Joint Head of Data Science

Job summary

Are you passionate about data science, AI and analysis?

Are you an innovator who is driven to use data to bring about the next generation of transport decision making?

Are you an experienced and effective leader of technical teams?

Then we’d love for you to apply for this job!

In this role you will drive forward the use of data science and make DfT a leading department in the use of AI. You will engage our stakeholders both inside and outside of the Department to identify the highest impact areas to work in and lead innovative projects that will improve decision making and drive efficiencies in transport.

AI and Data Science is split across three G6-led partner teams: the Head(s) of Data Science overseeing our internal technical programme, and the Head of AI Delivery and Engagement leading on governance, policy and engagement, with both supported by the Head of Human Centric AI programme to identify opportunities and understand our impact.

As our remit and activity has grown, we are now looking to expand our leadership team, to provide technical leadership to our programme and to the wider transport community. Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the King’s birthday
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Find out more about what it's like working at: Policy opportunities at the Department for Transport - Department for Transport Careers.

Job description

The Advanced Analytics Division (AAD) is central to DfT’s work on AI, data science, digital twins, advanced modelling, and systems thinking. As a multidisciplinary part of the Analysis Directorate, the team drives innovation to tackle complex challenges, combining specialist expertise, rapid response capability, and external collaboration. AAD also develops capability through accelerator programmes. The division operates across London, Hastings, Leeds, and Birmingham, drawing professionals from GORS, GSS, GSE, and DDaT.

Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:

• Joint leadership of the AI and Data Science team.
• Leading and managing innovative data science and AI projects, including:
• Engaging with DfT and external stakeholders to identify high impact projects aligned to organisational priorities, understanding the organisational and user needs and translate these into technical solutions.
• Building data science and technical capability and community across DfT, our agencies and Arm’s Length Bodies, and the wider sector. Including:
• Proactively seeking out opportunities to collaborate or support.
• Investigating new frameworks and tools, developing your skills, and building capability in the team.

Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need. We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.

For further information on the role, please read the role profile.Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Person specification

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

You will need to have experience of:

• The application of AI and data science to improving efficiency and decision making. Including technical expertise across areas of:

1. Programming: involving data cleaning, manipulation and analysis that supports institutional goals. [Noting the team primarily works in Python and SQL.]
2. Analytical mindset: Using a range of data sources, analytical tools and techniques, including data interpretation, statistical uncertainty and understanding assumptions.
3. Presenting outputs and analysis: including high quality data visualisations and/or interactive tools;
4. Understanding the ethical considerations of potential data science approaches, and the legislation applicable in this area, e.g.: GDPR, DPA. Awareness of existing Government and other frameworks.

• Leading technical teams to deliver in a complex or cross-cutting, multi-professional / multi-functional environment.
• Taking a whole lifecycle view of data science projects, and managing the move from development to deployment, maintenance and end of life.
• Engaging with stakeholders to understand their needs and to identify opportunities for data science, machine learning and AI.
• Bringing together communities and networks, and building capability, across areas or sectors.

Additional Information

The successful candidate must either hold or be willing to work towards the Government Project Delivery Accreditation once in role.

You will be required to undertake the Foundation e-learning module of the Contract Management Capability programme once in role, unless this accreditation is already held.

The role is part of the Government Digital and Data (or Government Security Profession Career Framework) profession and utilises an enhanced Capability–Based Pay Framework which provides access to a Digital and Data allowance.

The base pay is £69,501 (National) - £74,535 (London). In addition to this the role includes a Digital and Data allowance of up to £28,560.

The value of allowance awarded will be based on an assessment of your skills and experience as demonstrated through the selection process. Here are more details on the pay framework.

This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.

The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (one of the locations cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location/visiting stakeholders. Your designated workplace will be your contractual place of work. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation.

This role may involve travel to other offices, which could involve overnight stays.

If you have a question about hybrid working, part time/job share hours, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role (see below for contact details).

Visa Sponsorship

DfTc does not offer Visa Sponsorship for this role.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Working Together

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• DDaT - Data Scientist - currently under the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework.

Benefits

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
• Access to the staff discount portal.
• Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
• Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Find out more about the benefits of working at DfT and its agencies (opens in a new window).

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

How to Apply:

Our selection process ensures a comprehensive assessment of each applicant's qualifications, skills, and potential fit within our organisation.

The selection process for this role will be:

Stage 1: Sift of CV, Personal Statement and a Behaviour

Stage 2: Interview

You must be successful at each stage to progress to the next stage.

