Data Analytics Lead/Principal

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

Data Analytics Lead/Principal needed to join our team on a permanent basis, here at VML Enterprise Solutions.

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Data Analytics Lead/Principal to join our growing team. This role is pivotal in shaping our clients’ data and analytics strategies, ensuring high-quality data analysis, and driving actionable insights to support business decisions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in data analytics, a proven track record of leading teams, and the ability to communicate complex data insights to non-technical stakeholders.

The Data Analytics Principal will collaborate closely with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and external partners to ensure that data is integrated into business strategies and operations. You will be a key point of contact for both internal and external teams building relationships and driving forward the offering of our data analytics department. You will be responsible for overseeing multiple key client engagements with varying degrees of Data Analytics maturity. You will support them with all aspects of Data Analytics, from strategic through to technical, and will be tasked with running large-scale programmes of work.

What you’ll be doing:

Leadership and Strategy:

• Develop and implement the data analytics strategies in alignment with our clients’ business goals.
• Lead the planning and delivery of large and highly complex data analytics programs of work.
• Be the SME in the room. Pinpoint business and technical requirements; you are the linchpin between customer needs and technical options and possibilities. You have an advisory role and guide our clients towards an approach that best fits their needs.
• Plan and schedule project timelines and prioritise workload for cross-functional teams.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Insights and Data Visualization analysts.
• Collaborate with senior management to identify data-driven opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Support the Head of the department with evolving our Data Analytics service offering.

Data Management:

• Oversee data collection, data integrity, and data governance practices.
• Ensure the implementation of best practices in data management and analytics.
• Work with IT and data engineering teams to maintain robust data infrastructure.

Analytics and Insights:

• Design and oversee complex data analysis projects to derive actionable insights.
• Utilize statistical methods, machine learning models, and advanced analytics techniques.
• Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders through reports, dashboards, and presentations.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate with various departments to understand their data needs and provide analytics support.
• Translate technical data insights into business terms for non-technical stakeholders.
• Foster a data-driven culture within our organization as well as our clients’ organizations.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in data analytics and implement relevant innovations.
• Continuously improve data analytics processes and methodologies.

What we want from you:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in data analytics or a related field.
• Proven experience in leading and managing a team of data professionals.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing data strategies.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in web analytics solutions such as Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, ContentSquare, etc.
• Experience in data analytics tools and programming languages such as SQL, Python, R, and SAS.
• Experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or similar.
• Strong understanding of statistical methods, machine learning, and data mining techniques.
• Familiarity with data warehousing solutions and big data technologies.
• Familiarity with data engineering concepts and processes.
• Certification in data analytics or related fields and tools would be a plus.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic and cross-functional environment.
• Ability to manage upwards and downwards.
• Ability to provide accurate and clear reporting to internal and external stakeholders.

If you know some of this, even better:

• Experience of analytics tools such as Content Square, Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager.
• Working with tools such as Bloomreach, Dynamic Yield, etc.

What we can offer you:

Alongside the opportunity to work with some of the most exciting brands around the world, we’ll also prioritise your career development and help you grow your skills. We’ll empower you to make a difference, allow you to be yourself, and respect who you are.

We offer a great benefits package including hybrid working that works for everyone, a discretionary bonus scheme, training opportunities, competitive pension, medical insurance, life assurance, social events, opportunities to buy and sell holidays, family friendly policies, discounts with hundreds of retailers and much more.

Our personality and behaviours: We believe that we are what we do, not just what we say. Our shared values and behaviours show how to bring the VML Enterprise Solutions culture to life through the actions we all take every day:

• Connect Meaningfully
• Include Purposefully

Our brilliant, talented people are what makes VML Enterprise Solutions what we are. That’s why we look for people who go beyond and always push our thinking to be better than yesterday.

AT VML Enterprise Solutions

Our Enterprise Solutions division houses strategic consultants, creative and technical architects and skilled developers and operators that together help some of the world’s leading organisations to deliver outstanding digital experiences across all major routes to market worldwide: marketplaces, online retailers, D2C, B2B and social platforms. With over 4,200 experts in 55 operational centres across 34 countries, our capabilities span the entire buying journey from customer acquisition, through engagement, to conversion and loyalty, driving multi-channel growth for world-leading brands.

We work with some of the most exciting brands such as The Coca-Cola Company, EY, Bosch, Unilever, Ford, DFS, Mercedes-Benz, Johnson & Johnson, Nestlé, Sainsbury’s, Selfridges, Shell and Tiffany & Co. We’ve built over 500 platforms for brands and retailers and generate in excess of $29bn annually for our clients and work with over 50 strategic partners including Adobe, SAP, Salesforce, HCL, Shopify, Sitecore, BigCommerce, commerce tools and Acquia. Our reputation is based on our people, and we believe we have some of the best in the business.

As our business grows internationally, we’re looking for new people to join us on our journey to inspire and take a key role in shaping some of the best commerce solutions, services, and websites in the world. Working as a team, no problem is insurmountable; we share in our client’s successes and believe that anyone can show creative bravery no matter what their role is in the team.

#LI-EMEA #LI-HYBRID #LI-JM1

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization—creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers—who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction.