Data Business Analyst

As a Data Business Analyst, you will play a key role within Thames Water’s Data function, working across the organisation to proactively understand, capture, and catalogue the demand for data solutions. Acting as the bridge between business stakeholders and technical delivery teams, you will translate business needs into clear, actionable requirements and user stories that enable the successful delivery of data products and services.

Working closely with stakeholders, data engineers, analysts, and other data professionals, you will ensure that data initiatives align with business objectives and deliver measurable value. You will take ownership of requirements from early concept through to detailed definition, applying Agile methodologies and Product Owner principles to drive the development of high-quality, reusable data solutions that support Thames Water’s strategic goals.

What you’ll be doing as a Data Business Analyst

• Capture and document data requirements from internal stakeholders based on requests submitted through the Data Front Door project request process.
• Translate high-level business concepts into detailed user stories, acceptance criteria, and task breakdowns to support delivery teams.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the organisation to understand data requirements and ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Act as an Agile Product Owner, defining and communicating a clear vision that enables development teams to deliver valuable and reusable data products.
• Participate in technical and functional discussions to ensure data initiatives meet both business and technical requirements.
• Build strong relationships with internal colleagues to understand departmental and organisational data needs.
• Gather and analyse stakeholder feedback on data services and products to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support the prioritisation, assignment, and management of work across data squads to ensure efficient delivery of data solutions.
• Facilitate workshops and requirement-gathering sessions to identify and document business and data needs.
• Work closely with data engineers, analysts, and architects to ensure solutions are fit for purpose and aligned with agreed requirements.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive project and requirements documentation throughout the delivery lifecycle.
• Support the development of data products and services that enable informed business decision-making.
• Promote best practices in requirements management, stakeholder engagement, and Agile delivery.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of data processes, governance, and service delivery.
• Ensure delivered solutions provide value, meet stakeholder expectations, and support business outcomes.

Base location – Hybrid – Clearwater Court, Reading.

Working pattern – 36 hours Monday to Friday.

What you should bring to the role

• Proven experience as a Data Business Analyst or in a similar role delivering data-focused initiatives and projects.
• Hands-on experience working within Agile delivery environments and acting as a Product Owner.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex information and translate it into actionable outcomes.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across all levels of the organisation.
• Experience facilitating workshops, gathering requirements, and documenting business processes and data needs.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Strong organisational skills with a structured and methodical approach to work.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to align data initiatives to wider business objectives.
• A commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes and continuous improvement.

Technical experience and skills

• Proficiency in SQL with a willingness to further develop technical and analytical capabilities.
• Strong understanding of data management, data governance, and analytics principles.
• Experience creating user stories, acceptance criteria, process maps, and project documentation.
• Knowledge of data mapping, requirements elicitation techniques, and business analysis methodologies.
• Ability to analyse data requirements and translate them into technical specifications for delivery teams.
• Experience working with Agile tools and frameworks to manage backlogs, priorities, and delivery activities.
• Strong understanding of how data solutions support business processes and operational decision-making.

Desirable qualifications and experience

• Experience working within the water, utilities, or waste management sectors.
• Knowledge of enterprise systems and platforms used within large organisations.
• Experience supporting data transformation programmes and enterprise-wide data initiatives.
• Understanding of data governance, master data management, and data quality improvement practices.

Desirable technical skills and qualifications

• Experience working with SAP, Salesforce, Azure, ESRI, GIS, Databricks, or similar enterprise platforms.
• Professional Business Analysis, Agile, or Product Owner certifications.
• Degree in Business Analysis, Data Analytics, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Familiarity with modern data platforms, cloud technologies, and analytics environments.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary: Up to £60,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Annual Leave: 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job, and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else, just let us know. We’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.