Principal Data Scientist

Job summary

Ofgem plays a vital role in ensuring that households and businesses across Great Britain can rely on safe, affordable and environmentally sustainable energy. As the energy system becomes more complex and the transition to Net Zero accelerates, high-quality data, analytics and evidence-driven decision-making are more important than ever. Within Digital, Data and Security Services (DDSS), we are strengthening our data capability to help Ofgem respond to emerging challenges, deliver better outcomes for consumers and support the transformation of the energy sector.

As Principal Data Scientist, you will play a key role in advancing Ofgem's data science capability. You will develop advanced analytical products, statistical models and data-driven insights that support decision-making across the organisation. Working with colleagues from across Ofgem, you will identify opportunities where data science, machine learning and AI can deliver value, helping to ensure that robust evidence sits at the heart of policy, regulation and operational decision-making.

This is a highly collaborative role that combines technical expertise with leadership, innovation and stakeholder engagement. You will work closely with business teams, analysts, data engineers and product specialists to translate complex problems into practical analytical solutions. Alongside delivering high-value projects, you will help shape best practice and contribute to the growth of Ofgem's wider data science community.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving challenging problems using data and analytics. You will apply a range of statistical, machine learning and data science techniques to help Ofgem better understand consumers, markets and regulatory risks, supporting decisions that have a direct impact on the energy sector and the UK's transition to Net Zero.

You will work with colleagues across the organisation to embed data science into business processes, strengthen analytical capability and promote data-driven ways of working. The role offers a mix of hands-on technical delivery, stakeholder engagement, innovation and leadership.

Job description

You will be responsible for:

• Identifying and shaping opportunities where data science, machine learning and AI can deliver value across Ofgem, working closely with stakeholders and senior leaders.
• Designing, developing and deploying advanced analytical products, models and data solutions using Ofgem's core technology stack, including Azure, Microsoft Fabric, AI Foundry and Azure Machine Learning.
• Applying advanced statistical and analytical techniques to generate insights that support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Collaborating with data engineers and other specialists to ensure data is sourced, prepared and structured effectively for analytical use.
• Leading and contributing to high-value data science projects across the organisation.
• Communicating complex analytical findings and recommendations clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Providing technical leadership within the data science community, promoting best practice and supporting continuous improvement.
• Coaching and mentoring colleagues, helping to build data science capability across the organisation.
• Contributing to the development of new approaches, standards and innovative uses of data science and machine learning.
• Engaging with data communities across government and industry to remain informed about emerging techniques, technologies and best practice.

We are looking for a technically strong and curious data science professional with substantial experience of designing, developing and embedding data science solutions that deliver measurable organisational value. You will bring expertise across statistical analysis, machine learning and advanced analytics, alongside strong programming skills and experience building robust, scalable analytical products.

You will be a strong collaborator and communicator, capable of working across multidisciplinary teams and translating complex technical concepts into meaningful business outcomes. You will be comfortable engaging with stakeholders at all levels and influencing decisions through evidence, insight and clear communication.

Experience within government, regulation or the wider public sector would be beneficial, but is not essential. What matters most is your ability to apply data science to complex real-world challenges, work effectively with others and contribute to the development of a high-performing data capability.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape how Ofgem uses data, analytics and machine learning to deliver better outcomes for consumers, support effective regulation and contribute to a smarter, greener and more sustainable energy system for Great Britain.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Extensive expertise in designing, developing and embedding data science solutions that enable organisations to achieve their goals. (Lead Criteria)

• Extensive expertise using a variety of AI and data science tools and techniques, particularly those used at OFGEM. (Lead Criteria)

• Extensive expertise in collaborating with data engineers and scientists, and delivery teams to source, clean and prepare data appropriately.
• Extensive expertise in writing complex programs and scripts, optimising code and testing products.
• Demonstrable evidence of contributing to building data science capability.

Desirable Criteria

• Demonstrable experience of delivering in an agile, iterative manner that delivers value early.
• Demonstrable experience of understanding the role of user research and establishing user needs.

Behaviours

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Developing Self and Others
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

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

• You will also be asked to complete a technical test. Details will be included in the invitation to interview.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £49,452, OFGEM contributes £14,326 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).Ofgem can offer you a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes; 30 days annual leave after 2 years; Excellent training and development opportunities; The opportunity to join the generous Civil Service pension which also includes a valuable range of benefits; hybrid working (currently 1 day a week in the office but this is kept under review), flexible working hours and family friendly policies. Plus lots of other benefits including clean and bright offices based centrally, engaged networks and teams and an opportunity to contribute to our ambitious and important targets of establishing a Net Zero energy system by 2050. This exciting blend of professional challenge and personal reward identifies career opportunities at Ofgem as something to get excited about.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated b