Data Research Analyst

Location: National

Reporting to: Practice Leader, Data & Operations

Role Purpose

As a Data/Research Analyst, you will play a key supporting role in the delivery of high-quality data and research across executive search activities. Working closely with the Data, Research, and Delivery teams, you will ensure data is accurate, well-structured, and compliant, enabling the business to make informed, insight-led decisions.

This is an ideal role for a recent graduate or early-career professional looking to build experience in data, research, and professional services. The role offers a pathway to develop hands-on skills in data governance, executive research, and operational delivery, with potential progression into more senior roles.

Your work will help connect data points across markets, roles, and assignments to build a deeper picture of talent and opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

Data Quality & Governance

• Maintain and validate key CRM data (Invenias), ensuring records are complete, structured, and up to date.
• Carry out regular data audits and updates to support compliance with GDPR and internal governance policies.
• Format, clean, and structure data to ensure ease of access and usability across the business.
• Support the application of governance standards across executive search assignments and candidate records.
• Flag recurring data issues and support the development of solutions to ensure consistency and compliance.

Research & Market Insight Support

• Assist in the preparation of research deliverables such as industry insights, longlists and market maps.
• Compile data to support industry and role-specific insights, in line with assignment briefs.
• Use the CRM alongside external tools such as company websites, industry publications, leadership profiles, and conference outputs to gather relevant and credible information.
• Monitor external news sources and industry publications to identify key developments, trends, and personnel changes ("movers and shakers"), helping to keep internal stakeholders informed and ensuring the CRM is updated accordingly.
• Conduct desk-based market research to identify companies, individuals, and trends relevant to ongoing assignments and business development initiatives.
• Contribute to the consistent quality of research materials through accurate data input and verification.
• Identify and flag potential insights or anomalies in candidate data, industry movement, or market patterns to support deeper strategic research.
• Help identify themes and market signals across briefs to contribute to a more joined-up view of the talent landscape.

Systems & Automation Support

• Support the use of AI-driven and automation tools to enhance data and research processes.
• Collaborate with team members to trial, document, and embed new tools into daily workflows.
• Help identify recurring data issues and suggest process improvements where appropriate.
• Contribute to the digital evolution of the function by exploring how systems can improve delivery quality and efficiency.

Team Collaboration & Workflow

• Work closely with Consultants, Researchers, and Operations team members to provide reliable data inputs.
• Prioritise and manage requests for data entry, research support, and updates to CRM records.
• Respond to feedback on data quality and assist in implementing corrective actions.
• Be adaptable when priorities shift or requests increase – resilience is key to supporting delivery under pressure.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Data Accuracy & Integrity – Timely, error-free updates to CRM records and assignment data.
• Compliance & Governance – Consistent application of GDPR and internal data handling protocols.
• Research Support – Quality and reliability of data used in research outputs.
• Team Collaboration – Responsiveness, communication, and contribution to smooth team delivery.
• Process Adherence – Compliance with agreed data entry, formatting, and quality assurance standards.
• Proactive Improvement – Contribution to streamlining workflows, testing new tools, or enhancing reporting formats.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Degree or equivalent in a data-orientated subject such as Business, Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Experience in data entry, CRM management, or research support (experience with Invenias is an advantage).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data formatting techniques.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with LinkedIn Recruiter and online business research tools.
• Ability to follow structured processes and quality checks.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• Exposure to data visualisation tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
• Basic experience with data analysis tools such as Python, R, or SQL.
• Understanding of data privacy principles and GDPR.
• Understanding of executive search, recruitment, or professional services environments.

Don't match all the criteria? We are open and always happy to hear from people with transferable skill sets and a commitment to learning.

About us

Laing O'Rourke is an international engineering and construction company delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure and buildings projects for clients in the UK, Middle East and Australia.

Certainty, reliability, quality – this is what our clients want. And at Laing O'Rourke, we have more than 150 years of experience delivering it. Our story is one of energy, passion, ambition, people and teamwork. We harness the power of our experience, stretching back over a century and a half, to deliver certainty for our clients.

As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we would like to enable access to candidates with long term health conditions and disabilities through the ‘Offer an Interview Scheme'. This supports applicants that meet the essential criteria by offering an interview for the advertised position. Please let us know prior to interview what adjustments are required as well as discussing how we can support you in the workplace.

We want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you need the application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please email resourcingteam@laingorourke.com