Lead Data Scientist

Royal National Lifeboat Ins titution (RNLI); Poole; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading lifesaving organization located in England is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to drive their data science capability. This role involves shaping advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI solutions to improve operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess strong Python skills, experience in delivering ML solutions, and proven leadership in managing technical teams. Collaborating with multiple stakeholders, you will lead projects and ensure practices are aligned with organizational priorities while fostering an innovative team atmosphere.

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering ML solutions into operational environments.
• Strong Python programming skills and experience with big data platforms.
• Experience leading and mentoring technical teams.
• Excellent communication skills for engaging stakeholders at all levels.
• Familiarity with RNLI operations.

Responsibilities

• Shape RNLI's data science capability by identifying opportunities for machine learning.
• Provide technical leadership and set standards for modelling and deployment.
• Engage senior stakeholders to align data science initiatives with organisational priorities.
• Lead and deliver projects applying ML techniques to production deployment.
• Collaborate with Technical Leads to ensure integrated delivery across RNLI's data platforms.

Skills

Python programming

Leading technical teams

Stakeholder engagement

Machine learning solutions

Big data platforms

Education

Relevant postgraduate or vocational qualifications in data science

Tools

Databricks

Azure ML

Job description

Overview

Our Lead Data Scientist will set the direction for data science at the RNLI while remaining deeply involved in delivery. This role identifies opportunities for advanced analytics, machine learning and AI, shapes the roadmap, and ensures solutions are deployed into real-world environments. It requires curiosity, technical depth, and the ability to influence stakeholders while mentoring a high performing team. You will work closely with engineering, BI, and product teams, leveraging platforms such as Databricks to build scalable models and pipelines. This role is both visionary and practical: defining standards, leading innovation, and writing production-grade code when needed. As a Lead Data Scientist you will be tasked with focus on the following areas:

Responsibilities

• Shape RNLI's data science capability by identifying opportunities for machine learning and advanced analytics to solve operational and strategic challenges.
• Provide technical leadership and set standards for modelling, experimentation, and deployment.
• Engage senior stakeholders to align data science initiatives with organisational priorities and demonstrate measurable impact.
• Lead and deliver projects that apply ML and AI techniques, from ideation through to production deployment.
• Collaborate with Technical Leads to ensure integrated delivery across RNLI's data platforms.
• Influence platform design and configuration, including Databricks and Azure ML, to optimise for data science workloads.
• Line manage and mentor the data science team, fostering curiosity, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Define and embed best practices for documentation, version control, and delivery pipelines using RNLI-approved tools.
• Stay ahead of emerging trends in ML, AI, and data science, introducing new ideas and methodologies to RNLI.
• We are looking for someone who thrives in a leadership role, balancing technical depth with strategic influence and enjoys working to lead robust data and analysis to underpin key decisions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering ML solutions into operational environments.
• Strong Python programming skills and experience with big data platforms.
• Experience leading and mentoring technical teams.
• Excellent communication skills for engaging stakeholders at all levels.
• Relevant postgraduate or vocational qualifications in data science or the communication of analytics.
• Familiarity with RNLI operations.
• Experience deploying AI/ML solutions using Databricks and Azure ML.

Benefits

The RNLI provides a 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue service, lifeguards, fundraising, and drowning prevention. Our frontline lifesavers and fundraisers need a dedicated, professional and talented team behind them, and that is where you come in. We're looking for a Lead Data Scientist to join our data and analytics team, who will drive the RNLI's data science capability to deliver practical, high-impact solutions that improve decision-making and operational efficiency. This role combines strategic vision with hands-on development and line management, ensuring machine learning and advanced analytics are embedded into RNLI's digital transformation.