Lead Data Scientist (Data Science and AI) - Enablement

Discover a career in your hands at HMRC. Whether you're seeking purpose, growth, or a workplace that gives you a true sense of belonging, hear from some of our employees as they share their story about what it’s really like to work at HMRC., A newly established Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DS&AI) for Operations function aims to generate insight, improve operational processes and help the agency meet future demand while improving the quality of our valuations.

You will play a leadership role in driving forwards our aim to position the VO as a practical test bed for operational data science and AI. You will engage with our stakeholders across the department to identify the highest impact areas to work in and lead innovative projects, both internally and collaboratively through our partners and the wider tech sector. As such this role provides you with a fantastic opportunity to shape, develop and expand data science and AI capability across the organisation. This is a leadership role that requires organisation-wide strategic thinking. You will be part of wider HMRC Data science and AI community and collaborate as appropriate.

Within ID&A our work is varied, interesting and most importantly it’s impactful. As ID&A we are committed to our values of happiness and growth to build a culture where everyone can thrive.

“I am proud to lead a team of passionate, talented, and committed professionals and I am passionate to make ID&A even better place to work where people enjoy their work and can bring themselves in. ID&A is a highly knowledgeable and, above all, very friendly directorate comprising of 130 members across data, analytical, and other professions, based in various locations across the country. We put a particular focus on learning and development, career development, supporting each other to overcome challenges, learn new skills and creating a culture where innovation is a norm. If you are a strategic thinker with experience of successfully leading on organisation-wide Data Science and AI functions I want to hear from you. We can provide you with a unique opportunity to shape, change and drive Data Science and AI across VO and provide an excellent experience that’ll enhance your future career prospects and skills development” - Tetyana Mykhaylyk, Director of Information, Data & Analysis, Established in 2025, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DS&AI) for Operations was created to drive a step-change in how VOA Operations use data, analytics and AI to deliver better outcomes. The function works hand-in-hand with operational teams to meet the analytical needs of modern government, from advanced analytics to the responsible adoption of generative AI tools that support day-to-day decision-making and delivery.

The function is currently split across two Grade 6-led partner teams; Lead Data Scientist (Data Science and AI) - Insight and Lead Data Scientist (Data Science and AI) - Enablement. The Lead Data Scientist (Data Science and AI) - Enablement is leading on solution design, AI, Power Platform development, and technical integration.

This trawl is linked to the Lead Data Scientist (Data Science and AI) – Insight (reference number 459369) campaign. Where candidates are invited to a SEE and interview for both trawls, a single interview process will apply and candidates will be invited to attend one interview only.

Working in close partnership with the other Lead Data Scientist (Data Science and AI), you will play a pivotal role in advancing the DS&AI function and shaping the strategic vision for the organisation’s use of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence to enhance operational performance. Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Leadership & Vision: Take ownership of the development and direction of DS&AI, setting bold, forward-thinking strategies that will leverage Data Science and AI to deliver improved public services and drive organisational efficiency.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Secure strong engagement, commitment and support from senior leaders and managers, fostering a shared commitment to the DS&AI vision and strategy across all levels of the organisation.
• Team Development: Lead and nurture a high-performing team, providing line management to three Team Leaders and supporting a wider group of fifteen colleagues. Champion professional growth and capability within the team.
• Delivery for Operations: Lead the end-to-end delivery of data science and AI solutions that are embedded into operational services, ensuring ideas move rapidly from concept to live use and deliver measurable benefits for frontline teams.
• Collaboration & Innovation: Work closely with Operations to gain a deep understanding of business needs and challenges, developing practical, innovative solutions that make a meaningful difference across the agency.
• Influential Leadership: Act as a champion for a holistic, organisation-wide approach to data and analysis, promoting a culture of innovation, excellence and inclusivity within the VO.
• Senior Leadership Contribution: Play an active role within the wider ID&A Senior Leadership Team, deputising for the Deputy Director of ID&A when required, and contributing to the strategic direction of the directorate.

To explain more about the job, we are holding a live event on 11th May 2026 at 11:00am (allow 1 hour) via Microsoft Teams for candidates to find out about more:

eventbrite.com/o/valuation-office-agency-36616694113?msockid=03986b8d155d65a708a67ccc14866428

Please note each event will close for new bookings after 5pm the day before the event. You will receive a joining link to access the event by 09:30am on the day of the event., * A Personal Statement (maximum 1000 words), please outline your suitability for the role. Please pay particular attention to the ‘Essential Requirements’ and ‘Person Specification’ outlined in the advert when providing your answer.

Sift - 29th May 2026. Please note these dates are provisional and may be subject to change.

• We will assess you on your CV and Personal Statement.

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead essential criteria via the Personal Statement:

• A strong track record of shaping and delivering a data science and AI vision into prioritised, outcome-focused operational plans, delivering measurable improvements while navigating complex environments and competing stakeholder priorities.

Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview.

Staff Engagement Exercise

If successful at sift stage, you will be invited to take part in a Staff Engagement Exercise (SEE) on 15th June 2026. The SEE will take place via Microsoft Teams. More details will be provided at this stage. Please note this date is provisional and may be subject to change.

Interviews - 24th June 2026. Please note these dates are provisional and may be subject to change. These will be confirmed should you be invited to interview.

Interviews are currently taking place using Microsoft Teams Video. We will provide more detail if you are shortlisted for interview.

• We will assess you on the Behaviours listed in the job description, Technical questions and In Tray Exercise.

At the interview, the panel can then probe further and ask applicants to provide further specific examples that show how they best demonstrate their skills., We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate., Recording of interviews is prohibited unless explicit agreement is sought in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations.

Questions relating to an individual application must be emailed as detailed later in this advert.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Please note that, if you are applying for roles on a part-time basis, the salary agreed will be pro-rata, reflective of the working hours agreed within your contract.

If you experience accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

Reserve Lists

If we have more successful candidates than available vacancies, we will hold a 6 month reserve list. During that time, we may use the list to fill the same, or similar roles with closely matching essential criteria, without further testing of merit. Any appointments from the Reserve list will be made in strict merit order.

Concerns/Complaints

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the values in the Civil Service Code and/or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in such a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, you may make a complaint, by contacting the Central Recruitment Team at the following address: resourcingteamvo@hmrc.gov.uk Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment., * UK nationals

• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

We are looking for a passionate innovative leader who can think strategically and deliver quick wins at pace at the same time with experience in utilising data science and AI to drive operational improvements. We welcome applications from a range of professions., * A strong track record of shaping and delivering a data science and AI vision into prioritised, outcome-focused operational plans, delivering measurable improvements while navigating complex environments and competing stakeholder priorities.

• Proven ability to secure commitment from senior leaders and operational stakeholders, translating complex analytical or technical concepts into clear, compelling narratives that drive adoption, behaviour change and sustained impact.
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver data, analytics or digital products using Agile and iterative delivery methods, balancing innovation with risk, governance and operational realities, and demonstrating delivery of tangible outcomes.
• Demonstrable experience of working in close partnership with operational or delivery functions to ensure analytical and AI solutions are practical, usable, and embedded into day to day processes.
• A visible and enabling leadership style, with experience of building high-performing, inclusive teams, developing leadership capability, and fostering a culture of collaboration, learning and continuous improvement.
• Understanding product delivery across the lifecycle (data science).

• Proven experience leading teams delivering AI-enabled solutions, including generative AI and emerging technologies, with the ability to set strategic direction, assure responsible use, and ensure solutions meet security, governance and operational requirements before being scaled.

• Programming and build (data science).

• Demonstrable experience overseeing low-code delivery using Power Platform, with sufficient technical understanding to line-manage senior leads, assure the quality and sustainability of applications and automations, and ensure business-critical services are robust, well-governed and effectively supported in live operation., * Leadership

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Changing and Improving

Technical skills

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

• As part of the interview you will be asked technical questions to assess your technical skills., This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills., Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Alongside your salary of £73,092, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £21,174 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.

We offer a generous leave allowance that starts at 25 days, increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days and a Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%.

• Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues’ Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary.
• Family friendly policies.
• Personal support.
• Coaching and development.

This role is part of HMRC Valuation Office, formerly known as the Valuation Office Agency. We have recently integrated into HMRC. As we continue the transition to our updated HMRC branding, you may still see some VOA logos or references in our advertisements for a temporary period. HMRC Valuation Office are the public sector’s property valuation experts and advisers with a vision to be a world-leading provider of public sector valuations. Our work is vital to the collection of over £60 billion of revenue which goes back into communities, touching every citizen and every business across England and Wales., HMRC is an office-based organisation, and colleagues are expected to spend 60% of their working time in the office. Our offices provide opportunity for interaction, collaboration which aids learning and development and a sense of community. Where the role allows it, and where the home environment is suitable, colleagues can work from home for up to 2 days a week, averaged over a calendar month (or a proportionate amount of time for colleagues who work less than full time).