Principal Data Scientist

Rail Safety And Standards Board Limited; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading rail industry organization seeks a Principal Data Scientist to lead AI and machine learning solutions. This senior role involves identifying opportunities, engaging stakeholders, and mentoring the team. Responsibilities include driving innovation and ensuring delivery of high-impact digital products. Candidates should have proven experience in ML solutions, Agile methodologies, and effective communication. This permanent position includes flexible working options based in the City of London, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Private medical and dental cover

Flexible and hybrid working options

Season ticket loan and travel subsidy

Cycle to work scheme

Volunteer leave

Performance-related bonus

Pension scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven practical experience in stakeholder engagement to resolve issues using data.
• Extensive experience developing ML solutions in Python.
• Experience leading teams using Agile methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Promote RSSB's Data Science and AI capabilities internally and externally.
• Identify and prioritize opportunities for AI digital solutions.
• Lead development and delivery of ML and AI solutions.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Production ML solutions in Python

Agile methodologies

Cloud-based tool delivery

Effective communication

Team management

Job description

Join RSSB as Principal Data Scientist and lead the delivery of AI and machine learning solutions that make a real impact across the rail industry. In this senior role, you'll identify high‑value opportunities, engage stakeholders, and ensure our digital products solve real‑world challenges. You'll mentor and develop the team, champion best practices, and represent RSSB's Data Science and AI capability across the sector. You'll drive innovation by introducing new tools and frameworks, inspiring a culture of continuous improvement and experimentation. Success will be measured by the delivery of high‑impact solutions, stakeholder satisfaction, and the growth of the team.

Responsibilities

• Promote RSSB's Data Science and AI capabilities internally and externally, positioning the team as a trusted partner and thought leader.
• Identify and prioritise opportunities for AI enabled digital solutions by engaging with both external partners and internal subject matter experts.
• Lead the team in navigating complex, ambiguous, and novel challenges, making informed decisions in situations with incomplete information.
• Drive the development and delivery of Machine Learning (ML) and AI solutions, acting as technical lead and ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Foster a culture of adaptability and resilience, ensuring the team thrives in a rapidly evolving environment.
• Contribute to team strategy, and the development and implementation of policy, processes, standards and guidelines.

Qualifications

• Proven practical experience in stakeholder engagement to understand pain points and resolve them using data and advanced analytics.
• Extensive experience developing production ML (and AI) solutions in Python, using code repositories.
• Demonstrated experience deploying, testing, and monitoring ML solutions.
• Proven experience leading development teams using Agile methodologies and tools.
• Experience working with subject matter experts to refine analyses and interpret insights.
• Experience collaborating with architects, data engineers, and web developers to deliver cloud‑based tools.
• Experience managing and mentoring less experienced colleagues, providing guidance on development activities and upskilling in technical and soft skills.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Ability to adapt and respond effectively to new opportunities, change, and uncertainty.
• Commitment to customer service and delivering outcomes that meet stakeholder needs.
• Inclusive leadership style, with a focus on developing and retaining talent and ensuring all voices are heard.
• Experience managing teams to budgets and project timelines.
• Ability to define and track success metrics for digital solutions.

This is a permanent role based at the RSSB office in Fenchurch Avenue with hybrid working. In‑office days will be based in the City of London, supported by a commuting travel subsidy benefit. The close date for the role is 11th December 2025.

Why Join RSSB?

• 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Private medical and dental cover
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Season ticket loan and travel subsidy
• Cycle to work scheme
• Volunteer leave
• Performance‑related bonus
• Pension scheme
• Learning and development opportunities