If you work anywhere across data or analytics, and you’re thinking about your next move, 2026 is shaping up to be a strong (and busy) market. Demand hasn’t slowed, but what companies want from candidates has evolved.
It’s no longer just about tools or titles. It’s about impact, scalability, and how data actually gets used across a business.
What’s Trending for Data Right Now
Stronger Focus on Data Foundations
Before organisations can get value from analytics or AI, they need solid data foundations. Clean pipelines, reliable models, scalable platforms and well-designed architecture are top priorities. Companies are investing heavily in people who can build, optimise, and maintain these foundations, especially where data is messy, fragmented, or growing fast.
If you can make data trustworthy, accessible, and future-proof, you’re in demand.
AI Becoming Part of Everyday Data Work
AI is starting to become embedded in data platforms and analytics teams rather than being a separate thing. Many organisations are building internal AI assistants or bots that sit alongside (or within) data tools, helping teams query data, generate insights, automate tasks, or support self-service across the business.
This only works when the underlying data is well-structured and governed, which is why strong data engineering and platform skills are more important than ever.
Self-Serve Data at Scale
Businesses want more people using data, without everything bottlenecking through one team. That means data professionals are being asked to design systems that let others explore data safely and confidently.
Whether you’re building pipelines, models, or insight layers, the goal is the same: enable the wider business while keeping things robust and reliable.
Speed, Scale & Real-Time Expectations
Real-time or near-real-time data is no longer a “nice to have” in many organisations. From operational reporting to product and customer insight, teams are expected to move fast. Candidates who have worked in environments where performance, scalability, and reliability matter are especially attractive.
What This Means for Your Data Career
Foundations matter: Strong data engineering, modelling, and architecture skills are a huge differentiator - especially when paired with an understanding of how the data will actually be used.
Think end-to-end: The best candidates understand the full journey: from raw data to insight, AI use cases, and business decisions. You don’t need to do everything, but knowing how the pieces fit together really helps.
Commercial awareness is essential: Whether you are building pipelines or presenting insights, companies want to know why it matters. Being able to link your work to business outcomes will set you apart.
Keep evolving: AI-assisted workflows, modern data platforms, real-time processing, and self-serve enablement are all areas where upskilling can open doors in 2026.
Thinking About Your Next Move?
If you’re exploring the market, open to a new challenge, or just want an honest chat about where your skills sit in 2026, you can send us your CV, or we’re always happy to talk.
Get in touch:
Analytics & Insights Perm: Sophie Cooper – sophie@forwardrole.com
Data & BI Contract: Rory Maguire – rory@forwardrole.com
Data & BI Perm: Alicia Walsh – alicia@forwardrole.com
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