Senior Data Scientist — Hybrid, AI & Cloud Leader

Yorkshire Water; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car scheme

Private health care

Pension scheme

Life assurance

25 days annual leave + holidays

Wellness days

Retail savings scheme

Online GP service

Cycle to work

Gym discounts

Job summary

Yorkshire Water is seeking a forward-thinking Senior Data Scientist to lead data and AI initiatives in the IT team. You will work on cutting-edge ML solutions, own strategic data products, and guide stakeholders using evidence-based decisions.

Based in Leeds with a hybrid 37-hour week, you’ll drive performance, sustainability, and innovation by applying Python/R/SQL on Azure/Databricks and collaborating across the business.

Qualifications

• Degree in a numerate subject (e.g. Mathematics, Statistics)
• Proven experience in statistical analysis and data science, ideally within the water industry or similar sectors
• Strong programming skills in Python, R, and SQL
• Experience working with cloud platforms (e.g. Azure, AWS)
• Knowledge of data engineering, manipulation, and pipeline development
• Familiarity with technical assurance, QA, and model performance evaluation
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including with senior leadership
• High standards of integrity and ethics
• Microsoft Azure certifications or equivalent
• Experience in water, wastewater, utilities, or manufacturing sectors
• Understanding of asset management principles
• Experience with Agile delivery methodologies

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver innovative Data Science solutions using data science, ML/AI, open data, and cloud technologies
• Represent the Data Team by owning and being accountable for Data & AI products as well as helping to steer the strategic direction of Data at YW
• Prioritise and deliver data solutions aligned to business needs using teams' ways-of-working
• Translate complex data into actionable insights that drive performance and transformation
• Lead technical excellence through governance, assurance and coaching across the team
• Actively supporting the professional development of data scientists
• Support the business and data science leadership by triaging and undertaking reactive tasks to reduce ODI pressure
• Communicate complex outputs clearly to non-technical stakeholders using visualisation tools and storytelling
• Develop and maintain advanced modelling skills in Python, R, SQL, and cloud platforms
• Align solutions with data strategy and wider transformation programmes
• Horizon scan and embed emerging technologies like AI, Digital Twins, and Open Data
• Represent Yorkshire Water in cross-sector innovation and academic communities

Skills

Python

R

SQL

Azure

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's or MSc in a numerate subject

Tools

Databricks

Open data platforms

Job description

Yorkshire Water is seeking a forward-thinking Senior Data Scientist to lead data and AI initiatives in the IT team. You will work on cutting-edge ML solutions, own strategic data products, and guide stakeholders using evidence-based decisions.

Based in Leeds with a hybrid 37-hour week, you’ll drive performance, sustainability, and innovation by applying Python/R/SQL on Azure/Databricks and collaborating across the business.