Stage 1: Sift

At sift, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile elements:

Behaviour – you will be asked to provide a 250-word statement on the following Behaviour: Working Together.

You are also asked to provide a CV (Unlimited word count) and a Personal Statement (1250-word count). Please provide evidence of your Experience of the following:

• The application of AI and data science to improving efficiency and decision making. Including technical expertise across areas of:

1. Programming: involving data cleaning, manipulation and analysis that supports institutional goals. [Noting the team primarily works in Python and SQL.]
2. Analytical mindset: Using a range of data sources, analytical tools and techniques, including data interpretation, statistical uncertainty and understanding assumptions.
3. Presenting outputs and analysis: including high quality data visualisations and/or interactive tools;
4. Understanding the ethical considerations of potential data science approaches, and the legislation applicable in this area, e.g.: GDPR, DPA. Awareness of existing Government and other frameworks.

• Leading technical teams to deliver in a complex or cross-cutting, multi-professional / multi-functional environment.
• Taking a whole lifecycle view of data science projects, and managing the move from development to deployment, maintenance and end of life.
• Engaging with stakeholders to understand their needs and to identify opportunities for data science, machine learning and AI.
• Bringing together communities and networks, and building capability, across areas or sectors.

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead Success Profile element, Behaviour - Working Together. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

The sift will take place week commencing Monday 20th July 2026.

Stage 2: Interview

At interview stage, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile elements:

• Behaviours – Leadership, Working Together and Developing Self and Others
• Technical – DDaT - Data Scientist - currently under the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework. You can read more about the framework here

You will also be required to create and deliver a presentation to assess one Behaviour & the Technical framework listed above. Guidance will be provided if you are invited to interview.

The interviews will take place from Wednesday 5th August 2026.

This interview will be conducted in person at our London office (33 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 4DR). Further details will be provided to you should you be selected for interview.

Please note that we will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change

Further information on the selection process

For more information about how we hire, useful tips on submitting your application and interview guidance for this role, visit theHow We Hire page of our DfT Careers website. You can find detailed information about the recruitment process and what to expect when applying for a role.

We will also hold a 12-month reserve list for this role, which may lead to potential opportunities beyond the role you applied for. You can read more about our reserve lists here.

During your application, you should indicate which location(s) you wish to be considered for and, if successful, you will be placed on an individual list of candidates for each location. Candidates will be held on that list and drawn from it in merit order. We advise you to carefully consider which locations you wish to be considered for. If you decline an offer for a location you have expressed a preference in or have expressed an interest in more than one location and accept an offer, you will be withdrawn from any lists you may be held on. We may also offer candidates a location that they have not expressed a preference for where we have the requirement to do so but this will again be done on the basis of your place in the overall merit order and, in this event, you will not be removed from the list if you decline.

Reasonable Adjustments

As a Disability Confident Leader employer, we are committed to ensuring that the recruitment process is fair, accessible and allows all candidates to perform at their best. If a person with a visible or non-visible disability is substantially disadvantaged, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need during the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at an interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

If you need a reasonable adjustment so that you can complete your application, you should contact Government Recruitment Service via dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Document Accessibility

This job advert contains links to the DfT Careers website. Our website provides useful guidance and information that can support you during the application process. If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert or the information on our website, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

Pre-employment Checking

If your application is successful but you have been dismissed from the Civil Service, your application could be removed at the pre-employment checking stage depending on the nature of the dismissal.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

All external applicants and current employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) will be required to undergo a Social Media Check. A Social Media Check is a review of your publicly available online activity, typically across platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and others. The purpose is to identify any public posts or content that could raise concerns for employers, such as:

• Hate speech or discriminatory behaviour
• Threats or acts of violence
• Illegal activity or substance misuse
• Sexually explicit material
• Extremist views or affiliations

Importantly, this check does not involve hacking into your accounts or accessing private messages. It only considers content you have chosen to make public. Employers use this kind of screening to help ensure their workplace remains safe, inclusive, and aligned with company values. It’s not about judging your personality or lifestyle - it’s about checking for potential red flags that might affect the role or company culture. If you have questions or concerns about the social media check, we would be happy to explain in more detail what’s being looked at and how your data is handled securely and fairly.

Feedback

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : George Economides
• Email : george.economides@dft.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Government Recruitment Services via email: dftrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website Here

Attachments

Role Profile Opens in new window (pdf, 328kB)