Head of Analytical Data Science

UPDATE – This campaign will now close on Sunday 12th November at 23:55pm.

This is a new SCS1 Deputy Director role demonstrating the commitment DBT has to being a forward-looking department that embraces innovative data science approaches. As the Head of Analytical Data Science for the Department for Business and Trade, you will be directly responsible for a division of analytical data scientists, currently 10 but growing to around 15 staff. The team acts as a consultancy, applying data science analytical approaches (e.g. machine learning, natural language processing, agent-based modelling) to support business, trade and investment policy and developing tools to put the power of these data science techniques into the hands of others. 

As the leader of this group, you will be responsible for shaping the next stage of development of this talented team engaging with colleagues to engender change and innovation and ensuring insights are accessible to decision-makers at all levels. You will also have wider cross departmental responsibilities for innovation, data science, data visualisation, coding and automation and supporting capability building in all of these areas. You will also work closely with the Chief Data Office on data governance for the department. You will need to be a visible and inspiring leader across DBT and the wider government analysis community. This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on the economy, using cutting-edge methods to drive positive change for one of the government’s top priorities. 

As the Head of Analytical Data Science, you will be expected to be an expert in your field. You will have a deep understanding of the latest data science techniques and tools, and you will be able to apply them to real-world problems related to business and trade with a track record in delivery with a focus on making a strong and measurable impact. You will understand and be able to champion data governance principles. You will also be able to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and you will be comfortable presenting your work to senior decision-makers. 

We are looking for a high-quality candidate from the public or private sector who is passionate about using data and data science to make a difference. If you have a track record of leading data science teams to deliver innovative solutions, and if you are committed to using your skills to support economic recovery, then we would love to hear from you.

Working closely with the Chief Data Officer, colleagues across Analysis and DDaT (Digital, Data and Technology) profession, you will help to shape the way we use our data, create a data-driven culture and ensure the right data governance framework is place for the department.

You will directly lead a division of around 15 incredibly talented data scientists from a range of analytical backgrounds but also be responsible for the professional development of the cadre of analytical data scientists who are embedded in other analytical and policy teams and alongside the Chief Data Officer support and develop the wider data science community that encompasses both analytical and DDaT data science. You will be responsible for engaging, nurturing and developing their capabilities as well as attracting talent into the department. 

You will need to be an exceptional leader as well as someone who understands the worlds of data and analysis.

Key Responsibilities 

• Leading work to develop and implement an analytical data science strategy for the department. Through partnership with analytical and policy colleagues delivers innovative data science analysis and tools to draw insights from a rich variety of datasets to enhance the quality of policy development. Improve the quality, efficiency and impact of analysis across DBT by developing data science skills;
• Leading the Analytical Data Science division to provide excellent advanced analytical support across the department to ensure that DBT policy is data-driven, and that insights are developed and communicated effectively and with impact; 
• Developing and maintaining strategic partnerships beyond DBT to support collaboration , ensure that we are continuing to use cutting edge tools and techniques and provide leadership to data science teams across Government;
• Develop and provide professional leadership for the Analytical Data Science community at DBT. Collaborate with colleagues across the wider DBT Data and Analysis group to ensure that they can tap into this community to make the best use of new data sources and data science techniques, supporting capability development (in particular around coding and data visualisation) and championing data governance; 
• Leading work with Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) colleagues to influence the department’s technology stack and ensure that analytical platforms and tools meet the developing needs to DBT analysts;
• Providing leadership, professional oversight, and line management to the team, strengthening their capacity and skills and driving innovation that has a positive impact for DBT; 
• Being a proactive member of the Senior Civil Service within DBT, working closely with colleagues to promote data- driven decision-making and innovation across all relevant areas; and
• Creating an inclusive culture where all ideas and team members are valued and encouraged. 

Essential Criteria

• Experience of leading substantial data science programmes and championing data innovation, data science and data governance within complex stakeholder environments with evidence of senior stakeholder engagement; 
• A proven track record of leading high performing teams to deploy strong analytical and data skills, with evidence of informing and supporting decision making in a complex policy and/or operational context; 
• Experience of being an exceptional and inclusive leader – supporting, motivating, and developing a diverse team of analytical data scientists to deliver a brilliant service, with a strong track record of building capability and developing people; 
• Excellent communication skills and experience working with senior stakeholders to maximise impact and identify the value and limitations of data science solutions, as well as experience of collaborative work with other teams to delivery shared objectives and build networks across the data science community;
• Expert knowledge and experience of data science either within government or across other sectors and technical expertise in a range of cutting-edge techniques and applications. 

Desirable Criteria 

• Hold a degree in a numerate discipline, computer science or IT equivalent.
• A proven track record of delivering analytical projects.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

As part of accepting this role you will be agreeing to the expected assignment duration set out above.
This will not result in a contractual change to your terms and conditions.
Please note this is an expectation only, it is not something which is written into your terms and
conditions or indeed which the employing organisation or you are bound by. It will depend on your
personal circumstances at a particular time and business needs, for example, would not preclude any
absence like family friendly leave. It is nonetheless an important expectation, which is why we ask you
to confirm you agree to the assignment duration set out above.

Job contact :

• Name : SCS Recruitment Team
• Email : SCSRecruitment@businessandtrade.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : SCSRecruitment@businessandtrade.gov.uk