Overview
Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland.
Data Science Manager
Are you passionate about harnessing the power of data, advanced analytics, and AI to drive real-world impact? We’re looking for a Data Science Manager to help shape the future of analytics and data science across our organisation, ensuring we stay at the forefront of innovation.
The role
In this role, you’ll drive the vision and strategy for analytics and data science, aligning initiatives with the right technical approaches to deliver real business value. Working closely with the Delivery Manager you will deliver analytics products and ML/AI systems that support operational, tactical, and strategic decision-making. You’ll also play a key part in developing analytics talent and building a high-performing, adaptable team.
What you\'ll do
- You’ll lead the strategic direction and ongoing development of Advanced Analytics & AI across the organisation, guiding the implementation of analytics solutions and deciding on the best approach—whether in-house, co-created, or external—to maximise value.
- Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders, you’ll act as a trusted advisor and champion data-driven decision-making.
- You’ll partner with business, digital, and technology leaders to ensure solutions are business-driven, technically robust, and integrated with core platforms and architecture.
- Your work will include developing advanced asset deterioration models and analytical tools to support tactical asset management decisions, long-term planning, and investment strategies.
- You’ll integrate analytics and AI governance with broader organisational frameworks, including data stewardship, security, and privacy by design.
- You’ll nurture analytics talent, support career development, and build a thriving community of practice.
- Promoting the adoption of analytics and AI tools, you’ll ensure solutions are transparent, interpretable, and embedded in business processes.
- Acting as a technical anchor within cross-disciplinary teams, you’ll enable scalable, sustainable analytics delivery through reusable components and shared capabilities.
What you\'ll bring
- Expertise in data science, advanced analytics, and AI/ML techniques, with practical experience in statistical modelling, machine learning, deep learning, and predictive analytics.
- Strong knowledge of ethical AI principles, data governance, and compliance in regulated environments.
- Experience in asset-intensive or regulated sectors such as utilities or infrastructure is highly desirable.
- Proven track record of leading analytics teams within complex organisations, with excellent strategic leadership, stakeholder influence, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Ability to build and manage high-performing teams, mentor talent, and foster a culture of continuous learning, balancing technical leadership with strategic oversight.
What the role is offering
In return, we offer the opportunity to shape the future of analytics and AI in a leading organisation. You’ll play a key role in major investment and transformation programmes, influencing decisions worth billions, all within a collaborative, innovative environment that supports your professional growth.
Ready to lead the next wave of analytics and AI innovation? Apply now and help us unlock the full potential of data-driven insight across our organisation.
Looking out for you
While the work we do is important, we know it’s not the only thing that matters. That’s why we make sure you have everything you need to find a good work-life balance.
This role will occasionally require you to work outside of normal working hours. But you’ll get plenty of time to recharge with 38 days of holiday every year (including public holidays) - you can even buy five more if you need a little extra time and a truly flexible approach to work/life balance. You can also take time off to volunteer in your community.
When it comes to major life events we have family-friendly policies around adoption, maternity, and parental leave. And for the everyday? We embrace flexible working.
For your future, there’s our defined benefit pension (the ‘know-what-you’ll-get-when-you-retire’ kind), and generous life assurance.
As for some nice extras? You can expect an annual company bonus. There is also access to SW Splash – handy rewards that can save you money on holidays, bills, and shopping.
The post is full time based on 35 hours per week with flexible working hours. Applications from those wishing to apply for any working patterns, or flexible working arrangements are welcome.
The not-so-small print
This is an M1 role in a salary range starting at £66,826. There is also scope for salary progression based on performance. You\'ll be eligible for an annual bonus, a generous monthly car allowance, 38 days annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, which includes life assurance and a career-average pension plan.
If you’re interested in this role – or know someone else who might be - we’ll be accepting applications until midnight on Sunday 9th November 2025,
Job offers at Scottish Water are conditional, and will be confirmed on completion of our pre-employment screening, e.g. referencing, criminal record checks, license checks, etc. Screening is conducted on our behalf by a third party, and must be completed before your start date. Don’t worry - we’ll only start these checks once you’ve accepted an offer.
A few final things worth knowing…
Research shows that some people avoid applying for jobs unless they can meet every single criteria. If you’re interested in this job, but don’t tick all the boxes, apply anyway! We hardly ever hire people who can do every part of a job from Day One. Everyone has a learning curve. So don’t rule yourself out!
Let us know if there are any changes we can make to our recruitment process to help you perform at your best. Lots of our people have disabilities or neurodiverse conditions (including some of our recruiters!). We\'re also aware that some people might be experiencing temporary challenges because of life events, like menopause. We’re very used to making adjustments, so please don’t be afraid to ask.
As part of our commitment to developing a flourishing Scotland, it’s important that all our employees are Scottish taxpayers. If you join us, your home address will need to be in Scotland. If you don’t already live here, you\'ll need to commit to moving here within your first three months.
Please note, Scottish Water takes the safety, health and wellbeing of our employees, colleagues and customers very seriously and as such you may be subject to Drug & Alcohol testing in line with our policy.
Finally (finally!), candidates who haven’t submitted an application in the last 12 months will have their records removed from our recruitment database. You won’t need to do anything. Your data will be automatically deleted.
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