Data Science and Innovation Team Leader

Are you ready to lead the charge in transforming how advanced data analytics and data science drives decision-making in local government? We’re seeking a visionaryTeam Leader – Data Science and Innovationto shape the future of data science and innovation across the council.

This is a new and high-impact role where you’ll manage a talented team of data specialists, champion cutting-edge technologies, and foster a culture of innovation. You’ll play a key role in advancing the council’s ambition to become a truly data-driven organisation, leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced analytics to improve services for staff and the public.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?
In this key role you will:

• Lead the development and implementation of innovative data science approaches to solve complex local government challenges.
• Manage a team of data professionals, overseeing the creation of advanced data products, models, and visualisations.
• Drive the adoption of new technologies, including large language models and AI, ensuring ethical and effective use.
• Collaborate with senior leaders, universities, and private sector partners to bring external expertise and foster skills transfer.
• Shape strategic investment decisions and develop business cases for future data innovation.
• Represent the Council in regional and national forums, influencing the wider data science agenda.

We encourage you to contact Steve Evans, Head of Corporate Affairs via email at to arrange an informal discussion about the role.

WHAT WILL I NEED?
We are looking for a strategic thinker with strong leadership experience in data science, analytics, or innovation.

You will need:

• A degree in a relevant field such as data management, information technology, data science, or equivalent in related discipline.
• Experience of working on Data Science Projects and applying a range of data models and algorithms to deliver insight.
• A proven ability to manage teams and deliver transformational change through data.
• Deep understanding of programming, statistical modelling, and machine learning.
• A passion for driving continuous improvement and embedding a culture of innovation.

Join us and lead a team that’s transforming how we use data to deliver smarter services and better outcomes for our communities.

BENEFITS AND REWARDS
We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best:

• Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service.
• Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year.
• Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year).
• Hybrid working (home and office working).
• Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options - Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS.
• Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme.
• Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
• Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers).
• Discounted DCC gym membership.
• Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT+, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause.
• Trade Union membership.
• A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits

SOCIAL MEDIA
Don’t see the perfect role for you right now? Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates on new opportunities at Durham County Council!

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dccjobsandcareers/
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/durhamcountycounciljobsandcareers

HYBRID WORKING
Durham County Council currently operates a hybrid working policy where a model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days at home/remote will apply. This model is pro-rated for part time roles and arrangements are at managers discretion, alternatively you can work all of your contracted hours within the workplace if you prefer.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services.

We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process.

Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26899/Equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-our-workforce

INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held week commencing 29 September 2025.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

HOW TO APPLY
In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal.

Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.

If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email on or telephone – Option 3.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION REGARDING YOUR APPLICATION FOR THIS POST WILL BE SENT TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS THAT YOU HAVE REGISTERED WITH NORTH EAST JOBS, INCLUDING YOUR INVITE TO INTERVIEW IF YOU ARE SHORTLISTED. PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL AFTER THE CLOSING DATE FOR NOTIFICATION FROM AS YOU WILL NOT BE NOTIFIED BY ANY OTHER MEANS. PLEASE ENSURE YOU CHECK YOUR JUNK MAIL.

We collect personal information from you when you register with North East Jobs and make an application. Details on how we process your personal data is available in our Privacy Notice https://www.durham.gov.uk/media/24645/Privacy-notice-human-resources/pdf/PrivacyNotice-HR.pdf

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