Lead Data Scientist (Data Science and AI) - Insight

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This role is part of HMRC Valuation Office, formerly known as the Valuation Office Agency. We have recently integrated into HMRC. As we continue the transition to our updated HMRC branding, you may still see some VOA logos or references in our advertisements for a temporary period.

HMRC Valuation Office are the public sector's property valuation experts and advisers with a vision to be a world-leading provider of public sector valuations. Our work is vital to the collection of over £60 billion of revenue which goes back into communities, touching every citizen and every business across England and Wales.

Job Description

Role Overview 

A newly established Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DS&AI) for Operations function aims to generate insight, improve operational processes and help the agency meet future demand while improving the quality of our valuations.

You will play a leadership role in driving forwards our aim to position the VO as a practical test bed for operational data science and AI. You will engage with our stakeholders across the department to identify the highest impact areas to work in and lead innovative projects, both internally and collaboratively through our partners and the wider tech sector. As such this role provides you with a fantastic opportunity to shape, develop and expand data science and AI capability across the organisation. This is a leadership role that requires organisation-wide strategic thinking. You will be part of wider HMRC Data science and AI community and collaborate as appropriate.

Within ID&A our work is varied, interesting and most importantly it's impactful. As ID&A we are committed to our values of happiness and growth to build a culture where everyone can thrive.

"I am proud to lead a team of passionate, talented, and committed professionals and I am passionate to make ID&A even better place to work where people enjoy their work and can bring themselves in. ID&A is a highly knowledgeable and, above all, very friendly directorate comprising of 130 members across data, analytical, and other professions, based in various locations across the country. We put a particular focus on learning and development, career development, supporting each other to overcome challenges, learn new skills and creating a culture where innovation is a norm. If you are a strategic thinker with experience of successfully leading on organisation-wide Data Science and AI functions I want to hear from you. We can provide you with a unique opportunity to shape, change and drive Data Science and AI across VO and provide an excellent experience that'll enhance your future career prospects and skills development" - Tetyana Mykhaylyk, Director of Information, Data & Analysis

Key Responsibilities

Established in 2025, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DS&AI) for Operations was created to drive a step-change in how VO Operations use data, analytics and AI to deliver better outcomes. The function works hand-in-hand with operational teams to meet the analytical needs of modern government, from advanced analytics to the responsible adoption of generative AI tools that support day-to-day decision-making and delivery.

The function is currently split across two Grade 6-led partner teams; Lead Data Scientist (Data Science and AI) - Insight and Lead Data Scientist (Data Science and AI) - Enablement. The Lead Data Scientist (Data Science and AI) - Insight is leading on the data science projects which are being carried out, as well as the customer research and insight element of the team utilising the tools and technologies delivered through Enablement.

This trawl is linked to the Lead Data Scientist (Data Science and AI) - Enablement ( reference number 459394) campaign. Where candidates are invited to a SEE and interview for both trawls, a single interview process will apply and candidates will be invited to attend one interview only.

Responsibilities

Working in close partnership with the other Lead Data Scientist (Data Science and AI), you will play a pivotal role in advancing the DS&AI function and shaping the strategic vision for the organisation's use of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence to enhance operational performance. Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Leadership & Vision: Take ownership of the development and direction of DS&AI, setting bold, forward-thinking strategies that will leverage Data Science and AI to deliver improved public services and drive organisational efficiency.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Secure strong engagement, commitment and support from senior leaders and managers, fostering a shared commitment to the DS&AI vision and strategy across all levels of the organisation.
• Team Development: Lead and nurture a high-performing team, providing line management to three Team Leaders and supporting a wider group of seventeen colleagues. Champion professional growth and capability within the team.
• Delivery for Operations: Lead the end-to-end delivery of data science and AI solutions that are embedded into operational services, ensuring ideas move rapidly from concept to live use and deliver measurable benefits for frontline teams.
• Collaboration & Innovation: Work closely with Operations to gain a deep understanding of business needs and challenges, developing practical, innovative solutions that make a meaningful difference across the agency.
• Influential Leadership: Act as a champion for a holistic, organisation-wide approach to data and analysis, promoting a culture of innovation, excellence and inclusivity within the VO.
• Senior Leadership Contribution: Play an active role within the wider ID&A Senior Leadership Team, deputising for the Deputy Director of ID&A when required, and contributing to the strategic direction of the directorate.

To explain more about the job, we are holding a live event on 11th May 2026 at 11:00am (allow 1 hour)via Microsoft Teams for candidates to find out about more:

eventbrite.com/o/valuation-office-agency-36616694113?msockid=03986b8d155d65a708a67ccc14866428

Please note each event will close for new bookings after 5pm the day before the event. You will receive a joining link to access the event by 09:30am on the day of the event.

Person specification

We are looking for a passionate innovative leader who can think strategically and deliver quick wins at pace at the same time with experience in utilising data science and AI to drive operational improvements. We welcome applications from a range of professions.

Essential Requirements 

• A strong track record of shaping and delivering a data science and AI vision into prioritised, outcome-focused operational plans, delivering measurable improvements while navigating complex environments and competing stakeholder priorities.
• Proven ability to secure commitment from senior leaders and operational stakeholders, translating complex analytical or technical concepts into clear, compelling narratives that drive adoption, behaviour change and sustained impact.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver data, analytics or digital products using Agile and iterative delivery methods, balancing innovation with risk, governance and operational realities, and demonstrating delivery of tangible outcomes.
• Demonstrable experience of working in close partnership with operational or delivery functions to ensure analytical and AI solutions are practical, usable, and embedded into day to day processes.
• A visible and enabling leadership style, with experience of building high-performing, inclusive teams, developing leadership capability, and fostering a culture of collaboration, learning and continuous improvement.
• Applied maths, statistics and scientific practices.
  • Significant experience leading applied data science work (e.g. ML, LLMs, predictive modelling, optimisation, risk-based allocation or analytical insight) that has directly improved operational or delivery performance, prioritisation or service outcomes.
• Delivering business impact and innovation.
  • Experience of integrating data science and/or AI with user research, customer insight or business analysis to ensure solutions are evidence - based, user - centred and aligned to real operational and customer needs.

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Changing and Improving

Technical skills

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

• As part of the interview you will be asked technical questions to assess your technical skills.