Location
London Borough of Sutton, The Old Rectory, Festival Walk, Carshalton.

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£58,461 per annum

About the Role
Join a unique opportunity to work across two high performing London Boroughs – Kingston and Sutton – through their shared Digital & IT service. This new Data Service supports ambitious transformation programmes that rely on effective data use to gain insights and improve council services for residents. As a Data Scientist, you will play a key role in delivering the data strategy, supporting AI and digital ambitions, and helping to build a data-driven culture across both councils.

You will tackle significant challenges such as social care pressures, financial hardship, and homelessness by applying data science techniques. Your work will involve creating visualisations and predictive models that enhance decision-making and deepen understanding of residents’ needs. Collaboration with diverse stakeholders and data professionals will be essential to innovate and embed modern data technologies.

Kingston and Sutton councils offer flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working and support for home working, with the necessary equipment provided. Both boroughs are engaged in exciting initiatives such as the London Cancer Hub in Sutton and a major housing regeneration programme in Kingston, alongside strong commitments to tackling the climate emergency.

About the Boroughs
Kingston is a historic Royal borough on the Thames with excellent schools, vibrant retail, and extensive green spaces like Richmond Park. Sutton is a well-connected, attractive London borough known for its excellent schools, green open spaces, and rich heritage. Both councils are led by Liberal Democrat administrations with ambitious plans to create inclusive, vibrant communities.

Working here means being part of a supportive, collaborative environment that encourages creativity, ambition, and putting residents at the heart of everything you do.

Our Offer to You
We are committed to nurturing talent and supporting your career growth in a friendly and dynamic environment. Benefits include:
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 25-32 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time)
- Enhanced family leave options
- Three volunteering days per year in Kingston
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Learning and development opportunities
- Discounts on local shops, gyms, and leisure centres
- Interest-free season ticket loans
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Bicycle loan and cycle to work schemes
- Zip car scheme
- Confidential health, wellbeing, and counselling support

Application Process
Please apply online with a supporting statement addressing the question: "What motivates you to pursue a data science role within local government? Please describe a specific project or accomplishment from your professional experience where you used data to solve a complex problem or drive a positive outcome. (250 to 350 words)" Applications without this statement will not be considered.

We value authenticity and expect personalised responses. We embrace AI tools but reserve the right to reject applications that rely solely on AI-generated content without personal input. Our recruitment process promotes transparency and diversity, anonymising applications to reduce bias and encouraging diverse interview panels.

The closing date is indicative; early application is advised as we may close the vacancy once sufficient applications are received.

Diversity and Inclusion
We are proud to be a diverse and welcoming employer, committed to reflecting the communities we serve. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups and guarantee interviews for disabled applicants meeting the essential criteria. We offer inclusive employment policies, flexible working, staff engagement forums, and networks supporting diversity.

Additional Information
We are an accredited London Living Wage Employer. Sponsorship for work visas is considered on a case-by-case basis and is subject to eligibility and budget.

Experience
- Proven track record of leading data projects and delivering data products or services with limited supervision.
- Experience applying data science techniques to solve complex problems and deliver actionable insights.
- Skilled in Python and SQL with strong data visualisation capabilities.
- Knowledge of data governance, security, and protection regulations for sensitive data.

About You
- Creative problem-solver with a passion for using data for public good.
- Collaborative and adaptable team player.
- High-quality coder producing well-written, optimised, and reusable code.
- Clear communicator able to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences and manage stakeholder expectations.
- Continuous learner enthusiastic about exploring new tools and inspiring a data-driven culture.
- Impact-driven, able to create insights that unlock value and help reimagine public services.

Qualifications
Not explicitly stated, but technical proficiency in Python, SQL, data visualisation tools, and strong mathematical/statistical skills are required.