Who Are We?

First Rail Consultancy provides specialist services across the public transport sector, particularly in the rail industry. We work closely with other FirstGroup plc businesses including operators Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway, Hull Trains, Lumo and advising DfT on the future operation of HS2. We also provide consultancy services for First Bus, London Trams, London Cable Car and external clients.

We deliver a wide range of services to meet our clients' needs including business development, branding, data analysis, engineering, project management, editorial work, and training. We also engage in commercial activity for FirstGroup plc to expand our business, both nationally and internationally. This work encompasses everything from contract bids and business planning to developing software services and new rail routes.

We have assembled an experienced team with expertise in a range of disciplines. Just as importantly, we take great pride in being friendly, inclusive and supportive. We support all employees in their personal and professional development through training, academic qualifications, and interesting, varied project work.

What is the role?

We are recruiting two Data Insights Analysts to join the Consultancy's Analysis & Modelling team. The Analysis & Modelling team works with the Consultancy's clients on a wide variety of consultancy and bidding projects to provide persuasive and insightful analysis, and develop business initiatives to positively impact both our customers and our operations.

Key responsibilities for the role are:

• Developing best practice models to assess and forecast revenue, costs and operational performance.
• Collating and analysing information including in-depth data analysis of business performance.
• Helping to identify solutions for structural or long-term train performance issues and risks.
• Communicating ideas and recommendations to clients and regularly engaging with colleagues to evaluate business cases for business initiatives.
• Conducting research using a wide variety of industry and data sources.
• Supporting the preparation of reports and models for internal reviews and submission to the external bodies.

The roles sit within the First Rail Consultancy which provides expertise and support to FirstGroup's rail division.

Who are we looking for?

The successful applicant for the role will:

• Be interested in analysis and enjoy working with data.
• Have excellent analytical skills with an ability to define opportunities and problems, collect and analyse data and make valid conclusions.
• Enjoy working with a wide range of data and stakeholders, with the ability to build productive relationships across the business.
• Have strong attention to detail.
• Be commercially aware, able to challenge your own and other's thinking.
• Be able to work both independently and collaboratively in teams.
• Be able to determine priorities and advance projects to meet fixed deadlines.

Skills and Experience

Key skills include:

• Advanced Excel skills.
• Programming skills (e.g. R, Python, SQL), statistical analysis techniques and European languages would be an advantage but not essential.

We require the following relevant experience:

• Degree qualified in a relevant field (e.g., but not limited to, Sciences, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) or equivalent experience. We also welcome applicants with practical experience gained through work, training, or self-study.

• What can we offer you?

• Minimum of 10% contribution to your Pension (5% employer and 5% employee)
• 25 days holiday plus national bank holidays
• Travel offers for Bus and Rail*
• Payroll Giving – donate directly from your pay to a charity of your choice
• Shopping discounts including discounts and cashback on electrical goods, your weekly shop, holidays, cinema trips, car insurance, upgrading your mobile and lots more
• All employee Share Schemes* 
• Buy as You Earn share scheme*
• Employee Assistance Helpline – free, confidential employee support service provided by an independent provider
• Flexible working – a mix of remote working/in-office with an average of 3 in-office days per week. Note: remote working is restricted to within the UK.

*After 6 months employment

FirstGroup plc welcomes applications from a diverse range of candidates regardless of background, gender, race, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation or age. We aspire to be a diverse and inclusive organisation because we believe that diversity brings benefits for our customers, communities and our people. Valuing our differences and drawing on our collective knowledge and experience helps us develop new services, open up new markets and broaden our customer base.