Lead Data Science Engineer

About

United Utilities is transforming how data, intelligence and automation shape the future of water services for millions of customers. As we build a modern, ambitious analytics capability, we’re looking for a Lead Data Science Engineer who can combine deep technical expertise with strong communication and leadership skills.

This is an opportunity to lead thinking, influence decisions, and bring advanced analytics, machine learning and AI into real world operations. If you enjoy solving complex problems, guiding others, and explaining technical concepts in a way that genuinely lands this is the role for you.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the discovery of opportunities where advanced analytics can deliver measurable value across the business.
• Designing, building and deploying statistical, machine learning and deep learning models that improve performance, efficiency and safety.
• Engineering and manipulating large, complex datasets using platforms such as Azure and Databricks.
• Translating complex analysis into clear, compelling stories for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Developing automated, secure and reliable analytical services that scale across the organisation.
• Setting standards for coding, reproducibility, ethics and model lifecycle management.
• Collaborating closely with data architects, engineers, managers and developers to shape a modern data ecosystem.
• Coaching and educating teams across the business to build trust in advanced analytics and strengthen data literacy.
• Leading by example through peer reviews, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

What you’ll bring

• A degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Expert knowledge of statistics, machine learning and deep learning, with the ability to choose the right method for each challenge.
• Experience working with large, complex, real‑world datasets.
• Strong programming skills in Python or R and SQL.
• Working knowledge of MS Azure services, relational and NoSQL databases.
• Experience with visualisation tools such as PowerBI.
• The ability to translate complex technical concepts into simple, engaging explanations.
• Strong communication and leadership skills confident guiding stakeholders and influencing decisions.

What’s in it for you

• 26 days annual leave, rising to 30 after four years, plus bank holidays
• Up to 14% employer pension contribution (21% combined)
• Up to 10.5% performance‑related bonus
• Company‑funded healthcare plan
• The opportunity to shape the future of data science in a major UK utility
• A collaborative, transparent and supportive environment where your ideas genuinely matter

Ready to lead the future of data science at UU?

If you want to apply advanced analytics, machine learning and AI to real world challenges and you enjoy leading conversations as much as writing code we’d love to hear from you. We may be unable to offer sponsorship for this role.