Lead Data Scientist

The Law Society; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexible benefits package

Job summary

The Law Society is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to drive advanced analytics, ML and AI to deliver trusted insights, practical recommendations and data products that improve decision-making and organisational performance.

You will lead data science across the Law Society, set technical direction for analytics, ML, experimentation and responsible AI, and mentor junior team members to raise data maturity and trust in data-driven decisions.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with Python, including Pandas, scikit-learn and NumPy.
• Strong programming skills in SQL or Spark SQL.
• Experience in Natural language processing and developing LLMs.
• Full ML model lifecycle experience.
• Experience with Power BI or Tableau/Qlik for data storytelling and reporting.
• Strong numeracy and statistical modelling expertise.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver end-to-end analytical and ML solutions.
• Lead data science across the Law Society, setting technical direction for analytics and AI.
• Operationalise models, improve data quality and manage model risk.
• Coach colleagues, mentor analysts and manage a junior team member.
• Collaborate with data platform, member experience and other teams.
• Promote best practice, data literacy and responsible AI.

Job description

We are looking for a Lead Data Scientist to help the Law Society use advanced analytics, machine learning and AI to create trusted insight, practical recommendations and data products that improve decision-making, services and organisational performance.

This role will lead the development of data science across the Law Society, setting technical direction for advanced analytics, machine learning, experimentation and responsible AI.

You will design and deliver end-to-end analytical and ML solutions, including forecasting, causal analysis, A/B testing, model development, LLM evaluation and monitoring, and reusable data science assets. Working closely with data platform team, member experience and other organisation teams, you will help operationalise models, improve data quality, manage model risk and ensure data science work is robust, ethical, explainable and aligned to organisational priorities.

The Lead Data Scientist will also play a key role in building data maturity across the organisation by coaching colleagues, mentoring analysts and managing a junior team member, promoting best practice, supporting data literacy, and helping teams use data, dashboards and AI-enabled insight confidently and responsibly.

What we\'re looking for

• Extensive experience using python, especially using libraries such as Pandas, scikit-learn and NumPy.
• Strong programming skills in SQL or Spark SQL
• Experience in Natural language processing and working and developing LLMs
• Full ML model lifecycle experience
• Relevant experience with Power BI or similar tools such as Tableau or Qlik for data storytelling, data visualisation and reporting
• Strong numeracy and statistical modelling expertise
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

You will be an experienced data professional who will bring strong technical expertise in data science, machine learning and advanced analytics, with extensive experience using Python, SQL or Spark SQL, statistical modelling, natural language processing and large language models. You will have experience across the full machine learning lifecycle, including data cleaning, quality checks, model development, evaluation and deployment.

You will also be confident using data visualisation and reporting tools such as Power BI, to translate complex analysis into clear, accessible insight. Strong communication skills are essential, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical colleagues and work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.

The role requires a proactive problem solver with experience of agile delivery, DevOps tools such as JIRA and GitHub, and an understanding of data governance, security and regulatory compliance, including GDPR. You will also be expected to coach and develop others, manage multiple priorities effectively, and contribute to an inclusive, respectful and supportive working environment.

What\'s in it for you

This is an excellent opportunity to work with contemporary thinkers in a progressive membership organisation. The successful candidate will join a strong brand with a reputation for excellence and legal expertise, committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and a culture of trust, clarity, excellence and respect.

We offer hybrid working, a generous flexible benefits package, a friendly working environment and the opportunity to develop your career within a professional organisation.

Please note: if you are an internal applicant, Pay Policy will apply.

The Law Society represents solicitors in England and Wales. From negotiating with and lobbying the profession's regulators, government and other decision makers, to offering training and advice, we\'re here to help, protect and promote solicitors.