Principal Data Scientist

Overview

Interview dates: 28 and 29 May (in person)

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) make final decisions on complaints about UK Government departments and the NHS in England. Our work deals with complex, often sensitive issues, where decisions must be fair, well‑reasoned and backed by evidence. The insight we produce helps identify where public services fall short and supports real improvement.

At PHSO analysis matters. Evidence is closely examined, decisions are open to challenge, and methods must stand up to scrutiny. For a Senior Data Scientist, this means working in an environment where explainability, ethics and sound methodology are essential, not optional. There is space to influence how data science and AI are used responsibly in a highly accountable setting.

Based in Manchester City centre, we offer flexibility built on trust and a culture that values independence, fairness, transparency, excellence and doing the right thing. If you want to apply your expertise to complex, real‑world problems and see your work shape decisions that affect people’s lives, we offer purpose, challenge and genuine impact.

The role

As Principal Data Scientist, you will provide leadership across data science and advanced analytics, ensuring insight is used effectively, ethically and transparently to support decision‑making and service improvement.

You will oversee complex analysis, set standards, and ensure quality in statistical modelling, machine learning, and experimental methods. Working closely with senior leaders and multidisciplinary teams, you will translate complex problems into clear, trusted insight that informs priorities and investment decisions.

Alongside delivery, you will build organisational capability through line management, mentoring and professional leadership. You will act as a trusted advisor on the responsible use of data science and AI, helping embed high standards, sound judgement and confidence in how analytics is used across the organisation.

If you are an experienced data science leader who values high standards, sound judgement and ethical use of data, this is an opportunity to make a real impact.

The successful applicant

• A postgraduate qualification (Master’s or PhD) in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science or a closely related field; or equivalent senior‑level professional experience leading production data science work
• Significant practical professional experience delivering data science solutions or advanced analytics in complex environments
• Experience working with the Microsoft data and ML stack including Azure SQL, Cosmos DB, Model foundry, and Azure Databricks
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex data science concepts to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders

We recognise the value of lived experience. If you have experience of complaining about any public body, we strongly encourage you to apply.

We know the value of having diverse, representative teams across our organisation. Which is why we particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented within the team. These include people who are:

• Asian, Black, Mixed Ethnicity or another ethnic background
• disabled
• LGBTQ.
• Civil Service Pension scheme
• 32.5 days annual leave (plus bank holidays on top)
• hybrid working, 40 percent office based
• access to a free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 advice and support from professionals and counsellors
• comprehensive learning and development programme
• employee discount scheme across hundreds of retailers
• bicycle loan scheme
• season ticket loan
• paid for professional memberships

Equality, diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing are vital to the way we work and our culture. We want our colleagues feel included, valued, and supported at work. It is essential that we are representative and accessible for the people who work here and those who use our service.

Actions we take to embed this include:

• an anonymised shortlisting process to make sure it is fair and unbiased
• monitoring the demographic trends in our workforce and making measured, sustained efforts to improve our diversity at all levels
• providing wellbeing support and opportunities for personal and professional development for all colleagues
• creating spaces for connection and engagement through our employee network groups and social clubs
• part of the disability confident scheme
• providing reasonable adjustments
• engaging in regular inclusion learning to enhance the cultural competency of our organisation.

If you want to join a dedicated team that makes a real difference and helps raise standards in public services, then is the opportunity for you.

If you would like to learn more about the role, please contact Kevin Clarke, Data Architect, Kevin.Clarke@ombudsman.org.uk

Interviews will be held onsite.

Please do not use AI as this may result in in your application being rejected.

Please note, we reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Please note that we don’t offer feedback at application stage.

PLEASE NOTE: We can only consider applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer sponsorship as we do not have a licence.

We do not accept CV’s. To apply for the role, please complete the application form by clicking on the ‘apply online’ button.

No agencies. Applications from individuals only.

Important notice: fraudulent job postings

We have been made aware that some websites are falsely advertising job vacancies for the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO). We only advertise job vacancies through these official channels:

• our website
• LinkedIn
• GOV.uk
• Indeed
• Ombudsman association
• BMEjobs.co.uk
• LGBTjobs.co.uk

Do not share personal details with any other websites claiming to represent PHSO. Contact our recruitment team to report any concerns at recruitment@ombudsman.org.uk

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