Graduate Data Analyst 2026

Are you a curious, analytical graduate who wants to turn data into meaningful insight that drives real-world impact?

We’re looking for a Graduate Data Analyst to join our Insights team within the Employment, Skills, Health and Communities Directorate at WMCA.

This is an exciting opportunity to build your career in data and insight while contributing to work that informs decisions on employment, skills, productivity and wider community outcomes across the region. You’ll play a key role in turning complex information into clear, actionable insight that supports better services and better outcomes for people and places.

As part of the WMCA Graduate Development Programme, you’ll join a structured early careers pathway designed to develop the next generation of public sector leaders. You’ll benefit from mentoring, training, peer networking and hands-on experience that will support your development throughout the programme.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll work as part of a collaborative Insights team, helping to transform data into insight that supports policy, performance and programme delivery.

You will:

• Collect, clean and analyse data from a range of internal and external sources.
• Translate complex datasets into clear insight, reports and presentations for a range of audiences.
• Support performance monitoring across key programmes and strategic priorities.
• Contribute to research and analysis on employment, skills, productivity and wider socio-economic trends.
• Help develop consistent reporting products and insight outputs across the directorate.
• Identify trends, patterns and opportunities that inform better decision-making.
• Support cross-directorate projects aligned to priorities such as inclusion, sustainability and digital transformation.
• Develop your technical capability in tools such as Excel, and gain exposure to Python, Power BI and GIS tools (training provided).

What’s essential

You will bring:

• A minimum 2:2 degree (or equivalent Level 6 qualification) in a relevant subject, gained within the last 5 years.
• Experience working in a team environment (e.g. university, volunteering, internships or part-time work).
• Experience producing reports, presentations or structured outputs for different audiences.
• Strong analytical skills and an interest in working with data to inform decisions.
• Clear communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex information.
• Good organisation skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset and willingness to learn.
• An interest in tools such as Python, Power BI or GIS, with training provided.
• An understanding of, or interest in, how evidence supports regional growth and public service delivery.

Location

This role is based at our offices – 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD. We currently operate a hybrid working model, which means splitting your days across the office and home, subject to work demands and agreement with your line manager.

Selection process

Successful shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an assessment centre in August 2026. The assessment centre will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your skills, strengths and potential through a range of exercises designed to reflect the role and the WMCA Graduate Development Programme.

Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates following the closing date.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it’s needed most. What you do really matters; your expertise will help make a big difference to improving people’s lives.

Our values and behaviours

Fostering an environment where people feel valued, included, supported, and proud to contribute to our region is important to us at the WMCA. Our behaviours are more than statements; they guide how we work, make decisions, and treat one another - they set the standards we hold ourselves to and the experience we want others to have.

• Collaborative - We work as one organisation, building trust, connection and shared purpose across teams, partners and customers to create the biggest impact for our region.
• Driven - Focussed on impact - leading with clarity, care and courage to deliver meaningful results for the West Midlands.
• Inclusive - Every voice matters - we create belonging, fairness and psychological safety so everyone can thrive.
• Innovative - We think future and act smarter - embracing curiosity, creativity and continuous improvement to shape the future.

Salary and benefits

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme.
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology.
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.