Principal Data Analyst

Job summary

Discover what it’s like to work in a compliance role that makes an impact. Could you help us shape a stronger, fairer future? Your next career move starts here.

As a Principal Data Analyst in HMRC’s Risk and Intelligence Service (RIS), you will play a leading role in the UK government’s digital transformation journey. You will harness advanced analytical techniques and emerging technologies to help shape HMRC’s strategic approach to risk and compliance, ensuring the right tax is paid and safeguarding public funds.

You’ll be part of the Government Digital and Data community, a collective of over 28,000 professionals transforming lives through technology. Your work will have real-world impact, enabling data-driven decisions that support citizens and contribute to a fairer and more efficient tax system.

We are looking for someone with a passion for analysis, a deep understanding of data’s potential, and the leadership to drive change in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This is your opportunity to join a forward-thinking, expert community and make a lasting difference.

Job description

HMRC's Risk and Intelligence Service (RIS) are looking for people with the experience and skills to join us as a Principal Data Analyst. You'll find excellent opportunities for career development in a collaborative and ambitious environment that empowers you to make a real difference in transforming lives through technology. You will be part of a team that uses data to deepen our understanding of how to ensure the right tax is paid, working with some of the most complex and comprehensive data in the country.

As a Principal Data Analyst in RIS, you’ll be part of a team that leverages complex, large-scale data to generate actionable insights. Your work will directly support our mission to ensure the right tax is paid, using cutting-edge analytical approaches to protect public funds and improve outcomes for society.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership across a range of complex analytical projects, defining direction, governance and delivery approaches to:

• Establish, champion and assure analytical standards and methods, ensuring appropriate use of statistical techniques, data modelling and coding approaches are used to solve complex business challenges.
• Lead the design and adoption of scalable, reusable analytical products to increase organisational capability, improve efficiency and support sustainable analytical delivery.
• Lead analytical quality assurance and continuous improvement, embedding robust governance and assurance practices.
• Champion data governance, quality and ethical use of data, setting and implementing standards across analysis and data management.
• Translate complex analytical evidence into clear recommendations that influence senior decision making.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and partners, ensuring analytical investment delivers measurable outcomes.
• Build organisational capability through leadership, coaching and talent development to create a high performing culture that supports professional growth.

About the Risk & Intelligence Service (RIS)

RIS includes a range of specialist teams you could join, each using advanced analytics to solve high‑impact problems:

Data Analytics Team (DAT): Provides analysis and insight across all populations to identify risks and enable decision making across HMRC.

Large Business Data Analytics (LBDA): Provide data analytical services to identify tax risks across large businesses at national and regional levels.

Compliance Operational Insight & Risking (COIR): Provide analytical products and tools that strengthen HMRC’s compliance strategies.

Strategic Risking (SR): Develops strategic capabilities to ensure CCG and RIS is ready and able to support HMRC’s compliance strategies.

Data and Risking Service (DRS): Maintains and enhances Connect and Data Quality Services, delivering automated data and bespoke analysis to support analysts, caseworkers and wider business needs.

Person specification

As a Principal Data Analyst, you will lead innovative, high-impact analytical work that influences strategic decision-making and transforms how HMRC identifies and responds to risk.

This role offers unparalleled variety and scope, with opportunities to work on meaningful projects, solve complex problems, and apply your expertise to real-world challenges. You’ll collaborate with colleagues across HMRC and other government departments, contributing to a joined-up, data-driven approach to public service delivery.

As part of a supportive and forward-thinking profession, you’ll also benefit from ongoing learning and development, access to professional networks, and opportunities to grow your career in a culture that values innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

You will bring:

• The ability to drive innovation by applying advanced analytical techniques and exploring new data sources to solve complex business problems.
• Strong judgement in shaping evidence-based recommendations, assessing options, understanding risks, and clearly communicating impacts to inform strategic decisions.
• A commitment to high-quality analytical standards, embedding reproducible, auditable, and efficient practices that deliver measurable value.
• The ability to build effective relationships across disciplines, working with stakeholders to understand user needs and deliver timely, relevant insights using agile approaches.
• Confidence in leading complex discussions and managing stakeholder expectations, particularly in high-risk or time-sensitive situations.
• Expertise in translating complex analysis into clear, compelling outputs that influence both technical and non-technical audiences.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement, staying current with developments in data science, analytics, and emerging technologies to enhance organisational capability.
• A collaborative mindset, contributing to the analytical community and supporting HMRC’s mission through strategic, data-driven solutions.

Data Analyst Training Programme

If you have completed HMRC’s internal Data Analyst Training Programme (DATP) or previous iterations such as the Specialist Trial Period (STP), you do not need to do it again.

If not, you will be expected to complete the final assessment from the DATP which is designed to help you build confidence and capability in the core skills needed for analytical roles. If required, you’ll take part in self-study, modular and work-based assessments aligned to the Profession framework, giving you regular opportunities to reflect on your progress and identify areas for development.

You’ll be supported throughout your journey by your manager, our dedicated learning team and business-based coaches and mentors known as Practical Training Officers (PTOs). We also encourage participants to self-assess their performance and seek support whenever needed to help them get the most from the programme.

The DATP could include several multiday courses delivered in specialist training suites, and you may be asked to travel and stay for up to four days at a time. HMRC will cover travel and subsistence costs.

Data Analysts in the Civil Service are part of the Government Digital and Data (GDAD) profession - a community of experts driving digital transformation across government. The essential and desirable criteria for this role are aligned with the GDAD capability framework, which you can