Data Science Manager

Scottish Water; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 66,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility provider in the United Kingdom is looking for a Data Science Manager to shape analytics and AI strategies. This role involves leading initiatives that drive business value through advanced analytics solutions and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Candidates should have a strong background in data science, with proven experience in regulated sectors and a commitment to ethical practices. This position offers flexible working hours, significant annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

38 days of annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Defined benefit pension scheme

Annual company bonus

Access to SW Splash discounts

Qualifications

• Expertise in data science, advanced analytics, and AI/ML techniques.
• Strong knowledge of ethical AI principles and data governance.
• Experience in asset-intensive or regulated sectors is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic direction of Advanced Analytics & AI.
• Develop advanced asset deterioration models and analytical tools.
• Integrate analytics governance with organizational frameworks.

Skills

Data science expertise

Advanced analytics

AI/ML techniques

Statistical modeling

Stakeholder management

Education

Relevant degree

Tools

Python

R

SQL

Job description

Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland.

Data Science Manager

Are you passionate about harnessing the power of data, advanced analytics, and AI to drive real‑world impact? We’re looking for a Data Science Manager to help shape the future of analytics and data science across our organisation, ensuring we stay at the forefront of innovation.

The role

In this role, you’ll drive the vision and strategy for analytics and data science, aligning initiatives with the right technical approaches to deliver real business value. Working closely with the Delivery Manager you will deliver analytics products and ML/AI systems that support operational, tactical and strategic decision‑making. You’ll also play a key part in developing analytics talent and building a high‑performing, adaptable team.

What you’ll do

You’ll lead the strategic direction and ongoing development of Advanced Analytics & AI across the organisation, guiding the implementation of analytics solutions and deciding on the best approach‑whether in‑house, co‑created or external‑to maximise value. Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders, you’ll act as a trusted advisor and champion data‑driven decision‑making. You’ll partner with business, digital and technology leaders to ensure solutions are business‑driven, technically robust, and integrated with core platforms and architecture. Your work will include developing advanced asset deterioration models and analytical tools to support tactical asset management decisions, long‑term planning and investment strategies. You’ll integrate analytics and AI governance with broader organisational frameworks, including data stewardship, security and privacy by design. You’ll nurture analytics talent, support career development and build a thriving community of practice. Promoting the adoption of analytics and AI tools, you’ll ensure solutions are transparent, interpretable and embedded in business processes. Acting as a technical anchor within cross‑disciplinary teams, you’ll enable scalable, sustainable analytics delivery through reusable components and shared capabilities.

What you’ll bring

To succeed, you’ll bring expertise in data science, advanced analytics and AI/ML techniques with practical experience in statistical modelling, machine learning, deep learning and predictive analytics. You’ll have strong knowledge of ethical AI principles, data governance and compliance in regulated environments. Experience in asset‑intensive or regulated sectors such as utilities or infrastructure is highly desirable. You’ll have a proven track record of leading analytics teams within complex organisations, with excellent strategic leadership, stakeholder influence and cross‑functional collaboration skills. You’ll demonstrate the ability to build and manage high‑performing teams, mentor talent and foster a culture of continuous learning, balancing technical leadership with strategic oversight.

What the role is offering

In return, we offer the opportunity to shape the future of analytics and AI in a leading organisation. You’ll play a key role in major investment and transformation programmes, influencing decisions worth billions, all within a collaborative, innovative environment that supports your professional growth.

Ready to lead the next wave of analytics and AI innovation? Apply now and help us unlock the full potential of data‑driven insight across our organisation.

Looking out for you

While the work we do is important, we know it’s not the only thing that matters. That’s why we make sure you have everything you need to find a good work‑life balance. This role will occasionally require you to work outside of normal working hours. You’ll get plenty of time to recharge with 38 days of holiday every year (including public holidays) – you can even buy five more if you need a little extra time and a truly flexible approach to work‑life balance. You can also take time off to volunteer in your community. When it comes to major life events we have family‑friendly policies around adoption, maternity and parental leave. And for the everyday? We embrace flexible working.

For your future, there’s our defined benefit pension, generous life assurance and an annual company bonus. There is also access to SW Splash – handy rewards that can save you money on holidays, bills and shopping. The post is full‑time based on 35 hours per week with flexible working hours. Applications from those wishing to apply for any working patterns, or flexible working arrangements are welcome.

The not‑so‑small print

This is an M1 role in a salary range starting at £66,826. There is also scope for salary progression based on performance. You’ll be eligible for an annual bonus, a generous monthly car allowance, 38 days annual leave and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, which includes life assurance and a career‑average pension plan.

If you’re interested in this role – or know someone else who might be – we’ll be accepting applications until midnight on Sunday 9th November 2025.

Job offers at Scottish Water are conditional, and will be confirmed on completion of our pre‑employment screening, e.g. referencing, criminal record checks, licence checks, etc. Screening is conducted on our behalf by a third party and must be completed before your start date. Don’t worry – we’ll only start these checks once you’ve accepted an offer.

A few final things worth knowing...

Research shows that some people avoid applying for jobs unless they can meet every single criterion. If you’re interested in this job, but don’t tick all the boxes, apply anyway! We hardly ever hire people who can do every part of a job from Day One. Everyone has a learning curve, so don’t rule yourself out!

Let us know if there are any changes we can make to our recruitment process to help you perform at your best. Lots of our people have disabilities or neurodiverse conditions (including some of our recruiters!). We’re also aware that some people might be experiencing temporary challenges because of life events, like menopause. We’re very used to making adjustments, so please don’t be afraid to ask.

As part of our commitment to developing a flourishing Scotland, it’s important that all our employees are Scottish taxpayers. If you join us, your home address will need to be in Scotland. If you don’t already live here, you’ll need to commit to moving here within your first three months.

Please note, Scottish Water takes the safety, health and wellbeing of our employees, colleagues and customers very seriously and as such you may be subject to Drug & Alcohol testing in line with our policy.

Finally, candidates who haven’t submitted an application in the last 12 months will have their records removed from our recruitment database. You won’t need to do anything. Your data will be automatically deleted.

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