At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead advanced data science projects and mentor a talented team.
- Company: Join Lancashire County Council, a place for impactful innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Shape your career while making a real difference in the community.
- Qualifications: Honours degree or equivalent experience in data science or related fields.
- Other info: Great opportunities for personal and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 47600 - 50400 £ per year.
Salary £55,612 - £60,147 per annum | Permanent, Full time 37 hours per week | Preston
International Sponsorship – this role is not open to international sponsorship.
Are you ready to lead advanced data science projects and mentor a talented team? Lancashire County Council is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to deliver impactful solutions that support service improvement and innovation. You will design and implement complex analytical models, drive the adoption of modern technologies, and foster professional growth within the team. You will work on a range of use cases, including improving outcomes in Adult and Children’s Social Care, developing automation solutions to enhance service efficiency, and building forecasting models to support strategic decision-making.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Leading the design and delivery of advanced data science solutions
- Mentoring and supporting Data Scientists and Data Analysts
- Translating strategic objectives into actionable projects
- Engaging with stakeholders to deliver data-driven solutions
- Promoting best practice in data governance, ethics, and security
What We’re Looking For:
- Honours degree or equivalent experience in computer science, data science, mathematics, statistics, or a related field
- Relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience in data science, analytics, or machine learning
- Significant experience in a senior leadership role within data science or analytics
- Strong technical expertise in advanced analytics, machine learning, and cloud platforms
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Closing Date: 15/02/2026
Why join us?
By joining Lancashire County Council, you can shape the career path that is right for you, with opportunities to gain personal and professional qualifications, coaching, and mentoring. Lancashire County Council truly is the place where you can have the career you've always wanted. In return for your passion and expertise, we offer a generous benefits package, which includes:
- A competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.
- A great holiday entitlement of 26 days annual leave, which increases with length of service. You will also be entitled to 8 Bank Holidays, 2 additional statutory Bank Holidays, and have the option to buy additional leave each year.
- Our staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup, allowing you to access discounts with a range of UK retailers, saving on everything from weekly food shops to white goods and cars.
- Access to fantastic development and career opportunities.
Please ensure you upload a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the criteria for the role. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.
Senior Data Scientist | Digital Services in Preston employer: Lancashire County Council
Contact Detail:
Lancashire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Data Scientist | Digital Services in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the data science field, attend meetups, and engage in online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects and analytical models. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise and make a lasting impression on potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common data science questions and scenarios. Think about how you can translate your experience into real-world solutions that align with the role's objectives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Lancashire County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Scientist | Digital Services in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in data science and leadership, as this will help us see why you're a great fit for the team.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t hold back on detailing your technical expertise! Mention your experience with advanced analytics, machine learning, and cloud platforms. We want to know how you can contribute to our projects and drive innovation.
Engage with Stakeholders: Since stakeholder engagement is key in this role, include examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous positions. This will demonstrate your ability to translate strategic objectives into actionable projects, which is exactly what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Lancashire County Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know Your Data Science Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your advanced analytics and machine learning knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've led, the technologies you've used, and how you've driven impactful solutions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've supported and developed others in your past positions. Highlight your experience in leading data science projects and how you've engaged with stakeholders to deliver results.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to translate strategic objectives into actionable projects. Think about real-life scenarios where you've had to make decisions based on data insights and how those decisions improved outcomes.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice explaining complex data concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to engage with various stakeholders. Show your enthusiasm for data governance, ethics, and security during the interview.