Senior Data Scientist in Leeds, Yorkshire

Senior Data Scientist in Leeds, Yorkshire

Leeds +1 Full-Time 57946 - 75493 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead data science initiatives to transform public services and improve outcomes for millions.
  • 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 by harnessing rich datasets to drive meaningful change.
  • Qualifications: Degree in STEM and extensive experience in data-driven solutions required.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career progression 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. A degree or higher in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) is essential for this role, and evidence of qualification will be requested.

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. What 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.

As a Senior Data Scientist, 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.

Details:

  • Location: You'll join us in one of our brilliant digital hubs in Birmingham, Blackpool, 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 £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.
  • Pension: You'll get a brilliant civil service pension with employer contributions worth 28.97%, worth up to £19,759 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

Leeds Yorkshire

Senior Data Scientist in Leeds, Yorkshire employer: DWP Digital

DWP Digital is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Senior Data Scientists to make a meaningful impact on public services while enjoying a flexible work environment in vibrant locations like Birmingham and Manchester. With competitive pay, generous pension contributions, and a strong commitment to employee development, DWP fosters a collaborative culture that values diversity and innovation, ensuring that every team member can thrive and contribute to transformative projects that benefit millions of citizens across the UK.
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Contact Detail:

DWP Digital Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Data Scientist in Leeds, Yorkshire

✨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 practising common data science questions. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you showcase your skills effectively!

✨Tip Number 3

Show off your projects! Bring examples of your work to the interview. Whether it’s a GitHub repo or a case study, having tangible evidence of your data science prowess can set you apart from the crowd.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to ask questions during the interview! It shows your interest in the role and helps you understand if DWP Digital is the right fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to demonstrate your analytical thinking.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Scientist in Leeds, Yorkshire

Data Science Techniques
R
Python
SQL
Stakeholder Management
Analytical Project Delivery
Mentoring
Coaching
Communication Skills
Data Integration
Data Transformation
Evidence-Based Decision Making
Collaboration
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your data science skills in your application. We want to see how you've used R, Python, and SQL to solve real-world problems. Don't just list your skills; give us examples of how you've applied them!

Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to tailor your application to the Senior Data Scientist role. We love seeing candidates who understand our mission at DWP Digital. Mention how your experience aligns with our goals of improving public services through data.

Keep It Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex data concepts. Remember, you're trying to impress both technical and non-technical stakeholders!

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 see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at DWP Digital

✨Know Your Data Science Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your data science techniques and methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've used R, Python, and SQL in past projects. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Senior Data Scientist, you'll be expected to lead and mentor others. Think of specific instances where you've built team capability or coached colleagues. Highlight your stakeholder management skills and how you've translated complex requirements into actionable insights.

✨Simplify the Complex

Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to communicate insights to non-technical stakeholders, so prepare to demonstrate how you can make complex data understandable and relevant to different audiences.

✨Understand the Bigger Picture

Familiarise yourself with DWP's mission and the Health Transformation Programme. Be prepared to discuss how your work as a data scientist can contribute to improving public services and outcomes for citizens. Show that you’re not just about the numbers, but also about making a real impact.

Senior Data Scientist in Leeds, Yorkshire
DWP Digital
Location: Leeds

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