Head of Data Science

We're working with a mission-driven organisation that exists for one reason: to be the voice of the people it serves. Every piece of work, every insight, every decision is ultimately about improving real outcomes for real people. It's a pivotal moment for the organisation as it prepares to take on significant new responsibilities, and data will be central to that mission. They're now looking for a Head of Data Science to lead a small multidisciplinary team and shape the future of their data capability from the ground up, in an organisation where the work genuinely matters.

The role is a hands-on leadership role combining statistical analysis, machine learning and business acumen to identify opportunities, solve complex problems and drive measurable value, not for its own sake, but to strengthen the organisation’s ability to advocate for the people who rely on it. You’ll own the core data service as an ongoing internal capability, working closely with the Insight team to combine operational and external data with user feedback, generating richer evidence for challenge and advocacy. You’ll operate in a matrix environment, working across teams to keep data science and external data activity aligned to organisational needs, while increasingly exploring the use of AI and emerging technologies in service of that same people-first mission.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a small multidisciplinary team covering data ingestion, quality, reporting, dashboards, analysis and future data science capability.
• Own and manage the data service roadmap, prioritising new data sources and reporting in partnership with internal stakeholders.
• Present a consistent, trusted view of performance to support effective challenge, reporting and advocacy on behalf of the people the organisation represents.
• Analyse large, complex datasets to identify trends, patterns and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop, test and deploy predictive and statistical models as data maturity increases.
• Apply machine learning techniques and emerging AI developments to real-world problems.
• Collaborate closely with a data engineer to ensure data availability and quality.
• Communicate insights and recommendations clearly through visualisations, reports and presentations.
• Support experimentation and A/B testing to inform decision-making.
• Ensure best practice in data governance, ethics and compliance.

Qualifications:

• Experience leading or managing a data, analytics or reporting service, including delivery, governance and continuous improvement.
• Experience leading a multidisciplinary data team spanning engineering, analysis, reporting and data science.
• Proven background as a Data Scientist or in a similar analytical role.
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or R, with solid SQL.
• Experience with machine learning frameworks such as scikit-learn, TensorFlow or PyTorch.
• Strong grounding in statistics, probability and data modelling.
• Experience with large datasets and cloud-based platforms.
• Familiarity with visualisation tools such as Tableau or Power BI.
• Comfortable working in a matrix environment, building relationships and clarifying priorities across teams.
• Genuinely motivated by using data for public benefit, not just technical challenge.
• Experience with public sector or operational performance datasets would be beneficial.

Benefits package:

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Hybrid working, minimum two days a week in the office.
• Access to the Civil Service Pension Scheme, including Alpha.

We believe in the power of diversity and the importance of an inclusive culture. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, understanding that a range of perspectives strengthens both our team and our partners' teams. This is one of the ways we're helping shape a more collaborative and diverse future in the workplace. If you're a data science leader who wants to build a team and function from the ground up, and wants your technical skill to serve a genuine social mission rather than just a bottom line, we'd love to hear from you.