Lead Data Scientist

HM Revenue and Customs; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

HM Revenue and Customs seeks a Lead Data Scientist to enhance public services through AI and Machine Learning. The successful candidate will lead teams, manage analytical projects, and collaborate across departments to drive digital transformation. Join a high-impact public sector organization committed to innovation.

Benefits

Performance Bonus

Remote Working Options

Minimum 25 Days Annual Leave

Qualifications

• Degree in data science or a quantitative subject with relevant experience.
• Experience leading teams in data science projects.
• Strong understanding of ML techniques and familiarity with LLMs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage data science teams delivering complex analytical projects.
• Deploy advanced analytical techniques focusing on machine learning.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance data science applications.

Skills

Leadership

Data Analysis

Machine Learning

Natural Language Processing

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Data Science or Quantitative Subject

Tools

Python

R

Job description

Birmingham, Liverpool, Newport (Gwent), Norwich

Application Deadline: 28 days remaining

This role is being conducted by Global Resourcing. For further information, please contact [e-mail]

Are you an experienced Data Scientist, passionate about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)? Do you want to help deliver efficient and valuable public services within a high-impact public sector organisation?

The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) plays a vital role in enabling government organisations to access innovative, efficient, and cost-effective solutions. At the forefront of digital transformation, CCS drives initiatives that enhance public procurement, delivering exceptional value and supporting public sector innovation. Through its Digital & Data Services directorate, CCS is building a world-class capability to revolutionise how the public sector approaches change.

As a Lead Data Scientist, you will be at the forefront of identifying, assessing, and implementing cutting-edge data science techniques including Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Your ability to collaborate with colleagues across the organisation will help optimise customer journeys, predict market trends, and automate internal workflows.

Job Summary

The role involves identifying, assessing, and implementing advanced data science techniques at CCS, including ML and AI. The successful candidate will work with colleagues across the organisation to optimise customer journeys, predict market trends, and automate workflows.

Directorate Overview

The Digital & Data Services (DDS) directorate is central to CCS's digital transformation, delivering modern, efficient, and user-centred digital services supporting over £30bn of public sector procurement annually. We aim to revolutionise how the public sector purchases goods and services.

Job Description

Team Summary

The Lead Data Scientist sits in the AI Impact and Assurance team, reporting to the Head of AI Impact and Assurance. This team explores, assesses, and implements data science techniques, including ML and AI, at CCS.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage team members, ensuring high performance and staff development
• Deliver complex data science projects, including data analysis, model development, and communicating results to technical and non-technical audiences
• Deploy advanced analytical techniques, focusing on Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI, exploring new datasets for insights
• Enhance understanding of customer journeys using unstructured data and develop predictive algorithms
• Produce high-quality Python code (other languages like R or SQL as needed)
• Promote best coding practices, including code reviews and process improvements
• Collaborate with stakeholders across CCS and government to identify strategic data science applications
• Assess native AI capabilities within existing platforms and identify opportunities to leverage these tools
• Support the development of data science capabilities across the department

Person Specification

Essential Criteria (to be assessed at application):

• A degree in data science or a quantitative subject with relevant experience
• Strong understanding of data science techniques, including ML and NLP
• Significant experience with LLMs and Generative AI
• Experience delivering data science projects in teams and leading analytical initiatives
• Proficiency in Python and/or R
• Effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams

Behaviours

We will assess during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions

Technical Skills

Assessment will include your technical skills during the selection process.

Salary: £57,954 plus £16,789 Civil Service Pension contribution. Benefits include performance bonus, remote working options, minimum 25 days annual leave (up to 30), and more.

For more details, see the Civil Service People Plan and D&I Strategy. We are committed to accessibility; contact [e-mail] for support.

Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 11th August 2025

Locations: Birmingham, Liverpool, Newport (Gwent), Norwich

HMGCC (His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre)