The Role

About the Role

As the Lead Data Scientist for Wandsworth and Richmond Councils you will scope, manage, and deliver data science projects, take an active role in the implementation of our data and analytics strategy and action plan, and contribute towards advancing Richmond and Wandsworth Councils’ data maturity. You will have the unique opportunity to see the positive impact your work has on residents’ lives.

• We are still in early stages of adopting data science. The postholder will lead data projects and inspire colleagues to adopt data and analytics to deliver for residents. Plan, manage and deliver complex data science projects, including negotiating scope and outputs, data access, timescales etc.
• Develop data products using expert understanding of data science techniques to solve novel and unique business problems
• Lead and inspire the uptake of best practices for data management, tools for analyses and improvements in data quality
• Work closely with IT, data engineers and architect, data scientists and others to resolve data quality and data access issues, actively contribute towards development and upkeep of data platform etc.
• Promote and drive the development and uptake of predictive analytics.
• Support other data scientists, within the team and other areas, and data science apprentices through  bespoke training, mentoring, and supervising projects.  
• Stay on top of developments in the field of data science (particularly within local government)
• Build and develop relationships within the organisations and externally to support the achievement of team objectives, data acquisition and identify areas where data science can bring about improvements 

About the team

The role will be based within the corporate Insight and Analytics Team, which includes data scientists, intelligence analysts, analyst support officers and a data projects officer.

The team’s vision is to enable Council leaders and colleagues to make informed decisions and implement transformative and innovative ways of working by providing insightful analyses and innovative data solutions to deliver high-quality services for residents.

We are a very supportive and collaborative team. Our management are also strongly behind us in advancing data and analytics.

Ideal Candidate

• Strong quantitative background, skilled at the intersection of analysis, data science and data engineering
• Passion for advancing the use of data and data science skills and techniques by identifying and removing barriers, building partnerships, and inspiring uptake by demystifying complex concepts
• Skilled coder with advanced proficiency in using R and/or Python to manipulate and transform data and perform advanced analytical and data science tasks
• Accomplished implementing machine learning & forecasting algorithms to build, validate and evaluate interpretable models, answering complex questions and delivering greater insight for services
• Proficient designing and developing scalable and reproducible data pipelines within cloud
• IaaS/PaaS environments, delivering data models process automation to agreed standards
• Excellent communicator and able to explain findings to non-technical audiences through reports, presentations, dashboards and data visualisations.
• Able to work independently and in a team to deliver on complex tasks
• Experienced leading the development of data-driven solutions, codesigned with key stakeholders, through business understanding
• Strong prioritisation and time management and project management skills, able to scope and negotiate and deliver complex analytical projects
• 2-4 years of experience as a data scientist or a similar advanced analytics role

Flexible Working

At Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, we care more about how you work and what you achieve, rather than where you work on any given day. The difference you can make to our local communities is what really matters most to us, service delivery must always come first. We have carefully considered agile ways of working to provide the best experience for residents, stakeholders and our staff. Our agile working strategy actively supports and encourages a dynamic work environment and daily working experience. Agile working helps put the needs of our staff at the centre of everything we do, so if specific flexible working arrangements helps you with this, feel free to let us know.

Your wellbeing and the flexible way in which you can work is and will remain a key priority for Richmond and Wandsworth Councils. We want you to thrive and feel empowered in your work!

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working including, working from home, compressed or part-time hours, term time only, job shares and other arrangements. Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

Benefits

We also offer a generous holiday allowance of 31 paid days (pro rata) plus bank holidays and a wide range of learning and development opportunities.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts with many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

Closing Date:  31 July 2022

Test Date:  4th August  2022

Interview Date: 9th August 2022   

For further information please contact the recruitment@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk 

Useful Information:

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Please note that the advertised dates for interviews may change. If they do, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information:

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils