You’ll need to be eligible for Security Check (SC) Clearance for this role
Data Specialist
Mercator Digital is looking for a Software Developer (Java) to be part of our growing consultancy.
We’re on a mission to transform digital services
We’re waving goodbye to traditional consulting approaches and creating something special at Mercator. Ranked as one of the UK’s Best Medium Sized Workplaces and among Europe’s top 100 Best Workplaces, we’re not just another consultancy, we’re here to make digital services work for everyone.
With our innovative solutions and award-winning culture, combined with nearly 20 years of experience delivering transformative projects, we have a long history of creating exceptional outcomes for organisations across both public and private sectors. Our client portfolio includes HMRC, major central government departments, and leading private sector enterprises.
We’re not just about delivering projects – we’re here to solve problems and transform services, bringing the Mercator touch to digital transformation.
Team Mercator
This is an exciting time to join Mercator Digital. We’re growing fast – opening new offices, expanding our teams, and creating new opportunities for development. We’re proud of our culture – one that’s lively, inclusive, and forward-thinking. As we grow, preserving our culture remains a priority. That’s why we have an annual survey for feedback, an open-door policy for communication, plenty of social events to foster connections, and a benefits package to show our appreciation.
Our brand values are at the core of who we are, and each Mercator team member lives these values as brand ambassadors:
- 🎯We don’t stand still: Always evolving, making bold choices
- 💫We keep it real: Straightforward, open, and honest in everything
- 🤝We take care: Supporting each other, our work, and our partners
- 🌟It’s a joint effort: Building strength in unity
- ✨We own our actions: Empowering accountability
- 🎓We bring out the best: Sharing knowledge and helping everyone grow
What we’re looking for:
You’ll need to be eligible for Security Check (SC) Clearance for this role. See https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels#security-check-sc for further information.
We’re looking for a talented Data Specialist to join our growing team. You’ll play a key role in helping our clients derive actionable insights and value from their complex datasets, supporting evidence-based decision making and service improvement across various public and private sector organisations.
As a Data Specialist at Mercator, you’ll work across the full data lifecycle, combining technical expertise with domain knowledge to identify patterns, trends, and opportunities through advanced analytics, statistical modelling, and data science techniques. You’ll collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams including researchers, service designers, and product teams to understand business problems, define relevant metrics, and create data products that drive improvements in service delivery and operational efficiency.
This role offers the opportunity to transform public services by providing evidence-based insights that inform policy decisions and service design, while adhering to ethical guidelines and data protection regulations. You’ll help democratise data across organisations, building data literacy and enabling teams to make better use of available data assets.
What You’ll Do
- Design and implement data collection strategies that align with business objectives and user needs
- Develop analytical frameworks and conduct statistical analyses to uncover meaningful patterns and trends
- Build predictive models and data visualisations that support organisational objectives and decision-making processes
- Work collaboratively with various teams to understand business problems and translate them into data-driven solutions
- Define and monitor relevant metrics to measure service performance and identify areas for improvement
- Ensure data quality and governance throughout your work, adhering to ethical guidelines and data protection regulations
- Develop data products that drive improvements in service delivery and operational efficiency
- Create comprehensive documentation and knowledge sharing materials to build data literacy across the organisation
- Present complex findings to diverse stakeholders in clear, actionable terms
- Stay current with emerging technologies and methodologies in data science and analytics
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of data practices and processes
- Support the development of junior team members through knowledge sharing and mentoring
- Work within Agile methodologies to deliver iterative, value-focused solutions
What You’ll Bring
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Analytical Expertise: Strong background in statistical analysis, data modelling, and interpreting complex datasets to extract actionable insights
- Technical Proficiency: Experience with programming languages such as Python, R, or SQL for data manipulation, analysis, and visualisation
- Data Visualisation: Ability to create clear, compelling visualisations that effectively communicate complex findings to diverse audiences
- Business Acumen: Capacity to understand business problems and translate them into analytical frameworks and solutions
- Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to approach complex data challenges systematically and develop innovative solutions
- Data Management: Knowledge of data governance principles, quality assurance processes, and ethical considerations in data handling
- Display Appropriate Use of Generative AI: Understand and demonstrate the appropriate use of Generative AI to expedite work within operational boundaries.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effectively presenting findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Collaborative Approach: Experience working as part of multidisciplinary teams to deliver data-driven projects
- Methodical Working: Systematic approach to data analysis with careful attention to detail and accuracy
- Continuous Learning: Commitment to staying current with evolving data technologies, tools, and methodologies
Desirable Skills & Experience:
- Machine Learning: Experience applying machine learning techniques to solve real-world problems
- Cloud Platforms: Familiarity with cloud-based data processing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Big Data: Experience working with large datasets and distributed computing frameworks
- Data Engineering: Knowledge of data pipeline development and ELT and ETL processes
- Dashboard Development: Experience creating interactive dashboards using tools like Power BI, Tableau, or custom solutions
- Domain Knowledge: Understanding of public sector challenges and how data can drive service improvement
- Qualifications: Relevant degree in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Data Science or equivalent practical experience
- Agile Working: Experience working within Agile methodologies and contributing to iterative development processes
- Research Methods: Understanding of qualitative and quantitative research approaches and how they complement data analysis
What Makes You a Great Fit
We’re looking for someone who is naturally curious and passionate about using data to solve real-world problems. You thrive when working with complex datasets, finding patterns and insights that others might miss. Your analytical mindset is balanced with strong communication skills—you can translate technical findings into clear recommendations that drive action.
You’re comfortable with ambiguity and enjoy the process of exploring and refining analytical approaches. Rather than seeing challenges as obstacles, you view them as puzzles to be solved through creative thinking and methodical analysis. You have a collaborative spirit and enjoy working across disciplines, knowing that the best solutions often emerge from diverse perspectives.
Above all, you’re driven by the opportunity to make a positive impact through your work. You understand that behind every dataset are real people who will be affected by the insights you uncover and the recommendations you make. This understanding guides your approach to data ethics and responsible analytics practices.
What’s in it For You
- 💰 Competitive salary (£30,000 – £75,000) based on experience
- 🎓 5% of your salary as a personal training budget (that’s £2,500 for a £50k salary!)
- 🚗 Electric car scheme (including for your partner!) with tax and NI savings
- 🏥 Enhanced maternity and paternity packages above statutory requirements
- 🎉 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off + 2 volunteering days
- 🚲 Cycle to work scheme through Green Commute Initiative
- 🤝 Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 access to confidential support
- 💰 5% company pension contribution through Royal London
- ⚡ 4x salary life cover from day one
- 🎪 Packed social calendar including parties, quizzes, and team events
- 🏢 Modern offices in prime locations
- 🏠 Flexible hybrid working combining office and remote work
Location & Working Style
We’re headquartered in the UK with a flexible approach to work:
- Client-side working when required
- Hybrid working combining office and remote options
- Regular team collaboration opportunities§
Your Application Journey
- Submit your application through our application portal
- Initial conversation with our talent team
- Introductory conversation with role-specific lead
- Formal interview with a role-specific technical assessment
Ready to Transform Digital Services?
Submit your application including:
- Your CV
- Relevant portfolio or work examples (if applicable)
Questions? Contact us at careers@mercator.group 📧
Mercator is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. We believe diverse perspectives make us stronger and better equipped to serve our clients.
