Functional Graduate - GIA Technology & Data Programme

Location: Alderley Edge, Edinburgh and London 

 

Royal London is the UK’s largest mutual life, pensions and investment company. We’re owned by our members and work for their benefit, not for shareholder profits, and that makes us different. 

 

We’re looking for intellectually curious problem solvers, with a passion for all things technology to join our two-year functional graduate programme within our Group Internal Audit (GIA) business unit. 

 

You’ll be joining a supportive team of talented, diverse and passionate people who make a real impact on the lives of our customers every day.  

 

What’s in it for you? 

 

• Starting salary of £33,000 per annum plus bonus 

• Generous pension (up to 14% matching) and life assurance (up to x8 salary) 

• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays with the option to buy/sell up to 5 days 

• Private medical insurance, as well as 24/7 confidential access to health, legal and financial advice 

• Two-year programme with structured development and great career opportunities beyond 

• Amazing office facilities, with hybrid working 

 

What will you be doing? 

 

Your two-year functional graduate programme will form an essential part of GIA’s new “Incubator” service. As a technology and data specialist, you’ll get involved in developing and applying innovative new methods and technologies for the team and the wider Group.  

 

You’ll work collaboratively to produce engaging data, digital and automated products and services. The insights you help uncover will influence key decisions, contribute to operational efficiency, and support the development of strategies and control improvements to reduce risks within the organisation and enable the successful delivery of our strategy. 

 

This functional programme sits alongside other functional and cross-functional graduate programmes in place. You’ll come together with these other graduates to: 

 

• Receive targeted learning and development opportunities 

• Participate in group initiatives and events to better understand our strategy and key priorities across the business and to build your network 

• Work on overarching group projects 

 

You’ll have a dedicated People Leader and Buddy to support with your development. On completion of the programme, you’ll move into a substantive role within GIA. 

 

What skills and experience do I need? 

 

• Graduate in a relevant field, such as Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Technology or similar. 

• You’ll be comfortable using data analysis tools and software such as Excel, SQL, Python, Idea, Tableau and Microsoft Power Platform (Power Automate, Power Bi, Power Apps). 

• Some experience of using Azure or similar and its services such as Data Lake & DevOps would be great. 

• Excellent verbal and written English language skills, with the ability to build relationships and engage with stakeholders across the business. 

• You’ll be a good team player, whilst also being able to work independently and take ownership of projects. 

• Highly analytical, with critical thinking and problem solving. 

• Intellectually curious, adaptable to change and not afraid to share new ideas and question the status quo. 

 

What else do I need to know? 

 

Your application should include a short cover letter telling us why you’re well suited to the role at Royal London. 

 

We’re hiring based from any of our key locations: Alderley Park, Edinburgh and London. Please apply only for your preferred location – you can make clear on your cover letter if you are happy to consider the other location. 

 

Exact dates are still to be confirmed, but if you’re selected, you’ll need to make yourself available for an on-site assessment centre. This is likely to be February or March 2025, with a start date as soon as possible thereafter. 

 

At Royal London we believe your difference is our strength and our organisation benefits from the different perspectives that diversity brings. Studies have shown that people from under-represented groups are less likely to apply unless they meet every requirement. So, if you’re excited about this role but your past experience isn't a perfect fit with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway as you may be the right candidate for this or other opportunities.  

 

Our expectation is that colleagues will come into the office for 50% of their time. This hybrid model is built around our mutual mindset, thinking about what is good for us as individuals (the ‘me’) and in the context of what is right for our customers, our colleagues and the wider Royal London Group (the ‘we’). To give you the support and development needed, you may need to spend much more time in the office.