Lead Data Scientist

Lead Data Scientist

Pay of up £92,522, plus 28.97% employer pension contributions, hybrid working, flexible hours, and great work life balance.

We want to hire a new Lead Data Scientist.

If you're skilled at harnessing data and applying advanced analytics to improve outcomes and excited by the prospect of using data and technology at scale in innovative ways to solve complex problems we'd love to hear from you.

DWP Digital provides inspiring career opportunities for people who are passionate about creating meaningful impact.

As the Lead Data Scientist for Working Age Services, you will lead a high-performing analytical team helping to improve outcomes for claimants and agents.

You'll use data science to inform the design, deliver and evaluation of Working Age digital services.

Working closely with the Working Age Services Data Lead and Delivery Lead, you will collaborate with cross-disciplinary development teams to understand their data needs and ensure these are effectively met through strong engagement with the Data and Analytics platform team.

DWP. Digital with Purpose.

What skills, knowledge and experience will you need?

• Demonstrable experience of leading high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams that deliver analytics and insights at pace, effectively supporting project, programme and business outcomes.
• Strong working knowledge of a broad range of data science techniques including a clear understanding of their appropriate application alongside a commitment to remaining current with emerging industry developments and practices.
• Proven ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with peers and senior stakeholders including colleagues across digital, operations and policy in order to understand requirements and maximise value delivery.
• Evidenced capability in establishing standards and best practices for teams including implementing appropriate safeguards to ensure compliance with privacy, security and data protection principles as well as addressing ethical considerations such as unintended bias.
• Demonstrable contribution to leadership within the professional community including shaping recruitment strategies, supporting career progression and contributing to wider Digital Practice initiatives.
• Proven ability to create an inclusive and diverse working environment in which individuals feel safe to challenge, are confident their perspectives will be heard and are supported to take initiative and develop professionally.
• A degree or higher in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) is essential for this role, and evidence of qualification will be requested.

You and your role

As a Lead Data Scientist, you will shape analytics, insight and evidence for Working Age Services - the part of DWP that supports millions of people of working age through services such as Universal Credit, helping them access financial support, employment opportunities and essential services.

You will lead and develop a high-performing team, applying advanced analytical and data science methods. You will align your team's work with the DWP Data and AI strategies, ensuring effective use of central platforms, standards and capabilities.

You will be accountable for the quality and impact of analytical outputs - from experimentation and evaluation approaches through to reporting and machine learning applications - ensuring they drive measurable improvements for citizens and DWP colleagues.

Working closely with senior stakeholders across digital, operations and policy, you will influence how performance is measured, improve data quality, and embed a stronger culture of evidence-based decision-making.

You will also set the standard for responsible data science - maintaining robust governance around privacy, security and data protection, and proactively addressing ethical considerations such as bias.

As a senior leader in the profession, you will contribute to building an inclusive, high-performing community by supporting recruitment, developing talent, and helping shape the wider Digital Practice.

Please note that the role may involve travel to other digital hubs, with frequency discussed if you are successful.

Details. Wages. Perks.

Location: You'll join us in one of our brilliant digital hubs in Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle or Sheffield.

Hybrid Working: We work a hybrid model - you'll spend some time working at home and some time collaborating face to face in a hub.

Pay: We offer competitive pay of up to £92,522.

Pension: You'll get a brilliant civil service pension with employer contributions worth 28.97%, worth up to £23,253 per year.

Holidays: A generous leave package starting at 26 days rising to 31 days over time.

You can also take up to 3 extra days off a month on flexi-time. You'll also get all the usual public holidays.

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

• Flexible working including flexible hours and flex-friendly policies
• Time off 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
• Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities.

And we have an award-winning environment and culture:

• DWP have been recognised as 2024 Diversity Employer of the Year at the Computing Women in Tech Excellence awards
• Diverse and Inclusive Leadership at Digital Leaders Awards 2024
• Commended as Best Place to Work in Digital category in the Computing Digital Technology Leaders awards 2025
• Recognised as one of the Best Public Sector Employers at 2025 Women In Tech Employer Awards

Process:

We know your time is valuable so our application and selection process is just two stages:

1. Apply: complete your application on Civil Service Jobs. There'll be full instructions when you click through.
2. Interview: a single stage interview online.

CLICK APPLY for more information and to start your application