> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1372555-principal-data-scientist](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1372555-principal-data-scientist). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Data Scientist - **Company:** National Highways - **Location:** Salford, UK - **Salary:** £55,810.0 - £66,690.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Data Analysis, Computer Programming, Digital Assets, Document-Oriented Databases - **Published:** July 22, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.co.uk/jobs/details/5808712192 ## About the Role * Strong knowledge of applied mathematics, statistics and scientific methods, with the ability to apply these to practical data science challenges and provide expert guidance to teams. * Experienced in providing technical leadership in a similar role across transformation and delivery of data, working with Data Engineers to develop and optimise data feeds that meet the needs of customers and data consumers across the organisation. * Demonstrated expertise in driving data science innovation by exploring emerging approaches across government and industry, identifying opportunities to deliver business value and improve organisational outcomes. * Proven capability in building data science capability across the organisation, championing continuous learning, developing talent, and sharing knowledge of emerging techniques and best practice. * Track record of delivering impactful data science products that are proportionate to business needs, translating complex analysis into clear insights and visualisations, while supporting teams to strengthen data science communication. * Skilled in applying programming and build practices to develop, test, refine and document data science solutions * Strong understanding of a range of data analysis techniques, with the ability to apply these to generate actionable insights, communicate compelling findings that influence wider decisions, and explore innovative approaches to solve complex problems. ## Description Our Digital Lab develops and manages innovative data products and services in-house, while building strategic external partnerships that increase adoption of our digital assets to improve customer journeys and support the efficient operation of the Strategic Road Network. As Principal Data Scientist, you will play a leading role in helping National Highways unlock the value of data. Working closely with customers and stakeholders, you will identify where data science can make the greatest impact, transforming complex data into compelling, evidence-based insights and actionable stories that enable better decision-making. You will also play a key role in shaping the data science strategy, working collaboratively with National Highways stakeholders to drive innovation and maximise the value of data across the organisation. This is a hybrid role, requiring two days per week in the office, based at any National Highways office location. * Work with National Highways, customers and stakeholders to understand where data science can add value * Provide leadership and direction across a programme of multidisciplinary data science projects, managing resources to ensure delivery * Source, access, manipulate and engineer data processes with data that typically have characteristics of volume, velocity and variety, or both * Develop and apply technical and analytical standards from National Highways, government and industry * Responsible for exploring and visualising the data to present the 'story' a meaningful way, and to a range of technical and non-technical audiences * Evolving the array of data analysis tools and techniques across National Highways * Propagate data science skills in other teams, understanding the variety of functional roles relating to data science and how they can be most effectively applied to solve business problems ## Related Videos - [Data Science in Retail](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/586-data-science-in-retail) - [Tokenization of Everything: Where the Real World Meets Blockchain](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1035-tokenization-of-everything-where-the-real-world-meets-blockchain) - [Photonic Computing: Programming a New Class of AI Accelerators (incl. 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