Head of Data Science

SOLICITORS REGULATION AUTHORITY; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 64,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A regulatory body for the legal profession in the UK is seeking a Head of Data Science to lead its analytical team. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, shape the future of data-driven decision-making, and ensure high-quality outputs. This hybrid role offers a salary range of £64,000 - £70,000 and requires regular travel to key offices.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in statistics, social science, or physics.
• Expert use of statistical tools like R/Python.
• Experience in building AI and machine learning models.

Responsibilities

• Lead the data science team and set strategic direction.
• Translate complex analysis into actionable insights.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity and high performance.

Skills

Statistical analysis

R/Python programming

Machine learning

Leadership

Natural language processing

Education

Degree in statistics or quantitative discipline

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Head of Data Science to lead our growing team of data scientists and analysts. This is a pivotal role, shaping how we use advanced analytics, predictive modelling and data-driven insight to inform decision-making across the SRA. You will set the strategic direction for the team, ensuring that their work underpins our regulatory priorities and helps us deliver meaningful impact in the legal services sector.

Whatches in it for you

• Work in a rapidly evolving sector, offering an exciting opportunity to showcase and implement innovative ideas
• Support the regulation of the legal profession, protecting and promoting the public interest, and help shape and implement our responses to new challenges
• Showcase your technical, and leadership skills - leading a dedicated team of data scientists and data analysts

The role

As Head of Data Science, you will be responsible for planning and delivering the team\'s contribution to our business plan and strategic priorities. You will provide expert technical leadership, guiding the design and application of advanced statistical and machine learning techniques, while ensuring outputs are of the highest quality and relevance. A key part of your role will be to translate complex analysis into accessible insights that support evidence-led regulatory decisions.

Collaboration will be central to the role. You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation and with external stakeholders, building strong partnerships to maximise the impact of our analytical work. You will play an important role in identifying opportunities where data science can add value, helping to manage risk, and producing clear, persuasive outputs that inform decisions at the highest level.

You will also focus on developing and enhancing the capability of the team. By providing coaching, mentoring and technical leadership, you will create an environment where colleagues are supported to grow, encouraged to innovate, and empowered to deliver their best work. You will foster a culture of inclusivity, responsiveness and high performance, ensuring the team continues to deliver against strategic priorities.

What we are looking for

• Degree or equivalent experience in statistics, social science, physics or other relevant discipline, coupled with research experience or post-graduate qualification in quantitative discipline
• Expert use of standard statistical tools e.g. R/Python and relevant associated libraries
• Deep expertise in building and maintaining AI and machine learning models, including use of deep learning, natural language processing, and LLMs.
• Ability to produce reasoned, defensible analysis that can be relied upon to determine regulatory action, and the allocation of regulatory resources
• Demonstrable leadership capabilities, including technical guidance of skilled professionals and driving performance development

Useful and additional information

Full Role Profile can be found at the bottom of the advert on our website.

We operate on a hybrid working model which means working 2 days in the office and the rest of the week from home. The role can be based from any of our Birmingham, London or Cardiff offices. The role will require regular travel to both the London and Birmingham offices where Data Science and many of the key stakeholders are based. The salary range we offer for this role is £64,000 - £70,000 depending on relevant knowledge, skills and experience. A 10% London weighting will apply to the salary if applicable.

If you have any questions that are not answered in the advert or on our website, or would like to have a confidential chat you can contact us via: .

To apply

Please click 'apply' to complete the online application form and upload a CV and cover letter, addressing how you meet the requirements of the role. Your Cover Letter should be no longer than 2 pages.

To find out more about the recruitment and selection process and how to make the most of your application, please visit our jobs pages.

Closing date for applications is 13 October 2025.