Portfolio Revenue & Debt Data Scientist

Thames Water; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water and wastewater company in the UK is seeking a skilled Portfolio Revenue & Debt Data Scientist to enhance credit risk analytics. This role focuses on developing predictive models and refining data strategies. Applicants should have proven SQL proficiency, experience in financial modeling, and a relevant degree. The company offers competitive salary, a hybrid work environment, and strong benefits including a pension scheme and employee wellness initiatives.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual leave: 26 days increasing to 30

Performance-related pay plan

Generous Pension Scheme

Health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Confident in writing SQL queries for reporting and predictive modeling.
• Experience in data cleansing and validation.
• Proficient in Python for statistical insights.
• Experience with cloud platforms, preferably data lakes.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis into customer portfolio trends.
• Build predictive models for credit risk.
• Conduct root cause analysis of debt trends.
• Provide insights for the Bad Debt Transformation programme.
• Create SQL code and reporting frameworks.

Skills

SQL proficiency

Data cleansing

Predictive modeling

Python for analysis

Credit risk analytics

Financial modeling

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics or similar

Tools

Azure Data Lake

AWS

Google Cloud

Job description

Are you ready to turn data into action and make a real impact? Thames Water is looking for a skilled and driven Portfolio Revenue & Debt Data Scientist to join our dynamic Credit Risk team.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of credit risk analytics, helping to shape smarter collections strategies, reduce bad debt, and improve customer outcomes. As part of a priority investment area, you’ll play a key role in transforming how we use data—working closely with senior stakeholders, digital teams, and data owners to deliver best‑in‑class portfolio management.

What you will be doing as the Portfolio Revenue & Debt Data Scientist

In this pivotal role, you’ll lead deep‑in‑dive analysis into customer portfolio trends, build predictive models, and support the transition to our enterprise data lake. Your insights will directly influence operational improvements, policy decisions, and long‑term financial resilience.

You will also:

• Develop and maintain SQL‑based reporting solutions to drive actionable insights.
• Collaborate with the Credit Reporting & Insight team to ensure analytics meet business needs.
• Partner with the Digital Team to align data governance and infrastructure.
• Work with the Income Leadership Team to shape strategy and support decision‑making.
• Champion a culture of data‑driven thinking across the Income function.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct root cause analysis of debt accumulation trends.
• Build and refine predictive models for credit risk and debt recovery.
• Provide insights to support the Bad Debt Transformation programme.
• Support the migration to a data lake environment, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
• Create scalable, efficient SQL code and reporting frameworks.
• Embed analytics into strategic decision‑making across the business.

What you should bring to the role

To thrive in this role, you must be able to confidently answer YES to the following:

• Are you proficient in writing SQL queries to extract, join, and transform large datasets for MI/reporting and predictive modelling?
• Have you got experience in data cleansing, validation, and building predictive models?
• Are you proficient in Python for statistical analysis and able to relay insights to non‑technical stakeholders?

In addition, you will bring:

• Proven experience in credit risk analytics, debt management, or financial modelling.
• Experience working in cross‑functional teams and translating data into strategy.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms like Azure Data Lake, AWS, or Google Cloud.
• A degree (or equivalent experience) in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or similar.
• A passion for continuous improvement and data‑led transformation.

Desirable Experience

• Experience migrating from traditional databases to data lake architecture.
• Background in Utilities or Financial Services.
• Exposure to SAP or DM9 environments.
• Knowledge of machine learning techniques relevant to credit risk.

Location: Hybrid - Walnut Court - SN2 8BN.

Hours: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Application Requirement

All applicants must include a covering letter describing a time when you added specific value to a project through your insight, inclusive of:

• The metrics impacted.
• The results delivered.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive starting salary of £53,910 per annum.
• Annual leave: 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to both company and individual performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities

Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work

We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to support and help.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers

As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.