At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data science initiatives to transform public services and improve lives across the UK.
- Company: Join DWP Digital, the UK's largest government department focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension contributions, flexible hours, and a great work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact using one of the richest datasets in the UK.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in data science, coding in R, Python, and SQL, plus strong communication skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth and professional development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 57946 - 75493 £ per year.
Pay of up to £75,493, plus 28.97% employer pension contributions, hybrid working, flexible hours, and great work-life balance.
DWP Digital with Purpose. Are you ready to take on a leadership role where your data science expertise can influence decisions, drive innovation, and inspire meaningful change? Do you want the opportunity to harness one of the richest datasets in the UK to shape better experiences for millions of users? Join us at DWP Digital, the UK's largest government department. We support people into work and deliver over £195bn in payments each year, helping some of the most vulnerable people in society. We're transforming our services on a once-in-a-generation scale, using new ideas and cutting-edge technologies to build innovative, scalable, and user-centred digital solutions.
Your expertise will drive better, quicker, and more impactful results for millions of citizens.
Responsibilities and requirementsWhat skills, knowledge and experience will you need?
- Extensive experience delivering innovative, data-driven solutions using a range of data science techniques to solve business problems and enhance processes.
- Skilled in exploring, integrating, and transforming data from diverse sources, producing scalable, testable code in R, Python, and SQL.
- Strong track record of building team capability through effective role modelling, mentoring, and coaching.
- Proven stakeholder management skills with experience translating requirements into timely delivery of complex analytical projects.
- Able to communicate insights clearly to varied audiences, simplifying technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
You will apply advanced data science methodologies to drive major public service transformation. You'll provide data that helps us make better, evidence-based decisions that improve outcomes for millions of citizens across the UK.
You will join a dedicated and collaborative team at the centre of one of DWP's highest priority initiatives: the Health Transformation Programme. This position places you at the forefront of redesigning key health-related services, working with some of the largest and most complex datasets available in the UK to generate high-quality insights that improve outcomes for thousands of people.
You’ll work closely with multidisciplinary development teams responsible for designing and enhancing the Personal Independence Payment and Health Assessment services. Your expertise in rigorous analysis and deep understanding of data will ensure that new features and service improvements are robust, evidence-based, and aligned with programme objectives.
You’ll collaborate with colleagues across a wide range of digital and analytical professions to promote effective, ethical, and responsible use of data. Your primary stakeholders will include the Design and Build teams and the Strategy function within the Health Transformation Programme. Your work will be essential in ensuring that programme decisions are transparent, analytically sound, and driven by high-quality evidence.
LocationYou’ll join us in one of our brilliant digital hubs in Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle or Sheffield.
Hybrid WorkingWe work a hybrid model - you’ll spend some time working at home and some time collaborating face to face in a hub.
PayWe offer competitive pay of £57,946 - £75,493. The maximum salary for the grade is £68,205 however a Digital Allowance of up to £7,288 per annum is available for exceptional candidates.
PensionYou’ll get a brilliant civil service pension with employer contributions worth 28.97%, worth up to £19,759 per year.
HolidaysA 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.
BenefitsWe 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.
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.
ProcessWe know your time is valuable so our application and selection process is just two stages:
- Apply: complete your application on Civil Service Jobs. There’ll be full instructions when you click through.
- Interview: a single stage interview online.
Apply before 11:55 pm on Wednesday 11th February 2026.
Senior Data Scientist in Sheffield employer: Department for Work and Pensions
Contact Detail:
Department for Work and Pensions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Data Scientist in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at DWP Digital on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your data science skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used R, Python, and SQL in past projects. Show us how you’ve tackled complex problems and delivered innovative solutions!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling! You’ll need to communicate insights clearly to non-technical stakeholders. Think about how you can simplify complex concepts and make them relatable. We want to see your ability to connect with different audiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at DWP Digital and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Scientist in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the Senior Data Scientist role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Don’t just list your technical skills; demonstrate how you've used them in real-world scenarios. Share specific examples of projects where you’ve delivered innovative, data-driven solutions that made a difference.
Communicate Clearly: Remember, we want to see how well you can communicate complex ideas. Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon when explaining your past work. This will show us that you can simplify technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application smoothly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Work and Pensions
✨Know Your Data Science Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your data science techniques, especially in R, Python, and SQL. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've delivered innovative, data-driven solutions. This is your chance to showcase how your expertise can drive transformation at DWP.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Since you'll be working with various stakeholders, practice simplifying complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated insights in the past, as this will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between data and decision-making.
✨Show Off Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Data Scientist, you'll need to build team capability. Think of instances where you've mentored or coached others. Highlight your role in fostering collaboration and how you've helped your team grow, as this aligns perfectly with the responsibilities of the position.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with DWP's mission and the Health Transformation Programme. Be prepared to discuss how your work can impact public service transformation and improve outcomes for citizens. Showing that you understand the context of your role will set you apart from other candidates.