Head of Data Science

Maverick Currencies; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent utility company in the UK is seeking a Head of Data Science to lead Data Science teams and drive AI initiatives that deliver business value. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in data science, with strong leadership skills and expertise in utility operations and data analytics. The role involves overseeing AI strategy execution, developing predictive models, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to translate business needs into actionable data insights.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in data science, at least 5 in leadership.
• Strong background in utility space and data-driven technologies.
• Expertise in statistical modeling and business processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead Data Science delivery teams aligning with business objectives.
• Execute AI strategy, ensuring delivery of actionable insights.
• Oversee predictive model creation and data-driven insights.

Skills

Data science leadership

AI techniques

Python programming

SQL proficiency

Data visualization

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or Mathematics

Tools

Power BI

Azure

Job description

The Opportunity

Every day, we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses, connecting people to the energy they need for their lives. Our expertise and track record position us uniquely to shape the sustainable future of our industry as the pace of change accelerates. To succeed, we must anticipate customer needs, reduce energy delivery costs, and pioneer flexible energy systems. This requires delivering on our promises and seeking opportunities for growth. In IT & Digital, we collaborate closely with the diverse energy businesses within the National Grid group, revolutionizing operations through technology. Embracing modern methodologies and digital mindsets, we drive efficiency and bring new capabilities to internal and external customers as we lead the charge toward a carbon‑free future. Our work is critical, as National Grid powers millions of homes and businesses in the UK and US, and the technology we employ is vital to this task. The successful applicant for this position will play a crucial role in our mission, supported by our multicultural, customer‑centric global team, with opportunities for professional development.

As the Head of Data Science, you will be a key leader within the Chief Data Office, driving the development and implementation of Data Science and AI initiatives that deliver quantifiable business value. You will oversee our Data Science teams, ensuring that our data science and AI projects inform critical business decisions across all of our Business Units.

What You'll Do

• Lead and manage flexible Data Science delivery teams (pods), ensuring alignment with business objectives and fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Strategy delivery: Execute the AI Strategy, setting clear goals and priorities in line with business needs and company vision.
• End‑to‑end development: Own the end‑to‑end development of AI initiatives, from concept to validation of the AI solution with the business, ensuring the delivery of actionable insights that drive business impact.
• AI solution deployment: Work with the Head of ML Engineering to ensure that AI solution deployments are on track and are consistent with business expectations.
• Cross‑functional collaboration: Work with senior leadership, platform, engineering, and operations teams to understand needs and translate them into action plans.
• Model development: Oversee the creation of predictive models, machine learning algorithms, and data‑driven insights that solve complex business challenges.
• Thought leadership: Stay ahead of industry trends in data science and AI (including generative AI) to implement cutting‑edge technologies and techniques.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in data science or equivalent, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role. Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a quantitative field such as Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or Mathematics is preferred.
• Leadership: Demonstrated experience in overseeing multiple teams comprising technical specialists (including data scientists, machine learning engineers, data engineers) as well as functional specialists (e.g. product owners).
• Communication & stakeholder management: Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate with cross‑functional teams and senior stakeholders, including technical and non‑technical colleagues.
• Utility expertise: Strong track record in the regulated utility space, ideally at an IOU.
• Functional expertise in data science, statistical modelling, data analysis, and AI techniques.
• Programming: Proficiency in Python and SQL.
• Data insights: Deep knowledge of data manipulation, data visualization, and data wrangling with experience in tools like Power BI.
• Cloud platform: Hands‑on experience – preferably with Azure (AWS and GCP also considered).
• Business process: Strong understanding of business processes within at least one of the following domains: gas and electric operations, finance, customer experience, HR, legal and compliance, with the ability to translate business problems into data‑driven solutions.

Rewards

Rewarding work and a collaborative, team‑oriented culture are just the beginning. Review our digital benefit guide at ngbenefitslivebrighter.com for full details and descriptions.