Data Placement Student

The Port of Dover is looking for a motivated and analytical Data Placement Student to join our IT team for 12 months. This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to apply their academic knowledge in a dynamic commercial environment, working across a diverse range of business functions within one of the UK's most important transport hubs.
You'll work with stakeholders across the organisation, helping them understand and utilise data to drive operational excellence, improve business performance and support strategic decision-making.
 

About the Role
As a Data Placement Student  you will collect, process and analyse data from a variety of sources to uncover valuable insights and opportunities. Working closely with teams across the business, you will gather reporting requirements, develop analytical solutions and create engaging visualisations that help stakeholders make informed decisions.
You'll also contribute to the development of data pipelines and data-driven solutions that support the Port's continued growth and innovation.
This role offers exposure to a wide variety of projects and provides an excellent opportunity to develop your technical and commercial skills within a collaborative IT team.

Key Responsibilities
•    Research and develop new methods for collecting and gathering data.
•    Collect, process and analyse large datasets to identify trends, patterns and actionable insights.
•    Develop and maintain data pipelines to ensure data is accessible, reliable and suitable for analysis.
•    Work collaboratively with stakeholders across the business to understand reporting and analysis requirements.
•    Create dashboards, visualisations and reports that communicate complex information clearly.
•    Use available data effectively to provide recommendations that support business decisions.
•    Support the implementation of data-driven solutions that improve business processes and outcomes.
•    Contribute to projects that maximise the value of data to drive operational excellence and commercial growth.
•    Identify data quality issues and work with relevant teams to improve data integrity.
•    Stay current with emerging data technologies, tools and best practices.

What Success Looks Like
In this role, you will:
•    Deliver accurate, timely and high-quality analytical outputs.
•    Produce dashboards and reports that meet agreed business requirements and standards.
•    Present insights clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
•    Build strong relationships with stakeholders and receive positive feedback on the value of your analysis.
•    Proactively identify data issues, risks and opportunities for improvement.
•    Effectively manage competing priorities and contribute positively to the wider IT team.

About You
We're looking for someone with strong analytical thinking, curiosity and a desire to learn.
Essential Skills & Experience
•    Working towards a degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics or a related discipline.
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
•    Experience using programming languages such as Python, R or Java.
•    Knowledge of data analysis techniques and methodologies.
•    Familiarity with data visualisation tools such as Power BI, Tableau or similar platforms.
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
•    Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
•    Ability to apply academic learning to real-world business challenges.
•    Strong organisational skills.
•    Basic understanding of the commercial and financial impact of data-driven decision-making.
•    Demonstrable commercial awareness.
Desirable Skills
•    Experience with big data technologies such as Hadoop, Spark or similar platforms.
•    Coding and software development experience beyond academic projects.
•    Previous placement, internship or project experience involving data analysis.
 

Working Environment
•    Based at the Port of Dover offices.
•    Office-based role with occasional visits to operational areas across the Port to engage with stakeholders and support solution deployment.
•    Occasional flexibility may be required to support key project milestones.

Why Join Us?
The Port of Dover plays a vital role in the UK's economy and transport network. Joining us means becoming part of a forward-thinking organisation where innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement are encouraged. You'll gain exposure to a wide range of business functions while building a career in data and analytics that has genuine impact.
If you're ready to turn data into insight and help shape the future of one of the UK's most iconic ports, we'd love to hear from you.
 

Benefits

• 5 weeks annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata)
• Generous contributory pension scheme
• Private Health Care
• Life assurance
• Employee assistance programme
• 3rd party discounts
• Benefits and reward platform
• Free Parking
• Employee volunteering scheme

Hours of work: Monday – Friday 37.5 per week

Salary: £22,000

All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years) and there will be a pre-employment medical including a Drug and Alcohol test. We need to satisfy your Right to Work in the UK.

Please be aware that all employees will be subject to background security checks in order to obtain a Dock Pass.

We value the unique differences that each of our colleagues bring to work every day and are committed to creating an environment where everyone is looking after each other and respected, included and able to perform at their best.

All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 7years) and there will be a pre-employment medical including a Drug and Alcohol test. We need to satisfy your Right to Work in the UK.

All applications are reviewed by our team — we do not use AI for screening.

Closing date:  21 August 2026 at 5pm