Senior Data Scientist in Agencies in Leeds

The Monetary Analysis directorate provides expert advice and guidance to the Monetary Policy Committee so that it can decide and communicate the right policy strategy to meet its price stability objective.

Agency network: Bank of England Agents and their teams operate from 12 agencies across the UK. Up to four agents are based at each agency and they are supported by small administrative teams. Agents have one-to-one confidential conversations with businesses and community organisations in their area. They hold local events so people can share views and experiences. They meet hundreds of contacts, from small businesses and community organisations to large global companies. They gather insight into all sectors of the economy. The agents find out what conditions are like for businesses and communities. Our agents make sure we have a well-rounded view of economic conditions and prospects across the UK. They help business people and our economists understand each other. They connect our policymakers (across the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), the Financial Policy Committee (FPC) and the Prudential Regulation Committee (PRC)) with what’s happening on the ground. Our agents organise visits for our policymakers across the UK so they can hear the views of businesses and communities first-hand.

Key Responsibilities:

• Line management of an Analyst in Data Science and three Senior Research Assistants.
• Work with the Technical Agent for Data Strategy to implement the Data Analytics/ AI and Technology strategy for the Agency Network.
• Lead advanced research and experimentation in AI, including Machine Learning and Generative AI, and statistical modelling.
• Develop and implement complex data science solutions, ensuring they deliver measurable business improvements.
• Work collaboratively with Agents to implement new analytical tools, including scoping and leading projects.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to an Analyst Data Scientist and 3 Senior RAs.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders in the Agency Network and Monetary Analysis more widely to define objectives, frame problems, and deliver improvements.
• Drive innovation by identifying emerging trends in data science and assessing their applicability to the Agency Network.
• Ensure data science solutions align with governance, regulatory, and ethical standards.
• Provide leadership to the Analyst and Senior Research Assistants in operationalising innovations in data science.

The Senior Data Scientist will be part of a peer group in the Agency Network, allowing further integration into broader Agencies discussion and activities. The Senior Data Scientist will be a member of the Data and Analytics Team and can get involved in a range of workstreams via membership of a Working Group.

Role Requirements:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with passion, perseverance and flexibility to apply advanced data science techniques to develop robust and valuable data solutions.
• Expert knowledge in R and/or Python, and how they work with Spark, to deliver critical data science and analytical capabilities in big data platforms.
• High proficiency in analysing big data with cloud services (e.g. Microsoft Azure Services, Databricks).
• Experience of software development best practices, including unit testing and CI/CD processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to engage effectively with colleagues at a range of seniorities and knowledge levels.
• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to manage and develop a team consisting of an Analyst Data Scientist and three Senior Research Assistants.
• Proficiency in data visualisation tools (e.g. Tableau, Power BI) and presenting data effectively.

Desirable criteria:

• Experience and knowledge of Cloudera Data Platform.
• Change management experience.
• An appreciation of the Bank’s approach to monetary and/or financial policy.

This is a people management role. You will be responsible for day to day management of the team and for defining roles and responsibilities. You will develop your team through sharing information effectively, coaching and communicating a clear vision to ensure that your staff are productive, engaged and motivated to deliver the area's aims.

Our Approach to Inclusion:

The Bank values diversity, equity and inclusion. We play a key role in maintaining monetary and financial stability, and to do that effectively, we believe we need a workforce that reflects the society we serve. We celebrate all forms of diversity, including age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status.

This role can be based in one of the Agency offices in Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds or London and the jobholder will be required to meet regularly with the wider Data and Analytics Team in a central location.

Salary and Benefits Information:

This role offers a salary of circa £73,760 - £92,160. In addition, we also offer a comprehensive benefits package.

National Security Vetting Process:

Employment in this role will be subject to the National Security Vetting clearance process and the passing of additional Bank security checks.

The Application Process:

Please ensure that you complete the ‘work history’ section and answer ALL the application questions fully. The assessment process will comprise of two interview stages. This role closes on 30 June 2025.