Lead Data Scientist

Job Description

• Skilled in harnessing the power of data and searching for somewhere you can make a genuine difference to society?

• Looking for a leadership role where you can use data science to influence, innovate and inspire improvements?

• Interested in pay up to £87,933, plus 27% employer pension contributions, 60% home working, flexible hours and great work-life balance?

DWP. Digital with Purpose.

We are looking for a Lead Data Scientist to join our community of experts in DWP Digital.

DWP is the UK's largest government department. We help people into work and make payments worth over £195bn a year, to support some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

This is an exciting time to join. We're driving a once-in-a-generation transformation of government services used by millions of people. We're using fresh ideas and leading-edge technologies to create innovative, scalable and user-centric digital solutions.

The DWP products and services we maintain and modernise will be used by nearly every person in the UK, at key moments in their lives. The scale of what we do is extraordinary, and our purpose is unique. We'd love you to join us.

Delivery. Work. Projects.

This is a crucial and fulfilling role - as the Lead Data Scientist for Universal Credit you'll be able to influence huge change and make a real difference.

You'll be steering high performing teams to improve outcomes for claimants and agents, by using data science to support the design, delivery, evaluation and evolution of Universal Credit's digital service.

You'll be leading and developing an innovative data science team that uses the latest tools and techniques, stretching DWP's understanding and application of data science, and being an advocate for the robust use of data.

You'll build strong relationships with stakeholders and data science peers, internally and across industry and academia, encouraging innovation, understanding challenges and sharing knowledge and experience.

You'll be responsible for the quality and consistency of data engineering processes, evaluation methods, reporting frameworks and machine learning capabilities that deliver critical business insights and improve outcomes for both citizens and DWP staff.

You'll be using cutting edge technology, managing and maximising value from several multi-million-pound analytic initiatives and ensuring best practice across data science teams.

What skills, knowledge and experience will you need?

As a Lead Data Scientist, you will:

• Lead a high performing multi-disciplinary team that delivers analytics and insights at pace which best supports project, programme or business outcomes.

• Understand a wide range of data science techniques and when they are appropriate to use; keep up to date with the latest industry trends and how to apply them to practical situations.

• Be able to build trusted peer and senior stakeholder relationships including with digital, operations and policy colleagues, to understand their needs and how best to add value.

• Take responsibility for the direction of and continuously improving cloud-based analytics capabilities (including data, tooling and processes).

• Set the standards and best practices for teams, including the appropriate safeguards, to ensure all work adheres to key privacy, security and data protection principles, as well as ethical considerations such as unintended biases.

• Play a key role in leadership in the community; define recruitment strategies and career progression, as well as contributing to Digital Practices in DWP overall.

• Create a diverse and inclusive environment where people feel safe to challenge and know their voice will be heard. Give people space to take initiative and to develop themselves.

Details. Wages. Perks.

You'll join us in one of our brilliant digital hubs, in your choice of London, Leeds or Newcastle.

We also have all the tools and tech we need to enable our people to work flexibly. We work a hybrid model, with around 60% home working.

In return for your skills, we offer a competitive salary of up to £87,933.

You'll be eligible for a brilliant civil service pension with employer contributions worth over 27%.

You'll get a generous leave package starting at 26 days, plus all the usual bank holidays, and the option to take extra days off on flexi leave.

We also have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:

• Flexible working, flexi hours and flexi days

• Hybrid working: some time in a hub with the team, some time at home

• Family-friendly policies

• Time off for volunteering and charitable giving

• Bring your authentic self to work with 'I Can Be Me in DWP'

• Discounts and savings on shopping, fun days out and more

• Interest-free loans to buy a bike or a season ticket, so it's even easier for you to get to work and start making a difference

• Sports and social activities

• Working in an award-winning environment and culture

• Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities.

Don't Wait. Progress.

Stage 1: Application

Stage 2: Interview

We know how valuable your time is. We have a clear and succinct hiring process with only TWO STAGES.

CLICK APPLY for more information and to start your application.