysis.
Contact Details:
Thames Water Utilities Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Business Analyst in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Thames Water on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to data analysis and Agile methodologies. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it helps you showcase your experience effectively!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills with a portfolio! If you've worked on relevant projects, create a simple online portfolio that highlights your achievements and how they align with the role of a Data Business Analyst.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Thames Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Business Analyst in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Data Business Analyst role. Highlight your experience with Agile methodologies and how you've successfully translated business needs into actionable requirements.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your analytical and problem-solving skills. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you’ve tackled complex data challenges and delivered valuable solutions.
Engage with Stakeholders:Illustrate your stakeholder management abilities in your application. Share instances where you've built strong relationships and collaborated effectively across teams to meet data requirements.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you can easily keep track of your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water Utilities Limited
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
As a Data Business Analyst, you need to be well-versed in data management and analytics principles. Brush up on SQL and be ready to discuss how you've used it in past projects. Prepare examples of how you've translated complex data requirements into actionable user stories.
✨Master Stakeholder Engagement
Strong stakeholder management skills are crucial for this role. Think about your previous experiences where you successfully built relationships with stakeholders. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you gathered requirements and facilitated workshops to ensure alignment with business objectives.
✨Showcase Your Agile Experience
Since the role involves acting as an Agile Product Owner, highlight your experience in Agile environments. Discuss how you've prioritised backlogs and managed delivery activities. Bring along any relevant certifications or examples of how you've applied Agile methodologies in your work.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
You’ll need to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider preparing a short presentation or example that demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams.
