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.
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.
- 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 Sheffield 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. Our inclusive culture fosters collaboration and innovation, 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 Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at DWP or in similar roles on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your data science techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in real-world scenarios, especially in leading teams and driving impactful outcomes.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've built trust with stakeholders or led a team through a challenging project. This will highlight your fit for the Lead Data Scientist role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the DWP team!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Data Scientist - Banking in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with data science techniques and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Lead Data Scientist, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past roles, focus on the impact you’ve made through data analytics. Use specific examples that demonstrate how your work improved outcomes for users or stakeholders. We love seeing measurable results!
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we appreciate detail, clarity is key! Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and ensure your passion for data science shines through without overwhelming us with information.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our fantastic benefits there!
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 a leadership context. This will show your depth of knowledge and ability to lead a high-performing team.
✨Understand DWP's Mission
Familiarise yourself with DWP's goals and how they use data to improve outcomes for claimants. Being able to articulate how your skills align with their mission will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the impact you can make.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Expect questions about building relationships with senior stakeholders. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated across teams to meet data needs. Highlighting your communication skills and ability to influence decision-making will be key.
✨Showcase Ethical Considerations
Be prepared to discuss how you address ethical considerations in data science, such as bias and privacy. Sharing specific examples of how you've implemented safeguards or best practices in previous roles will illustrate your commitment to responsible data science.
