Position: Performance & Research Analyst

Organisation: Sheffield City Council
Location: Town Hall, Surrey Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire (hybrid possible)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent (37 hours/week)
Salary: £34,000 – £38,000 per annum (Grade 8, dependent on experience)

🔍 About the Role

Sheffield City Council is dedicated to enhancing outcomes for residents by making data‑driven decisions. We’re seeking a sharp, analytical Performance & Research Analyst to join the Strategy & Insight Team. You’ll be responsible for gathering and analysing performance data, producing meaningful insights, and collaborating across departments to support evidence-based service improvements.

📋 Key Responsibilities

• Collect, clean, and manage quantitative and qualitative data across service areas (adult social care, housing, education, public health, etc.).

• Develop and maintain performance dashboards, KPIs, and reporting frameworks.

• Interpret trends and performance metrics to produce actionable insights for senior management and service heads.

• Conduct targeted research projects and benchmarking studies, utilising both internal and external data sources.

• Support performance reviews, evaluations, and impact assessments of council initiatives.

• Prepare comprehensive written reports, presentations, and visualisations for the Cabinet, scrutiny panels, and the public.

• Advise and train colleagues on data interpretation, performance measurement, and best-practice metrics.

• Share insights to inform policy development, service redesign, resource allocation, and grant bids.

✅ Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant discipline (e.g., economics, statistics, social sciences, public policy, business analytics) or equivalent experience.

• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and experience with data tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Python, R, SPSS).

• Proven experience in collecting, analysing, and interpreting complex data sets.

• Excellent report-writing, presentation, and communication skills.

• Ability to distil complex findings into clear, compelling recommendations.

• Experience working effectively in a multi-stakeholder, matrix environment.

• Strong time-management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

🎓 Desirable Qualifications & Attributes

• Experience in local government, public health, education, social care, or housing research.

• Knowledge of performance frameworks such as Outcomes-Based Accountability or Results Frameworks.

• Familiarity with GIS mapping, statistical modelling, or qualitative research methods.

• Understanding of public sector budgeting and social impact measurement.

• Presentation skills and experience delivering workshops/training.

🌟 What We Offer

• Pension benefits through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

• Flexible working (hybrid, compressed hours, or staggered start times)

• Generous annual leave, plus bank holidays and additional “council closure” days

• Professional development opportunities: support to gain analyst/tech qualifications

• Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing initiatives and staff networks

• A collaborative and supportive working culture within the Strategy & Insight Team

🧭 How to Apply

1. Visit the Sheffield City Council jobs portal at sheffield.gov.uk/jobs.

2. Complete the online application, including a CV and a supporting statement (max 2 sides of A4) describing how you meet essential criteria with examples.

3. Submit before 23:59 on the closing date.

📌 Diversity & Inclusion

Sheffield City Council values diversity and inclusivity. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.