Graduate Data Executive Leeds 2024

We are a research and insights agency with offices in Leeds, London and Dublin, working with clients all over the world. We love a good strategic challenge and pride ourselves on always staying fresh and ahead of the curve when it comes to innovation and thinking – and we have fun doing it!

We cherish determined and experienced researchers who will relish the challenge of making Spark’s presence felt in the form of excellent and engaging research for our clients.

We currently have a vacancy for a Graduate Data Executive at Spark based in our Leeds office The Graduate Data Executive will join our Data team, reporting into the Head of Data Solutions.

What is a Data Executive?

A Data Executive is someone who is good with numbers, logic and data analysis. Data Executives work at the heart of all Market Research agencies: working to program our research studies, ensure that the data we collect is of the highest quality and making the data we collect understandable by producing tables and performing analysis. They have a keen eye for detail and an interest in both statistical analysis and web design.

A data exec in Spark gets to learn a range of programming languages, get a footing in the statistical techniques used in marketing and learn software that is widely used in statistical analysis. They also have the opportunity to carve their own path, whether that be choosing to specialise in one aspect of the role, or support in self-learning of a technique, software or language that may not currently exist within Spark.

At Spark we're looking for someone with the right attitude and personality to become a Data Executive. Our ideal candidate is someone who has a great attention to detail and a background in numbers - being comfortable handling large sets of data as well as ensuring that they are processed accurately, as well as someone with an interest in web development - figuring out the best way to visually present a question to someone taking a survey or the most efficient way to perform calculations in the background.

You will also be someone who has a keen interest in problem solving - working out the best method of collecting the data we’re interested in or designing custom analytics to get the most use out of the data we collect and make the data as readable as possible. You'll receive a range of on the job and formal training in this role.

The role

As a Data Executive you focus on supporting the senior members of the Data Team with day-to-day project management, survey scripting and data analysis. We work on and manage every quant project that goes through Spark, from quick turnaround studies testing the effectiveness of adverts to large scale multinational studies developing pricing.

As a central member of the Spark team, you maintain strong working relationships with Sparkies and panel companies to ensure the smooth delivery of research projects from set up to completion. You have a key focus on quality standards; reducing errors and ensuring our data is of the highest quality, as well as keeping things moving on time.

You play a proactive role in throwing yourself into learning as much as you can about operations and making suggestions for better ways of working as well as getting involved in the design, development and implementation of new methodologies for collecting and analysing data. You'll be a core member of the data team and key in making sure that Spark runs smoothly!

You'll be responsible for

• Scripting questionnaires - creating surveys in our online survey creation software using HTML, Javascript and CSS
• Managing surveys – working with our suppliers to make sure that we get the right number of completes from the right customers and markets in the right timeframe
• Keeping data quality high – regularly checking the quality of data we receive and actioning any changes or policies in order to keep our data quality as high as possible
• Data analysis via dashboarding software - Using our online research tools to analyse and present the data internally within Spark, working closely with the senior team
• Assisting in internal R&D – with a focus on the development and implementation of new methodologies for collecting & analysing data, policies for ensuring a high quality of work and new tools to make everything at Spark run more efficiently

Application process

Here at Spark, we understand that diversity is an important part of a truly inclusive community, and it’s something we're committed to as an organisation. We welcome applications from candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds.

The most important thing is that our people live our values - bold, commercial, collaborative, curious and engaging. We accept that not all applicants are able to meet all requirements of the role and therefore we consider applications based on merit and experience. We are happy to discuss your application and to assist you through the process. If you have any questions about any advertised role and how we can support you, please contact us.

The things we are looking for throughout the application process are:

• A keen interest in market research
• Experience of working with numbers or in web design/development in the past
• Ideally some work experience (doesn't need to be in a research role)
• Someone who naturally embodies our values
• Someone who is keen to learn and grow and contribute to our culture
• Displays strong commercial thinking

What are we offering?

The salary range for this role is £22,000 - £26,000 and this is dependent on skills and experience.

• 25 days holidays plus bank holidays
• 9 day fortnight - we are closed every 2nd Friday
• Flexible & Hybrid working
• 4% pension contribution (subject to a personal PRSA being set up)
• Reward and Recognition schemes

We may start interviewing for this role before the closing date so please don't hesitate to submit your application. And you have any questions then please get in touch!