Principal Data Scientist - Water Sector

Stantec; Brighton; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Stantec is seeking a Principal Data Scientist to join our digital team. You will work with analysts and data engineers to transform how we and our clients use data, shaping digital strategies in the water sector and helping clients optimise assets.

You’ll lead modelling, analytics, and tooling efforts across cloud environments (Azure), mentor teammates, and contribute to winning projects through rigorous technical standards and stakeholder collaboration.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a data professional with Python.
• Proven ability to develop ML solutions and visualisations.
• Experience deploying to cloud platforms, especially Azure.
• Strong storytelling with data and client-facing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Data Science initiatives to drive digital transformation.
• Derive insights with predictive analytics and optimisation.
• Build automated tools to enhance efficiency and provide actionable insights.
• Drive digital innovation and shape technology strategy.
• Collaborate with clients in the water sector and ensure high-quality delivery.
• Mentor junior colleagues and maintain technical excellence.
• Shape the future of digital services and help win new projects.

Skills

Python

Data Visualization

Machine Learning

Cloud (Azure)

Team Leadership

DevOps

Version Control

Tools

Power BI

Power Apps

MS Power Platform

Git

Job description

The Opportunity

Do you thrive on solving complex challenges, uncovering insights, and driving innovation with advanced analytics? If so, we could have the perfect opportunity for you!

We’re seeking a Principal Data Scientist to join our award‑winning digital team at Stantec. You will be working alongside leading analysts and data engineering experts to transform how we and our clients harness data. As a key member of our team, you’ll play a critical role in shaping digital strategies, particularly within the water sector; helping clients optimise their assets, plan smarter investments, and improve environmental outcomes through cutting‑edge analytics.

This role can be based from either our High Wycombe, London or Brighton offices, with hybrid working allowing for a mix of in‑office and home working.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading Data Science Initiatives – apply your expertise in data modelling, cleansing, and analytics to create innovative solutions that drive digital transformation.
• Deriving Powerful Insights – use predictive analytics and optimisation techniques to help clients make smarter, data‑driven decisions.
• Building Intelligent Tools – develop automated solutions that enhance efficiency and provide clear, actionable insights.
• Driving Digital Innovation – work with technology and data to shape digital solutions that transform industry processes.
• Client Collaboration & Technical Delivery – partner directly with clients in the water industry, understand their needs, design solutions, and deliver high‑quality results.
• Mentoring & Team Leadership – support junior colleagues, ensuring technical excellence and professional development within the team.
• Shaping the Future of Our Digital Services – influence Stantec’s growth by scoping proposals, contributing to technical standards, and winning new projects.

About You

You’ll be an experienced data professional who excels in Python, with a proven ability to develop powerful data visualisations, implement machine learning models, and deploy solutions in the cloud (Azure). You understand the value of DevOps principles, version control, and integrating technical solutions seamlessly into client operations. You have a good understanding of the MS Power Platform and can incorporate it into solution designs and manage other team members to develop solutions in Power BI and Power Apps.

Beyond technical skills, you’ll be a proactive problem solver, an analytical thinker, and a true innovator—someone who can tell a compelling story with data and inspire change across our clients and projects.

About Stantec

The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years, planning, designing, delivering and managing the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.

At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made, please contact [e-mail] and we will talk to you about how we can support you.