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 sector solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous pension contributions, flexible hours, and extra holidays.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact using data science to shape services for working-age citizens.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading teams and applying advanced data science techniques.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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
- 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
- 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.
Interview: a single stage interview online.
Lead Data Scientist - Banking in Bradford employer: DWP Digital
DWP Digital is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises work-life balance through hybrid working and flexible hours. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive professional development opportunities, alongside a competitive salary and generous pension contributions, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals eager to make a meaningful impact in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Data Scientist - Banking in Bradford
✨Get Involved in Data Science Meetups
Tap into local data science meetups or workshops to connect with fellow enthusiasts and professionals. These events are goldmines for networking, and sometimes even lead directly to job openings at companies like DWP Digital!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Start building a public portfolio showcasing your data science projects on platforms like GitHub or personal websites. Highlight unique analyses or models you've developed. This not only demonstrates your skills but also gets your name out there for roles like Lead Data Scientist - Banking at DWP Digital.
✨Leverage Professional Networks
Join professional bodies related to data science, like the Data Science Society or similar organisations. Getting involved can lead to mentorship opportunities and insider knowledge about full-time positions at companies like DWP Digital.
✨Apply Directly through Our Website
When you find a suitable opening like Lead Data Scientist - Banking at DWP Digital, make sure to apply directly through our website. It gives you an edge and shows you're keen to join our team. Plus, who doesn’t love a direct application? It’s easier than navigating through job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Data Scientist - Banking in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In the world of data science, your projects can speak volumes about your skills. Make sure to showcase a few key projects in your CV or portfolio, especially those that highlight your ability to work with data sets, build models, or use relevant tools like Python, R, or SQL. Don’t forget to include links to any GitHub repositories if applicable!
Quantify Your Achievements:Employers love numbers! When drafting your CV, highlight your achievements with quantifiable results. For instance, mention how your data analysis led to a certain percentage increase in efficiency or revenue at a previous job or project. These details can really make your application pop!
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:For a full-time role at DWP Digital, your cover letter should reflect your passion for data science and your excitement about the specific projects or values of the company. Dive into why you’re a good fit, how your skills align with their needs, and any unique perspectives you can bring to the team.
Stand Out with Relevant Courses and Certifications:Although experience talks, relevant courses or certifications can be your ticket to impressing hiring managers at DWP Digital. Mention any standout courses you've completed that equipped you with essential skills, such as machine learning certifications or data visualisation courses. This shows your commitment to continuously developing your skills in the field!
How to prepare for a job interview at DWP Digital
✨Brush Up on Your Statistics
For a data science role, we need to seriously sharpen our statistics skills. Get ready to tackle technical questions on probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. These are often the bread and butter of data science interviews, so don't just skim over them!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare a killer portfolio showcasing your data science projects. We should include details about the datasets used, the tools and techniques applied, and the impact of your findings. If we can walk them through a particularly challenging project or a cool visualisation that had real-world implications, it’ll really make us stand out!
✨Get Comfortable with Python and R
Most data science positions require us to be proficient in programming languages like Python and R. We should practice common libraries like pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn, and be ready for live coding exercises or algorithm questions. Showing off our coding chops can really impress the interviewers at DWP Digital!
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to encounter real-world case studies during the interview. We might be asked how we’d approach a data problem or analyse a dataset to extract insights. It's essential to think out loud and demonstrate our problem-solving process so that the interviewer can see our logical thinking in action.
