Head of Data Science

National Grid; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 148,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy provider in the UK seeks a Head of Data Science to lead AI initiatives and enhance operational efficiencies. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of data science experience, including 5 years in a leadership role, and will proficiently manage teams while executing the AI strategy. Responsibilities include overseeing data science projects, developing predictive models, and ensuring solutions meet business needs. This position offers a salary range of $198k - $233k, along with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in data science, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong background in regulated utility space, ideally at an IOU.
• Excellent communication skills for stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Data Science delivery teams, aligning with business objectives.
• Execute the AI Strategy while ensuring innovation and continuous learning.
• Drive development of AI initiatives from concept to implementation.

Skills

Data manipulation

Machine learning algorithms

Predictive modeling

Python

SQL

Cloud (Azure, AWS, GCP)

Data visualization

Education

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

Tools

Power BI

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.

Your expertise will help optimize National Grid’s operations, improve safety & reliability, and improve customer experiences by leveraging advanced analytics, data science, and AI/GenAI techniques.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and manage the 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 Head of ML Engineering to ensure that AI solution deployments are on track and are consistent with business expectations.
• Cross‑functional collaboration: With senior leadership, platform, engineering, and operations teams to understand needs and translate 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.

About You

• 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.

Your 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.

More Information

• Salary: $198k - $233k a year
• National Grid utilizes an assessment that evaluates the job qualifications/characteristics using AI or statistically based scoring. For more information, please view NYC Local Law 144.
• This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Internal candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience.