Lead Data Scientist
Surrey County Council · Reigate ·
- Work mode
- Remote
- Seniority
- Lead
- Employment
- Contract
- Category
- Data science
- Experience
- 2+ years
- Title: Lead Data Scientist
- Reference: SCC/TP/375051/5980
- Positions: 1
- Salary: £42,958 - £46,624 per annum
- Category: Fire and Rescue
- Contract type: Fixed term
- Working hours: 36 hours per week
- Posted on: 29 September 2026
- Closing date: 18 October 2026
- Directorate: Chief Executive Office
- Location: Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8EF
We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.
This is a 12 month fixed term contract with a starting salary of £42,958 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week.
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are looking for an experienced Lead Data Scientist to develop innovative analytics solutions that improve services, support communities and help keep Surrey safe.
The team is based at Woodhatch Place in Reigate. We promote agile working, with the role holder expected to work in the office 2 days per week, with the option to work from home for the remainder, subject to business need. Occasional travel to other sites may be required.
Our Offer to You
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.
About the Role
As Lead Data Scientist at Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, you will report to the Business Intelligence Manager and play a key role in developing how the Service uses data science, advanced analytics and robust data practices to generate insight, improve services and support evidence-based decision-making.
Working within the Data Insight Team, you will lead the design, development and delivery of data science products, models, reports and dashboards that help the Service understand community risk, monitor performance and improve outcomes for residents, businesses and firefighters.
You will provide expert technical leadership across data science, data engineering, data preparation, privacy, ethics and product delivery, ensuring solutions are effective, scalable, compliant and aligned to user and organisational priorities.
The role will also champion innovation and continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to use data science more effectively, challenging existing approaches where appropriate, and building capability by coaching others and promoting professional standards across teams and stakeholders.
Your application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our Core Code of Ethics.
- Ability to communicate and present effectively, providing specialist advice and clear recommendations to support decision-making, service improvement and the development of systems, processes or policy.
- Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, driving collaboration in support of organisational objectives and building understanding of customer and service needs.
- Experience of identifying opportunities to apply data science techniques to organisational challenges, using advanced analytical, statistical or scientific methods to generate actionable insight from complex data.
- Experience of leading the design, development and delivery of data products, models, reports or dashboards that support organisational priorities, performance improvement and evidence-based decision-making.
- Knowledge and experience of data engineering, data preparation, transformation, architecture or computerised business systems, with the ability to ensure solutions are robust, scalable, maintainable and aligned to user needs.
- An inquisitive, innovative and adaptable approach, with the confidence to challenge the status quo, delivery plans and priorities based on insight, while promoting ethical, compliant and privacy-aware use of data.
- Experience of planning workloads, leading projects or reviews through to completion, and coaching or supporting others to build capability and maintain professional standards.
A basic DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) will be required for this role.
To apply, we request that you submit a CV and expression of interest (maximum 500 words) that outlines your skills and how they align with the role profile.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on Sunday 18th October with interviews planned to follow.
Contact Us
For an informal discussion please contact Matt Hesketh by e-mail at .
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria, as displayed on the advert, we guarantee you an interview.
Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
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