Data is everything, and when it comes to projects, knowing how to harness it is essential. With data increasingly transforming the project space, project teams need the right people on board who can leverage it to drive efficiencies, analyse performance, and make data-informed decisions. That’s where the project data analyst comes in. If you’re on the lookout for a professional with the right analytical skillsets to drive your project to success, here’s what you should know when it comes to hiring across Australia.

First things first, what role does data play in projects?

Data is king and with companies increasingly recognising its importance in decision-making and driving innovation, investment in analytics and data management projects is on the up – 78% of data leaders anticipate increased data investment throughout 2024. According to Talent Head of Government, Steve Tompkins, “The data age is here and has never before been so complex to navigate. Project management involves a significant amount of data and project managers are increasingly leveraging data insights to make informed decisions, handle projects in a better way, and increase business growth.”

So, what does this mean when it comes to hiring?

The explosion of data and the evolution of tech is shaping the project space and calling for professionals with strong analytical skillsets. Steve Tompkins notes that, “Big data and AI are growth areas at the moment, with lots of talk and interest in the market. However, the reality of pushing things live in this space is where companies are battling and where the need for skilled project professionals comes in. Project managers and business analysts with data expertise are therefore in most demand amongst project professionals”.

Talent Melbourne Practice Lead, Kylie McManus, also notes that when it comes to the project hiring market, “Project managers and business analysts with specialised skills in data, cloud and cybersecurity are in highest demand”, while Talent Brisbane Account Director, Jane Knapp, observes that, “Previous experience of data projects is in high demand by employers in the market”.

What does the supply and demand of data analysts look like in 2024?

According to LinkedIn Talent Insights, demand for data analysts across Australia is strong, and this talent is noted as ‘very difficult hire’. The top industries employing these professionals include IT Services and IT Consulting, Government, Banking, Higher Education, Healthcare, and Utilities.

Looking at Higher Education in particular, Talent Sydney Principal Account Manager, Majella Sanders notes that, “Many universities are assessing their data analysis and management. As such, there is significant demand for data specialists”.

Turning to the Utilities, Resources & Mining space, Talent Melbourne Practice Lead, Steven Hayes notes that, “We’re seeing the increased adoption of data analytics and machine learning within IT across both the energy and mining sector”. Paul Mackin Brown, Talent Perth Managing Director also observes strong demand for data skills in the Mining and Resources sector, “As a state that plays a pivotal role, contributing around 50% of Australia’s exports, WA continues to rely on minerals, petroleum, specialised manufactured goods, and agriculture. This positive scenario presents a particularly promising landscape for ICT professionals, whose skills are, and will continue to be, in high demand across most industries in WA, especially in areas like cybersecurity, business/data analysis, architecture, and software engineering.”

With strong competition for top-tier data candidates, how can your company stand out when it comes to hiring? Here are our top tips.

How to attract top project data analysts

1. Open up your talent pool

To find the best of the best when it comes to project data analysts, you’ll want to open up your talent pool. With some markets across Australia experiencing economic uncertainty, many permanent professionals are keen to “stick it out” with their current employers and are less likely to job hop. To widen your selection of candidates and bring the best on board, consider leveraging contract talent, being open to remote candidates, and offering flexible work arrangements to attract a wider pool of professionals.

Hiring with diversity, equity and inclusion in mind will also open you up to a wide and diverse range of candidates, giving you more choice when it comes to hiring (plus, it’s the right thing to do). For tips on how you can make your hiring process more inclusive, have a read of our Talent DEI Hiring Toolkit.

2. Make your role attractive in market

A positive company culture, flexible work arrangements, and employee benefits all matter to jobseekers, as does the opportunity for exciting and meaningful work, which according to a Talent survey, is important to 85% of respondents when searching for a job. Highlight how your position will offer this, alongside the benefits that will come from working for your company, and you’ll have a better chance of attracting – and retaining – the best.

3. Offer competitive remuneration

When searching for top talent in the project space, it’s worth paying that little bit more to bring the best into your team. Talent Sydney Principal Account Manager, Scarlett Cooke, notes that, “When it comes to project professionals, it is best practice to pay in line with market rates to ensure you are in line with your competitors in the search for top project talent. While it may seem cost-effective to cut corners on salaries or day rates, opting for less-experienced resources often leads to higher project costs down the line.”

4. Use a dedicated recruiter

Hiring is no easy task, and with hundreds of considerations on your mind when it comes to running a project, sourcing talent can take up a lot of time and effort. Use a dedicated recruiter, like Talent, to take one task off your plate, and get time back to focus on what you do best – delivering a world-class project. At Talent, we connect experts in tech, transformation and beyond. Get in touch to uncover how we can help you source leading data analysts for your projects.