Head of Data Science and AI

Talent
London
3 weeks ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Head of Data Science and AI

Data Scientist Genomic Epidemiology - Pathogen

Head of Data Science

Head of Data Science

Head of Data Science

Staff Data Scientist

• 12 month contract within the public sector

• Hybrid working (3 days per week onsite) – Somerset base

• £1200 per day Inside IR35

• Active SC Clearance required


Head of Data Science and AI


Our public sector client is looking for a Head of Data Science and AI to join them to lead a team of data scientists and work with the team and stakeholders to build team capability and skills, ensure clear team objectives, and support with successful project delivery. You will provide organisational leadership on responsible AI governance, the use of commercial AI applications, and procurement of third-party products. Keeping the wider organisation informed about progress, advances in AI, and future possibilities is expected.

As the Head of Data Science and AI you will be responsible for building strong relationships with senior leadership and executives, educating them in the steps required to capitalise on the benefits of data science and AI in a safe and responsible way. You will oversee the building and maintaining of relationships with external parties, such as other government departments or outsourced delivery capability. You must be a strong communicator who can explain complex topics effectively to a wide audience.


Skills and Experience


  • Expert level knowledge of data science and machine learning, including a range of different techniques such as supervised (e.g. decision trees, random forests), unsupervised (e.g. clustering), and deep learning. Knowledge of generative AI is desirable.
  • Expert level of knowledge of statistics, applied mathematics and scientific analysis, with demonstrable experience of using a variety of techniques to deliver organisational benefits
  • Expert level knowledge of exploratory data analysis and statistical analysis of large datasets.
  • Practitioner knowledge of Machine Learning Ops and A/B testing different models
  • Practitioner knowledge of responsible and ethical AI practices
  • Practitioner skills in a scientific programming language such as Python, R, C++.
  • Experience of innovating and solving business problems through the application of data science or machine learning
  • Ability to think critically and break down complex challenges into addressable projects
  • Experience of measuring benefits of data science solutions and road-mapping improvements
  • Experience of leading projects with multiple contributors or leading teams
  • Experience of mentoring and developing data scientists


Day to Day


  • Delivering efficiency and customer benefits using data science and AI
  • Strategising on the responsible use of data science and AI for automation or new insights
  • Working with stakeholders to prioritise data science, AI and automation projects
  • Driving operationalisation of data science and machine learning by guiding on effective experimentation, deployment of solutions, monitoring of performance, and scaling
  • Team leadership and development for a team of data scientists, including technical and project guidance
  • Line management of Principal Data Scientists and setting objectives for the data science team
  • Working with Technology division senior leadership peers will contribute to the strategic direction of the function
  • Staying up to date with government guidance on the responsible use of AI and translating this into best practise


Next Steps

If you have the relevant skills and experience, and are interested in finding out more about this role, please apply with your up to date CV and I will endeavour to get back to you.

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Top 10 Best UK Universities for AI Degrees (2025 Guide)

Discover the ten best UK universities for Artificial Intelligence degrees in 2025. Compare entry requirements, course content, research strength and industry links to choose the right AI programme for you. Artificial Intelligence continues to transform industries—from healthcare to finance to transportation. The UK leads the way in AI research and education, with several universities consistently ranked among the world’s best for Computer Science. Below, we spotlight ten UK institutions offering strong AI-focused programmes at undergraduate or postgraduate level. While league tables shift year to year, these universities have a track record of excellence in teaching, research, and industry collaboration.

How to Write a Winning Cover Letter for AI Jobs: Proven 4-Paragraph Structure

Learn how to craft the perfect cover letter for AI jobs with this proven 4-paragraph structure. Perfect for junior developers and career switchers. When applying for an AI job, your cover letter can make all the difference. For many, the process of writing a cover letter for an AI position can be daunting, especially when there are so few specific guides for tailoring it to the industry. However, a clear, effective structure combined with AI-specific language and examples can help you stand out from the competition. Whether you're a junior entering the field or a mid-career professional switching to AI, the following framework will make it easier for you to craft a compelling cover letter. In this article, we’ll take you through a proven four-paragraph structure that works and provide sample lines that you can adapt to your personal experience.

Veterans in Tech: A Military‑to‑Civilian Pathway into AI Jobs

Published on ArtificialIntelligenceJobs.co.uk – empowering the UK talent pipeline for artificial intelligence, data, and robotics. Introduction Leaving the Armed Forces is both a proud milestone and a daunting leap into the unknown. Whether you served with the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force or Royal Marines, one thing is certain: the skills you forged under pressure are in high demand—especially in the booming field of artificial intelligence (AI).  The UK’s AI market is expected to contribute £400 billion to the economy by 2030, with defence and security applications at its core. Employers from start‑ups to FTSE‑100 giants are crying out for disciplined professionals who understand mission‑critical environments. Ex‑service personnel fit the bill perfectly. This guide maps the military‑to‑civilian journey, signposts Ministry of Defence (MoD) transition programmes, and shows you exactly how to land your first AI role. Quick Win: Bookmark our live listings for Machine Learning Engineer roles to see which employers are hiring right now.