[Apply Now] Head of Data Science ...

TieTalent
Reading
2 days ago
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At Thames Water, we make a daily difference to our 16million customers by supplying 2.6 billion litres of water through32,000 km of pipes, keeping taps flowing and toilets flushing. Wedeliver life's essential services so our customers, communities,and the environment can thrive. As the UK’s largest water company,we are taking action for a new world of water - fixing the problemsof today and building resilience for tomorrow. We are seeking aHead of Data Science to establish, lead and grow our Data Sciencepractice, including the Centre of Excellence (CoE) and oversee thedeployment of machine learning, predictive analytics, anddata-driven decision-making across the business. In this pivotalrole, you will provide strategic leadership to your team and otherteams in a hub-and-spoke model, ensuring that embedded datascientists within business units are aligned with centralised bestpractices and frameworks. What you’ll be doing as Head of DataScience Strategic Leadership Define and drive the data sciencestrategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives andoperational excellence. Establish the Data Science Centre ofExcellence (CoE) to standardise methodologies and fostercollaboration across business units.Machine Learning & AIImplementation Oversee the design, development, and deployment ofmachine learning and AI models, ensuring scalability and real-worldapplicability in areas like predictive maintenance, leakagedetection, and customer analytics.Team Leadership &Hub-and-Spoke Model Lead the core data science team and provideoversight to embedded data scientists across departments, ensuringadherence to best practices, standardisation, and qualitycontrol.Innovation & Research Stay at the forefront of AI andadvanced analytics trends, evaluating emerging technologies fortheir applicability to Thames Water. Foster a culture of continuousimprovement and knowledge sharing.Data Monetisation & Open DataLeadership Identify opportunities to generate revenue from dataassets and insights while promoting open data initiatives thatencourage transparency and sector-wide collaboration.StakeholderEngagement & Communication Collaborate with senior leaders toinfluence strategic decision-making with data-driven insights.Translate complex data concepts into actionable businessstrategies.Data Governance & Ethics Ensure compliance withGDPR, Ofwat regulations, and ethical AI frameworks whileproactively establishing an organisational approach to responsibleAI, bias mitigation, and explainability.Capability Building &Upskilling Develop training and mentorship programmes to enhancethe analytical skills of both technical and non-technical teams,embedding a data-driven culture throughout the business.Baselocation: Clearwater Court, Reading - Hybrid Full Time - 36 hoursper week.This is a hybrid role with an expectation to be in theoffice at least 1-2 times a week or ad-hoc as and whenrequired.What you should bring to the role Data Science & AILeadership – Proven experience in leading data science teams,ideally in a utility, engineering, or infrastructure-heavyenvironment.Hub-and-Spoke Model Experience – Experience managingboth centralised and embedded data science teams in a hub-and-spokemodel, ensuring cross-functional collaboration and knowledgesharing.Strategic Influence – Experience shaping and deliveringstrategic AI and analytics initiatives that drive measurablebusiness impact.Cross-functional Collaboration – Ability to workeffectively with engineering, operations, IT, and customer teams todeliver value-driven analytics solutions.Open Data & DataMonetisation - Proven experience in developing data-drivenmonetisation strategies while advocating for open data transparencyto drive industry collaboration.Significant experience in datascience, machine learning, and analytics, with a proven trackrecord of technical leadership, strategic influence, and businessimpact.Essential Technical Skills & Qualifications AdvancedAnalytics & ML Deployment – Expertise in Python, R, or similar,with strong proficiency in cloud-based AI/ML services (Azure ML,Databricks, etc.).Big Data & Cloud Platforms – Strongunderstanding of data architecture, cloud solutions, and real-timeanalytics.Statistical & Predictive Modelling – Deep knowledgeof statistical methods, machine learning algorithms, and AItechniques relevant to large-scale operational environments.DataVisualisation & BI – Ability to convey insights through toolslike Power BI, SAP Analytics Cloud, or similar.Data Governance& Compliance – Familiarity with GDPR, ethical AI frameworks,and regulatory constraints in the utility sector.What’s in it foryou? Competitive salary up to £115,000 per annum, depending onexperience.26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with thelength of service. (plus bank holidays)Car Allowance.AnnualBonus.Generous Pension Scheme through AON.Private Medical HealthCare.Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you andyour family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annualhealth MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycleto Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.Find out moreabout our benefits and perks Who are we? We’re the UK’s largestwater and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customersrelying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets.We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers,communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job andwe’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate andskilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us towhere we want to be in the years and decades to come. Learn moreabout our purpose and values Working at Thames Water Thames Wateris a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every dayyou can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of ourfamily, you’ll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexibleworking arrangements and excellent benefits.Whether you’reinterested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs,we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burningdesire to make things better. So, if you’re looking for asustainable and successful career where you can make a dailydifference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protectthe world's water for future generations, we’ll be here to supportyou every step of the way. Together, we can build a better futurefor our customers, our region and our planet. Real purpose, realsupport, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family.Why choose us? Learn more. Our overarching aim is to ensure thatThames Water is ga reat, diverse, and inclusive place to work. Wewelcome applications from everyone and offer extra support forthose who need it throughout the recruitment process. We aim toremove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you needassistance, we’re here to help and support. When a crisis happens,we all rally around to support our customers. As part of TeamThames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support ourcustomers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will begiven for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience.It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business andmeet colleagues. Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applicationswe receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertiseddate, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoiddisappointment #J-18808-Ljbffr

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