At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing team to harness data and improve outcomes for millions.
- Company: Join DWP Digital, a leader in innovative public service solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, flexible hours, and work-life balance.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning culture that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact using data science to shape services for working-age citizens.
- Qualifications: Degree in STEM and experience leading analytics teams required.
The predicted salary is between 92522 - 92522 £ per year.
Pay of up to £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, delivery 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.
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
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:
- Please read the following job description thoroughly to ensure you are the right fit for this role before applying.
- Apply: complete your application on Civil Service Jobs. There'll be full instructions when you click through.
- Interview: a single stage interview online.
CLICK APPLY for more information and to start your application.
Lead Data Scientist in Bradford employer: DWP Digital
DWP Digital is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary of up to £92,522 along with generous benefits such as a civil service pension with substantial employer contributions, flexible working hours, and a strong focus on work-life balance. Our inclusive and diverse work culture fosters professional growth through mentoring and development opportunities, while our commitment to ethical data practices ensures that you can make a meaningful impact in supporting millions of people through innovative digital services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Data Scientist in Bradford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or at industry events. Let them know you're on the lookout for a Lead Data Scientist role, and who knows? They might just have the perfect opportunity for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for data science roles and practice your answers. Make sure you can showcase your experience in leading teams and applying advanced analytics to real-world problems.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your projects! If you've worked on any relevant data science projects, be ready to discuss them in detail. Highlight how your work has made an impact and how it aligns with DWP's mission of improving outcomes for claimants.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Data Scientist in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Lead Data Scientist and how your skills align with our needs.
Showcase Your Experience:When writing your application, highlight your experience leading teams and delivering analytics. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've made an impact in previous roles – we love seeing real results!
Be Authentic:We want to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for data science and how you can contribute to our inclusive culture.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to complete your application on the Civil Service Jobs website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at DWP Digital
✨Know Your Data Science Techniques
Make sure you brush up on a broad range of data science techniques before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these methods in past projects and how they can be used to solve complex problems in the role you're applying for.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Data Scientist, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead high-performing teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, fostered collaboration, and driven results in previous roles. Highlight your experience in building inclusive environments where everyone feels valued.
✨Understand Stakeholder Engagement
Familiarise yourself with the importance of building trusted relationships with stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you've engaged with peers and senior colleagues to understand their data needs and how you've maximised value delivery in your previous positions.
✨Emphasise Ethical Data Practices
Given the focus on responsible data science, be ready to talk about how you've addressed ethical considerations in your work. Discuss any safeguards you've implemented to ensure compliance with privacy and data protection principles, as well as how you've tackled issues like unintended bias.
