Lead Data Scientist

As part of the development of our Digital Services function, we are recruiting to strengthen our internal digital capability. These roles are central to building sustainable in-house expertise that supports the design, development, and delivery of digital solutions across the transport network.

A key focus of this campaign is creating new opportunities. As a result, we are recruiting a Lead Date Scientist to play a leading role in shaping the future of digital services across National Highways.

Our Digital Lab develops and manages innovative data products and services in-house, while building strategic external partnerships that increase adoption of our digital assets to improve customer journeys and support the efficient operation of the Strategic Road Network.

As Lead Data Scientist you  will work with teams across National Highways, our partners and stakeholders to analyse data, understand where data science can add value and lead the design/development of data products and services.  You will create compelling evidence-based and actionable data stories to drive improved decision-making.

This is a hybrid role, requiring two days per week in the office, based at any National Highways office location.

• Provide leadership and direction across a programme of multidisciplinary data science projects, managing resources to ensure delivery. 


• Source, access, manipulate and engineer data processes with data that typically have characteristics of volume, velocity and variety.


• Develop & apply technical and analytical standards from National Highways, government and industry. 


• Explore and visualise data to present the ‘story’ in a meaningful way, to a range of technical and non-technical audiences.


• Propagate data science skills within and across teams, understanding the variety of functional roles relating to data science and how they can be most effectively applied to solve business problems.

About you. 

• Ability to develop, code, test, correct and document programmes or scripts. 


• Excellent working knowledge of applied maths, statistics, and scientific practices with broad knowledge of how and when to practically apply existing best practice solutions. 


• Good ability to work with Data Engineers to map, produce, transform, and test new data feeds for data owners and consumers, selecting the most appropriate tools and technologies. 


• Experience with supporting teams applying a range of techniques to analyse data and provide insight.


• Excellent ability to present analysis and visualisations in clear ways to communicate complex messages.

About us.

Here at National Highways, we manage and improve England’s motorways and major A roads, helping our customers have safer, smoother and more reliable journeys. Our priorities are safety, customers and delivery, and at the core of this, are our values of passion, integrity, safety, teamwork and ownership. 

The Digital Services Directorate is helping to reshape the way National Highways operates by delivering digital, data, and technology services across all areas, from frontline to back office, in a modern and efficient manner. Our vision is to develop integrated information and technology that empowers our colleagues and provides real-time information to our customers, as well as integrating with intelligent vehicle and transport systems as they evolve, to enhance journey safety and reliability. 

External candidates will be offered a starting salary at the lower end of the pay scale, while current employees will be appointed in accordance with our established pay policy. 

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.