Analytics Director

Job Summary 

We are seeking an experienced Analytics Director to lead our Data Analytics team within a dynamic UK insurance company. In this role, you will partner with the Data Product Managers and be responsible for developing and implementing best practices in automated reporting, delivering deep-dive analytical insights to support key business decisions, and ensuring that our data assets are governed, maintained, and leveraged to drive innovation and profitability. You will work closely with cross-functional teams—including data engineers, product teams, and wider data science groups—to build and maintain robust, high-quality reporting and MI/BI frameworks. 

 Key Responsibilities 

• Team Leadership & Management
• Lead and manage the Data Analytics team, ensuring effective performance management, coaching, and regular performance reviews.
• Run daily stand-ups using agile methodologies to maintain high team engagement and efficient project execution.
• Set individual objectives and develop personal development plans for team members. 

Analytical Strategy & Execution 

• Deliver in-depth, expert analysis to support strategic decision-making and uncover actionable insights that drive both long-term strategy and day-to-day business improvements.
• Maintain the centralised BI platform with dynamic dashboards that cover critical metrics, automating recurring reports to reduce manual effort and accelerate decision-making.
• Develop, standardise, and champion best practices for automated reporting, ensuring stable and high-quality MI/BI outputs.
• Work with engineering teams to streamline data structures and continue building dedicated data marts to empower self-service capabilities and improve data accessibility.
• Support the growth and enhancement of data repositories by incorporating critical new datasets into the data warehouse, enabling advanced reporting, analytics, and machine learning across core business functions.
• Implement cutting-edge data capabilities to handle real-time events—such as claims processing, fraud detection, and dynamic pricing—ensuring timely and accurate insights.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement recommendations to enhance analytical processes and procedures.
• Stay updated on emerging trends and technologies in data analytics and the pet insurance industry, implementing new methodologies, tools, and frameworks to enhance data analysis and modelling processes.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication 

• Present analytical findings and actionable insights to senior stakeholders in clear, concise language.
• Drive the creation and maintenance of clear documentation, including data asset cataloguing, process definitions, and communication protocols.
• Work closely with data engineers and product teams to deliver high-performance data products and maintain product oversight.
• Engage with wider data science and analytics teams to ensure alignment and integration of analytical solutions across the business.
• Increase Data & AI Adoption Across the Organisation.  Roll out targeted training programs and establish data-sharing sessions to boost data literacy and empower teams to leverage analytics for informed decision-making.
• Contribute to a fast-paced, scale-up environment by adapting to changing business needs and providing innovative data-driven solutions.

Governance, Risk, and Compliance 

• Ensure robust data governance practices and risk controls are in place.
• Maintain a strong understanding of data privacy and security requirements, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. 

Key Requirements & Qualifications 

• Experience & Expertise 
• Extensive background in managing MI/BI/Analytics teams within the financial services and insurance sectors in the UK.
• Demonstrable experience in key analytics software and technologies (e.g. SQL, Python, BigQuery, Snowflake, dBT, etc.) and reporting tools (e.g. PowerBI).
• Deep knowledge of Microsoft Excel in a commercial setting.
• Experience with cloud-based platforms (AWS/Azure) and a deep understanding of data analytics and engineering best practices.
• Track record of leading data-driven transformation and delivering actionable insights to senior stakeholders.

Skills & Competencies 

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a focus on agile methodologies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex data insights into strategic business recommendations.
• In-depth analytical skills with a strategic mindset, able to assess and improve analytical processes.
• Strong project management abilities, with experience setting and monitoring performance metrics.
• A commitment to fostering a data-driven culture and continuous improvement in data governance and product maintenance.

Educational Background 

• A relevant degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Data Science) is preferred.