Principal Data Scientist - Water Sector

Stantec; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Stantec is seeking a Principal Data Scientist to join our digital team in the UK. You will work with analysts and data engineers to transform how clients harness data, shaping digital strategies in the water sector with hybrid in-office and home working.

You will excel in Python, ML, data visualisation, and cloud deployments (Azure), and guide Power BI/Power Apps across projects, mentoring others while driving client-facing delivery.

Qualifications

• Experienced data professional with strong Python expertise.
• Proven ability to develop data visualisations and ML models.
• Experience deploying solutions in Azure and integrating with client operations.
• Understanding of DevOps, version control, and scalable data solutions.
• Familiarity with MS Power Platform; capable of guiding Power BI/Power Apps implementations.

Responsibilities

• Lead data science initiatives to drive digital transformation.
• Derive insights using predictive analytics and optimization techniques.
• Build automated tools and solutions to improve efficiency and insight clarity.
• Drive digital innovation and shape proposals and technical standards.
• Collaborate with clients in the water sector to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Mentor team members and support technical excellence.

Skills

Python

Data visualisation

Machine learning

DevOps

Version control

Power BI

Power Apps

Power Platform

Azure

Tools

Power BI

Power Apps

Power Platform

Azure

Job description

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 optimize their assets, plan smarter investments, and improve environmental outcomes through cutting‑edge analytics.

This role can be based from either our High Wycombe, London, Reading, Brighton or Southampton 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 optimization 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, understanding their needs, designing solutions, and delivering 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.

Please note that we are not offering Visa Sponsorship for this role and applicants must have an unconditional right to live and work in the UK for an indefinite period without limitation.

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. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.

Our teams provide effective and relevant solutions, translating our clients’ vision into valued consents, deliverable plans for projects and programmes, and efficient designs for delivery, based on technical excellence and deep market insights. We deal with today’s challenges, but also keep a fairer, better tomorrow in sight, looking at how we deliver clean growth, support radical changes in our economy and meet the needs of future communities.

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit 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.

Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world‑class talent is a crucial key to our success.

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 then please contact [e-mail] we will talk to you about how we can support you.

Other Locations

London, Brighton, Reading, Southampton