LEAD DATA SCIENTIST

If you love data and advancing the use of data and analytics to  solve complex real world problems (e.g. homelessness, fraud prevention, Covid response, climate change etc.), are naturally curious and want to make real local impact, you should consider working for us to bring about positive change to the lives of half a million residents of Richmond upon Thames and Wandsworth.

This role is an excellent opportunity for a collaborative problem solver who wants to make an immediate impact as a data scientist lead in a large organisation that serves diverse communities with varied needs. You will have the opportunity to lead on a wide range of analytical and strategic projects, with significant organisational and social impact.

The postholder will play a leading role in advancing data science skills and use within the organisation by providing leadership and mentorship to data science apprentices and leading on implementing specific parts of the data and analytics strategy.

The Role

You will be joining the corporate Insight and Analytics Team. This friendly and supportive team consist of 2 intelligence analysts and 3 developing data scientists.  The team started on its data science journey in 2019 with support from senior management and service areas across the council. The Councils currently have 9 analysts who are completing data science training. The postholder will play a pivotal role in advancing use of data science within the team and across the Councils.  

The Team’s vision is to serve the needs of residents by providing quality and credible analytical intelligence and insight to facilitate council and partner decisions regarding the best use of resources, service delivery and policy development. The team also lead on advancing data science across the organisation.

Your role

• Play a leading role in advancing data science through the development and embedding of the data science function and contribute towards the implementation of the data and analytics strategy
• Plan, manage and deliver on a range of data science projects requiring potentially complex analytic input, including negotiating and agreeing the most appropriate data output, initiating and planning workloads and setting delivery timescales
• Develop products using range of internal and external data sources including numeric and textual – applying data linking and transformation techniques
• Drive the development and usage of predictive analytics to solve business problems and improve service delivery e.g. develop and test algorithms that can use existing underutilised data sources to bring about efficiency and improved performance
• Lead a virtual team of data science apprentices. As the Data Science Lead provide mentorship, bespoke training and 1:1 consultation to support successful completion of data science apprenticeships. Establish and lead virtual teams of apprentices to work on pertinent data science problems within the organisation
• Stay on top of developments in the field of data science in industry (particularly local government/ academia) to identify new opportunities for applying new data science techniques and tools
• Build and develop relationships within the organisations and externally to support the achievement of team objectives, data acquisition and identify areas where data science can bring about improvements

Ideal Candidate

• Keen problem solver who is interested in using best analytical tools and techniques to enhance understanding and develop solutions
• Passion for advancing the use of data and data science skills and techniques to inform and improve business decisions
• Strong prioritisation and time management skills, able to scope and negotiate and deliver complex analytical projects
• Take a structured, methodical and client focused approach to problem solving.
• Skilled coder with advance proficiency in using R and/or Python to manipulate and transform data and perform advance analytical and data science tasks
• Experienced in applying data science and analytics techniques (e.g. regressions, predictive analysis, machine learning etc.) to develop solutions that demonstrate improvement in effectiveness, efficiency and improved service delivery
• 2-4 years of experience as a data scientist or a similar advance analytics role
• Background in advance analytics and data science gained through education and/or work experience
• Excellent communicator and able to explain findings to non-technical audiences through reports, presentations, dashboards and data visualisations.
• Able to work independently and in a team to deliver on complex tasks
• Able to juggle various tasks and analytical requests at the same time

Work Location

The current Covid-19 pandemic means the majority of our staff are working from home, both Councils are supportive of adopting a flexible approach to such working patterns going forward.

We are committed to providing a safe and supportive work environment for all staff. If they prefer, staff can work from our Council sites in Richmond or Wandsworth after a risk assessment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to flexible working, home working and remote to help people achieve work life balance and find a work environment that helps staff be productive and healthy.

As the council offers remote working, applicants further away from London will be considered and if applicable, we will work with the successful post-holder to develop a feasible work pattern.

We Offer

• Working arrangements that will enhance your work-life balance.
• A very positive and supportive environment where creativity and hard work are supported and appreciated.
• An organisation committed to supporting new ways of working so flexible working arrangements are at the forefront.
• A supportive management team and peer group that is keen to teach and learn from the position holder.
• Accredited training and development opportunities.
• 31 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.

In addition, we offer a range of staff benefits such as performance related pay, membership of the local government contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

Closing Date:  Sunday, 18 October 2020

Exam Day: Wednesday, 21 October 2020

Interview Date: Monday, 26 October 2020

Useful Information:

Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change.

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Equality Statement

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

We are pleased to be Disability Confident employer.

Important Information:

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

For an informal discussion please contact:

Salman Klar, Insight and Analytics Team Manager InsightAnalytics@RichmondandWandsworth.gov.uk

Recruitment and staffing agencies, please do not contact.

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