Data Science & Advanced Analytics Lead

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and circumstances. We are committed and proud to be a flexible employer and will endeavour to offer a working pattern that suits you wherever possible, whether that be hybrid working, flexible hours, job sharing and more.
Ready to join us on our journey to be a catalyst for better health? Apply today and see where the NHSBSA can take you.
We are people connected to care., Data science and advanced analytics delivery
1. Leads a quality data science and advanced analytics service, which delivers high value projects that provide actionable insight which drive policy, strategic decision making and efficiencies across the NHSBSA and wider health and social care system. Responsibility for ensuring:
+ All outputs meet the highest standards and are based on solid methodologies which are robust to challenge and analysis.
+ Quality assurance throughout the analytical life cycle including scoping, data exploration, data quality, analytical coding/software development, analytical methodologies.
+ Processes and standards are in place to meet information governance, ethical, privacy and security considerations.
+ User Research / User Centred Design is incorporated appropriately, drawing in colleagues from these professions to deliver in collaboration.
+ Proactive engagement of internal and external stakeholders and subject matter experts to identify project opportunities which align to strategic objectives through exploitation of new insights, new datasets, new techniques, new technology and/or automation.
+ Effective planning, monitoring and management of the team and any other teams needed to deliver projects to agreed objectives and deadlines. Working with Senior Managers, NHS policy clients and strategic partners to gain access to resources and co-ordinate work. Continued collaboration throughout project delivery in line with requirements.
+ Maximum value and impact from projects through compelling, clear and actionable storytelling relevant to business goals and wider promotion of key messages.
+ Context, strengths and limitations of analyses are fully understood and communicated.
2. Leads a high performing Data Science & Advanced Analytics team including recruitment, mentorship and continued professional development. Sets clear goals and expectations, celebrates success and encourages learning through failure. Working collaboratively with a People Manager who will manage pastoral support.
3. Promotes a culture of innovation, experimentation, idea generation and creativity within the Data Science & Advanced Analytics team.
4. Leads on the development and implementation of data science and advanced techniques in response to business questions including exploratory analysis, machine learning, natural language processing, data linkage, statistical and predictive modelling, data visualisation and emerging techniques such as the application of generative AI. Expanding team capabilities.
5. Leads on the implementation of production machine learning models and advanced analytical pipelines according to requirements.
6. Communicates complex data and analyses effectively at all levels to both technical and non-technical audiences, using a range of dissemination methods.
7. Produces well-written and technically sound project reports and provides constructive review and assurance of reports authored by others.
8. Responsible for both long-term and short-term planning for the team, with responsibility to positively drive forward the development and performance of the NHSBSA, in accordance with its business plan.
Professional analytical leadership and standards
1. Provides specialist advice and guidance across the NHSBSA on data science and advanced analytical techniques including the development of machine learning, natural language processing, statistical and predictive modelling and emerging techniques such as the application of generative AI. This will include individuals and groups of customers at all levels and could relate to difficult and highly complex and/or contentious subject matter.
2. Jointly leads on the development of the wider data and analytics community across the NHSBSA.
3. Leads on the creation and implementation of playbooks and standards for the application of data science and advanced analytics techniques to business problems. Contributes to the development of analytics policy, standards and guidelines for the wider analyst community across the NHSBSA.
4. Jointly develops the organisational approach to analytical quality assurance and ethics, ensuring processes are robust and in line with government functional standards. Conducts quality and ethics assessments of complex projects.
5. Actively promotes the effective use of data analytics at all levels within the business to support our strategic vision.
6. Demonstrates the value of NHSBSA data and insight through networking, speaking at external events and working in the open.
7. Contributes to the leadership of Data Science, Advanced Analytics & Statistics. This will include the development of the strategic direction of the service, Data and DDaT, in line with the NHSBSA strategy. As well as promoting the value of the service within the NHSBSA and wider health and care system.
8. Represents the organisation on matters relating to data science and advanced analytics, in the NHS and wider Government communities, building lasting and strong relationships with peers across the system.
9. Takes responsibility for your own continuous professional development.
10. Keep up to date with new developments in data science, the strategic direction of the wider health and care system and national policy, to inform service development.
In addition to the above accountabilities, as post holder you are expected to:
Undertake additional duties and responsibilities in line with the overall purpose of your role and as agreed by your line manager.
Demonstrate NHSBSA values and core capabilities in all aspects of your work.
Foster an environment where your own and colleagues' safety and well-being is promoted.
Contribute to a culture which values diversity and inclusion.
Comply with NHSBSA policies, procedures and protocols as they apply to your role.
Working relationships
Responsible to: Head of Data Science, Advanced Analytics and Statistics
Responsible for: Senior Data Scientists and Data Scientists
Key relationships and connections: NHSBSA staff, primary care organisations, national bodies, Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and researchers.
The NHSBSA is passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, which is a great place to work and truly reflects the diversity of our customers. We welcome applications from talented people of diverse characteristics including age, disability, gender identity and expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any marginalised group. We also welcome applications from all those in the Armed Forces Community.
At the NHSBSA we pride ourselves on being a Disability Confident Leader, Stonewall Top 100 employer and we've recently been awarded the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion Gold Standard benchmark.
We offer an invitation to the first stage of the selection process for people with disabilities that wish to be considered under the Disability Confident scheme, and for members of the Armed Forces Community, where all of the essential criteria in the person specification are met.

