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: Competitive pay up to £92,522, generous leave, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, and a supportive, inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact using data science to shape services for working-age individuals.
- 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:
- 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.
Locations
Lead Data Scientist in Leeds, Yorkshire 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 commitment to work-life balance. Our inclusive and diverse work culture fosters professional growth through mentoring and development opportunities, while our recognition as a leading public sector employer highlights our dedication to creating a meaningful impact for millions of citizens. Join us in one of our vibrant digital hubs in Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, or Sheffield, and be part of a team that values innovation and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Data Scientist in Leeds, Yorkshire
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who’s already in a data science role. Building relationships can open doors that job applications alone can't.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Don’t just tell them what you can do; show them! Create a portfolio of your projects or case studies that highlight your data science skills. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can apply analytics to solve real-world problems.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interview by practising common data science questions and scenarios. Think about how you can relate your past experiences to the role at DWP Digital. Remember, they want to see how you think and approach problems!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of landing that Lead Data Scientist role. It’s the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Data Scientist in Leeds, Yorkshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience with data science techniques and leading teams. We want to see how you've applied your skills in real-world situations, so don’t hold back on the details!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application for this role. Use the job description as a guide to align your experiences with what we’re looking for. It shows us you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework!
Be Authentic:We value diversity and authenticity, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your unique perspective and experiences that make you a great fit for our team at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you get all the latest updates about the process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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, especially in leading teams to deliver analytics and insights. This will show your depth of knowledge and ability to lead effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams. Discuss how you've built trusted relationships with stakeholders and how you've contributed to creating an inclusive environment. This is crucial for the role, so make it a focal point in your responses.
✨Understand DWP's Mission
Familiarise yourself with DWP's goals, especially around Working Age Services. Be prepared to articulate how your skills can help improve outcomes for claimants and agents. Showing that you understand their mission will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Ethical Considerations
Since the role involves addressing ethical considerations like bias, think about how you've tackled these issues in your previous work. Be ready to discuss your approach to maintaining privacy, security, and data protection standards, as this will be key to ensuring responsible data science practices.
