At a Glance
- Tasks: Use data science to tackle social issues and improve council services.
- Company: Join Kingston and Sutton councils, two high-performing London Boroughs.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days leave, hybrid working, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while developing your data skills.
- Qualifications: Expert in Python and SQL with strong data visualisation skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving innovation in local government.
The predicted salary is between 38900 - 45800 £ per year.
Employer: Kingston Council
Location(s): Kingston, Sutton
Workplace Type: Hybrid Working
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: Full Time
Grade: I/J
Hours Per Week: 36
Salary Range: £46,968 - £58,461
Salary Basis: Per annum
Leave Entitlement: 30 days
Application Deadline: 08/02/2026, 23:55
Anticipated Interview Date(s): 6-7 Nov 2025
About The Borough
Joining us, you get to work for not just one high performing London Borough, but two. Kingston and Sutton councils have a number of shared services serving both authorities, with some teams and roles more focused on one council than the other, but the majority are shared across both, meaning you get multiple opportunities to learn from a wider pool of activities and two different political bodies. We work flexibly in both Kingston and Sutton offices, and support working at home or flexible working patterns that enable you to tailor your working and personal life.
About The Role And Our Ideal Candidate
The Data Scientist(s) will be joining the corporate data service and will play a key role in the delivery of the data strategy.
In This Role, You Will:
- Tackle Big Challenges: Apply data science to help solve critical issues like social care pressures, support residents struggling with their finances, and help tackle homelessness.
- Deliver Insights: Create visualizations and predictions that improve decision‑making and help us better understand our residents.
- Collaborate: Work with diverse stakeholders and data professionals to use data more effectively and bring new ideas to the organization.
- Innovate: Use modern data technologies and inspire a data‑driven culture throughout the Council.
About You
- Technically Proficient: An expert in Python and SQL, with strong skills in data visualisation tools.
- A High‑Quality Coder: Able to produce well‑written, understandable, and reusable code that is optimised for performance.
- A Clear Communicator: Capable of explaining complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, managing stakeholder expectations, and articulating the value of data projects to senior management.
- Experienced in Project Delivery: With a proven track record of leading data projects and delivering data products or services with limited supervision.
- A Continuous Learner: Passionate about self‑development, exploring new tools and techniques, and inspiring the organisation to be data‑driven.
- Impact‑Driven: Able to create insights and predictions that unlock value and help to reimagine public services.
- Committed to Data Integrity: Knowledgeable about data governance, security, and protection regulations for sensitive data.
Supporting Statement
In your supporting statement please tell us what motivates you to pursue a data science role within local government? Please describe a specific project or accomplishment from your professional experience where you used data to solve a complex problem or drive a positive outcome. (250 to 350 words)
About Us
The new Data Service is part of a shared Digital & IT service for the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and the London Borough of Sutton. Both councils have ambitious transformation programmes that depend on a more effective use of data to gain better insights and improve council services for residents.
Our Offer To You
As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we are committed to helping you fulfil your potential and will offer you a supportive, friendly and collaborative environment to grow and develop your career and skills.
Benefits
- A generous annual leave entitlement of 25-32 days, plus bank holidays (pro‑rata if part‑time working hours apply) depending on service and grade.
- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, shared parental, adoption and dependents leave.
- Three volunteering days per year in Kingston.
- Hybrid working (dependent on the role).
- Flexible and agile working arrangements using Google Chromebooks.
- Learning and development portal offering a range of courses.
- Discounts on a range of local shops, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres.
- Interest free season ticket loans.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Bicycle loan facilities and cycle to work scheme.
- Zip car scheme.
- Confidential health & wellbeing and counselling support.
Application Process
Apply online outlining what skills, abilities and experience you can bring which makes you an ideal candidate for this role. Please refer to the requirements outlined in the job profile when completing your application and check your CV details have been uploaded correctly in the relevant sections.
Additional Information
We are proud to be a diverse and welcoming Borough and we strive to create a workforce which reflects the community we serve, and instil a sense of belonging in our staff. We celebrate and respect differences and appreciate the value of having a diverse workforce, therefore we welcome applications from under represented groups.
Data Scientist employer: MoTech
Contact Detail:
MoTech Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Kingston and Sutton councils on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. Personal connections can give you insights that you won't find anywhere else.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common data science questions. Think about how you can relate your past projects to the challenges mentioned in the job description. Show them how your skills can tackle social care pressures or improve decision-making!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your passion for public service! When discussing your motivation, highlight how your work can positively impact residents' lives. This role is all about making a difference, so let that shine through in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, 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 our team and contributing to the exciting projects at Kingston and Sutton councils.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through! We want to see your personality and passion for data science. Avoid generic phrases and make sure your responses reflect your unique experiences and motivations.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to specifically address the questions in the supporting statement. Share a project where you used data to solve a complex problem. This is your chance to show us how you can tackle challenges and deliver insights that matter!
Show Off Your Skills: Highlight your technical skills, especially in Python and SQL, as well as your experience with data visualisation tools. We’re looking for someone who can produce high-quality code and communicate complex ideas clearly, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We might close the vacancy early if we get enough great applications. Get your application in as soon as you can through our website to avoid missing out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at MoTech
✨Know Your Data Science Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Python and SQL skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used these tools to solve complex problems, especially in a local government context.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare to explain technical concepts in simple terms. Think about how you can articulate the value of your data projects to non-technical stakeholders, as this will be crucial in a role that involves collaboration with diverse teams.
✨Demonstrate Your Impact-Driven Mindset
Be ready to share examples of how your work has made a positive impact. Whether it’s improving decision-making or tackling social issues, highlight how your insights have driven change and added value to previous projects.
✨Embrace Continuous Learning
Show your passion for self-development by discussing any new tools or techniques you've recently explored. This aligns well with the council's ambition to foster a data-driven culture, so let them know you're eager to grow and inspire others.