Data Scientist

Join to apply for the Data Scientist role at Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.

Joining us, you get to work for not just one high performing London Borough, but two. Kingston and Sutton councils have shared services serving both authorities, with most teams and roles being shared across both. This offers learning from a wider pool of activities and two different political bodies. We work flexibly in Kingston and Sutton, including working from home or flexible patterns, and provide equipment to enable flexibility.

There are exciting initiatives in both boroughs: London Cancer Hub in Sutton and a large housing regeneration programme in Kingston. Both boroughs are committed to tackling the climate emergency and investing in new technologies and societal change.

Kingston is a historic Royal borough on the Thames with strong schools, a vibrant town centre, and green spaces. Sutton is well connected with strong schools, green spaces, and a rich heritage and culture offer.

The Data Scientist(s) will join the corporate data service and help deliver the data strategy. In this role, you will:

• Tackle Big Challenges: Apply data science to help solve issues like social care pressures, resident finances, and homelessness.
• Deliver Insights: Create visualisations and predictions to improve decision-making and understanding of residents.
• Collaborate: Work with diverse stakeholders and data professionals to use data effectively and bring new ideas.
• Innovate: Use modern data technologies and promote a data-driven culture within the Council.

Note: There are two positions available. These are linked grade positions; grade and salary point will be decided based on skills and experience.

We are looking for a creative problem-solver, collaborative and adaptable with a passion for using data for good. You will have:

• Technically Proficient: Expert in Python and SQL, strong data visualisation skills, and the ability to clean, analyse and model large datasets.
• A High-Quality Coder: Produce well-written, understandable, reusable, performance-optimised code.
• A Clear Communicator: Ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences and articulate the value of data projects to senior management.
• Project Delivery Experience: Proven track record of leading data projects and delivering data products or services with limited supervision.
• Continuous Learner: Proactive in self-development and adopting new tools and techniques.
• Impact-Driven: Create insights and predictions that unlock value in public services.
• Data Integrity: Knowledge of data governance, security, and protection regulations for sensitive data.

Supporting Statement
In your supporting statement please describe what motivates you to pursue a data science role within local government, including a specific project where you used data to solve a complex problem (250 to 350 words).

The Data Service is part of a shared Digital & IT service for Kingston and Sutton. Both councils have ambitious transformation programmes dependent on data to improve services and support AI and digital ambitions. The successful candidate will have opportunities to grow and help set direction.

We have data strategies that aim to set data architecture, establish governance, upskill staff, embed new tools, and promote a data-driven culture.

The role reports to the Head of Data.

We offer a supportive, friendly and collaborative environment to grow your career and skills. Benefits include:

• 25-32 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time)
• Enhanced family leave policies
• Three volunteering days per year
• Hybrid/flexible working
• Flexible devices and a learning portal
• Discounts, season ticket loans, LGPS, bicycle loan, Zip car
• Health & wellbeing support

Apply online via the requirements outlined in the job profile and ensure CV details are uploaded correctly. The Council may reserve the right to close the vacancy early when a sufficient number of applications are received. We anonymise applications to reduce bias and are committed to diversity and inclusion.

We are a disability confident employer and guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. We are an accredited London Living Wage employer.

Pay scales are under review in line with NJC pay award applicable from April 2025. Sponsorship for visa and right to work varies by case and is not guaranteed.

• Entry level

• Full-time

• Engineering and Information Technology
• Government Administration