Location
Kingston Upon Thames, South West London

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£46,968 per annum

About the Role
The Data Scientist(s) will join the corporate data service and play a key role in delivering the data strategy. You will tackle big challenges by applying data science to critical issues such as social care pressures, supporting residents with financial difficulties, and addressing homelessness. You will deliver insights through visualizations and predictions that enhance decision-making and deepen understanding of residents' needs. Collaboration is essential as you will work with diverse stakeholders and data professionals to use data more effectively and introduce innovative ideas. The role encourages the use of modern data technologies and aims to inspire a data-driven culture throughout the Council.
There are two positions available, with grade and salary point determined by skills and experience. The role reports directly to the Head of Data.

The new Data Service is part of a shared Digital & IT service for the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and the London Borough of Sutton. Both councils have ambitious transformation programmes relying on effective data use to improve services. The team supports AI and digital ambitions and offers opportunities to grow, learn, and shape the service direction.

The data strategy focuses on setting a data architecture and platform to facilitate data access and combination, establishing a data governance framework to improve quality and confidence in data products, upskilling analysts and employees, recruiting specialists, embedding new tools and technologies, and promoting a data-driven culture at all levels.

Experience
- Proven track record of leading data projects and delivering data products or services with limited supervision.
- Strong skills in Python and SQL, with expertise in data visualization tools.
- Mathematical and statistical abilities to clean, analyse, and model large, complex datasets.
- Knowledgeable about data governance, security, and protection regulations for sensitive data.

About You
- Creative problem-solver who is collaborative and adaptable.
- High-quality coder producing well-written, understandable, reusable, and optimised code.
- Clear communicator capable of explaining complex technical concepts to diverse audiences and managing stakeholder expectations.
- Passionate about continuous learning, exploring new tools and techniques, and inspiring a data-driven culture.
- Impact-driven, able to create insights and predictions that unlock value and help reimagine public services.

Qualifications
Not explicitly specified, but expertise in relevant technical skills and experience is essential.

Supporting Statement
Applicants are asked to describe their motivation for pursuing a data science role within local government and to provide a specific example of a project or accomplishment where they used data to solve a complex problem or drive a positive outcome (250 to 350 words).