Data Science Lead

About Softwire

Softwire is one of the UK’s leading digital technology consultancies, offering services in software engineering, design, innovation, cloud, mobile and data. We deliver high-profile and cutting-edge digital projects for household names across the public and private sectors.

Softwire was founded on one simple idea: if we can create the best possible culture and working environment then everything else will fall into place. And it seems to be working – we were recently voted number 1 company to work for in the UK at the Best Company awards, and we have a loyal and growing client base who trust us with their hardest problems and their mission critical projects.

We focus on creating a great culture and working environment and we are looking for people who share our core beliefs about what makes a great place to work:

• That if a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing properly.
• That work should be fulfilling but can also be fun.
• That kindness matters and should be extended to employees and clients alike.
• That by being trusting and trustworthy as an organisation and as individuals we can dispense with tedious bureaucracy and rules.

When you work with Softwire, you’re not only becoming part of a team with in-depth technical skills and delivery expertise – you’ll be working in a high-trust environment alongside skilled, kind, fun people who are passionate about creating amazing services and experiences that solve real problems.

In brief 

We’re looking for an experienced data scientist with deep technical knowledge and real-world experience delivering data science outcomes in the UK public or private sectors.

You will be responsible for designing and delivering data science projects for our clients. You’ll also spend time working within Softwire’s technical capability to grow our data science skills and have your say in how Softwire expands in this space.

The role

This role combines hands-on technical work with consultancy and leadership. A Data Science Lead will:

• Scope, design and deliver high-quality data science outcomes for our clients through hands-on expertise and team leadership.
• Drive data science growth across our organisation from a leadership position within our Data & AI capability.
• Work with our Client Directors to explore & shape opportunities from an early stage.
• Mentor and coach junior colleagues.
• Actively contribute to a Softwire community of practice in your area and help to produce relevant thought leadership content.

This is a technical leadership role and does not necessarily include formal line management responsibilities (depending on applicant & skills).

About You

• You are a senior data scientist with experience in at least one of our target sectors (Government & Public Sector, Insurance, Energy & Utilities, Media & Entertainment or Healthcare).
• You have proven expertise in at least one of the following areas:
  • MLOps
  • Predictive analytics
  • Computer Vision
  • Natural Language Processing
• You have expert knowledge of the Python ecosystem and core data science libraries, as well as experience with relevant tooling on major cloud platforms.
• You have a track record designing, training and deploying machine learning models that deliver measurable benefits.
• You take an active interesting in ongoing developments in Data & AI and can speak with authority about current and historical industry trends, placing them into a wide context.
• You have a strong understanding of statistics, bias and AI ethics.
• You are an excellent communicator, able to clearly and confidently explain data science processes, experiments and outcomes to diverse audiences, tailoring your delivery as required.
• You’re excited to take on a leadership role where you’ll use existing skills and knowledge to help us build new business, establish training pathways and nurture career growth in others.
• Prior experience in a consultancy/advisory context is a bonus.

What We Offer

Softwire operates transparent pay scales and a profit share scheme based on role and overall company performance.

• Base salary is based on experience and ranges from £77,800 – £87,400.
• You can expect to receive an average of between £11,500 and £21,750 in profit share depending on your experience and company performance.
• Pension: Additional 5% of salary.
• 25 days annual leave (with the option to buy and sell).
• Time off for company-wide morale events, time off for charitable activities.
• Free annual eye test, income protection, cycle to work, electric vehicle lease schemes, and payroll charity donations.

Flexibility

We are a flexible employer who understand that being committed to a job is not the same as sacrificing everything for it: holiday is holiday; if you need flexibility for life stuff that’s not a problem; and we don’t expect (or want) long hours – we believe in a good work/life balance.

Read here for further details on benefits