Are you an experienced Data Scientist, Statistician or in a similar role, looking to make a difference in the public health sector? We are looking for a motivated individual to join our award-winning team as a Data Science and Advanced Analytics Lead.,

• Expert knowledge and expertise in applying data science and advanced analytical techniques including machine learning, natural language processing, statistical and predictive modelling and emerging techniques such as generative AI.


• Ability to lead the delivery of complex, high value projects.


• Expertise in using R and Python with an ability to write high quality, maintainable and portable code and test code to ensure its quality.


• A strong intellectual curiosity and ability to approach new questions, opportunities, data, and techniques with an inquisitive mind.


• Excellent storytelling, communication and presentation skills.


• Good awareness of data quality, data protection, ethics, equalities and other statutory legislation.


• Experience of mentoring and leading the professional development of Data Scientists and/or analysts, ensuring compliance with relevant standards.
  
  Here at the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), what we do matters.

We manage the NHS Pension scheme, process prescription payments and much more. Our services are used by NHS organisations, contractors and the public: we take pride in being part of something so meaningful, that touches millions of lives.
Just as we design our services around the needs of our customers, we place our people at the heart of our organisation. That's why when you join us, you'll be empowered and given the right support to help your career grow.
As one of the UK's Best Big Companies to work for, we're all connected to our values: Collaborative, Adventurous, Reliable and Energetic. We care about our people, our purpose, and your progress.
We strive to offer a fantastic colleague experience, where every voice is heard, and every colleague is supported and respected. Wellbeing, diversity and inclusion is at the centre of this, so when you join us, you can connect with our Lived Experience Networks who help us to bring our authentic selves to work.

You will play an integral role in leading the delivery of high value projects, as well as developing the capability of the Data Science and Advanced Analytics team and wider analytical community.
The NHSBSA create a wealth of valuable data and insight from the services we deliver and the £43 billion of activity we are part of. Our team delivers actionable insights from this data to help drive policy and strategic decisions as well as supporting efficiencies across the NHSBSA and wider health and social care. We make a difference to the lives of people not only in the NHS but nationally.
If this sounds exciting and you want to explore our work further you can take a look at our projects (https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/data-science-projects) and code (https://github.com/nhsbsa-data-analytics).
We encourage early applications as we may close this role early.
What do we offer?
+ 27 days leave (increasing with length of service) plus 8 bank holidays
+ Flexible working
+ Flexi time
+ Hybrid working model
+ Career development
+ Active wellbeing and inclusion networks
+ Excellent pension
+ NHS Car lease scheme
+ Access to a wide range of benefits and high street discounts!