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, generous pension contributions, flexible hours, and ample holiday leave.
- Other info: Award-winning culture with strong focus on diversity and professional development.
- 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.
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.
Lead Data Scientist in Manchester 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 and a flexible working environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work, while also benefiting from professional development opportunities that foster career growth in a supportive and innovative culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Data Scientist in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the data science field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Lead Data Scientist role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your data science techniques and be ready to discuss how you've led teams and delivered impactful analytics. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can showcase your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! If you've worked on any relevant data science projects, make sure to highlight them during interviews. Bring along examples that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems and improve outcomes using data.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to hear from you directly, so make sure to submit your application via the DWP Digital site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Data Scientist in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Lead Data Scientist role. We want to see how you can harness data and apply advanced analytics to improve outcomes, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Lead Data Scientist, you'll be leading a high-performing team. Be sure to include examples of your experience in leading teams and delivering analytics at pace. We love seeing how you've built trusted relationships and maximised value delivery.
Highlight Your Technical Expertise:We’re looking for someone with a strong working knowledge of data science techniques. Make sure to mention any relevant tools or methodologies you’ve used, and how you stay current with industry developments. This is your chance to shine!
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 Lead Data Scientist role.
✨Understand DWP's Mission
Familiarise yourself with DWP's goals, especially around Working Age Services. Be ready 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
Be prepared to discuss how you address ethical considerations in data science, such as bias and privacy. Share your thoughts on establishing standards and best practices within your team. This will show that you take responsible data science seriously, which is key for this position.
