Skipton Building Society
Lead data Scientist
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Lead Data Scientist
Location: [Specify or remove if preferred] Hours: 35 hours per week Closing Date: Sat, 4 Jul 2026
About the Role
If you have a passion for using advanced analytics and data science to drive data-informed decisions, then this pivotal role at Skipton Building Society may be for you.
As the Lead Data Scientist, you will:
- Use advanced analytics and data science to promote data-led decision making across the organisation.
- Provide thought leadership to stakeholders and champion proactive analytical approaches to achieve right outcomes from your analysis.
- Identify opportunities to improve customer engagement, commercial performance, and organisational efficiency.
- Take ownership of concrete recommendations that deliver return on investment (ROI).
- Mentor and support colleagues in implementing our data and analytics strategy, blending hands-on data work with inspirational leadership within the wider Data Science team.
About Us
Skipton Building Society is the fourth-largest building society in the UK, with a unique difference – we’re a mutual organisation owned by our members, not shareholders. You’ll be joining an exciting period for our Data Capability function, where we are building a single unified Data & Intelligence platform integrating reporting, analytics, data science, governance, and engineering. This will align everything related to data under one responsible framework, enabling clear ownership and enhanced decision-making across the organisation.
What’s not like just another job: we put customers consistently at the heart of what we do, encourage fresh ideas from staff while providing opportunities for career development, and collaborate in a vibrant, mutually owned workspace.
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Responsibilities
Courageous, collaborative, and full of insight – here’s what you’ll be focused on:
- Conducting analysis and building statistical/machine-learning models to drive competitive advantage and project success across business performance, strategic alignment, and practical impact initiatives.
- Asking the right questions and turning business needs into actionable data strategy, fostering a culture of analytical curiosity.
- Collaborating closely with leaders throughout Skipton Building Society, translating complex findings and recommendations into audience‐specific clarity.
- Serving as an active champion for mentoring and team development, mentoring junior data scientists and reviewing their work and findings.
- Taking a core role in migrating on-premise models and processes to cloud-based, scalable analytics platforms, ensuring agility, collaboration, and smarter decisions.
Requirements
We are seeking extensive experience and adaptability in a commercially focused environment. Key proficiencies include:
- A track record of applying data-driven mathematical, statistical and machine-learning models using Python and/or R.
- Experience working with big data platforms, including distributed processing systems (e.g. Microsoft Azure).
- Proficiency in SQL-related languages, efficiently managing large and complex datasets.
- Proven ability to **translate business problems into tangible analytical solutions and deploy them within strategic mis vision.
- Strong presentation, communication, and influencing skills with the capacity to simplify complex concepts and adapt messaging to differing stakeholders.
- Demonstrated expertise mentoring junior colleagues and enabling the next generation of data scientists.
- A proactive attitude towards evolving data strategies and cloud-based modernisation.
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Benefits
At Skipton Building Society, we value our people, want to encourage work/life balance, and promote flexible and hybrid working wherever feasible. Our modernised headquarters includes:
Core Benefits:
- Annual discretionary bonus for exceptional performance.
- 25 days’ annual leave (minimum) + bank holidays, which increases by 1 day per year of service (maximum 30 days).
- A holiday trading scheme allowing buybacks and holidays sales.
- Employer-matched pension contributions (up to 10%).
- Competitive private medical insurance.
Development & Wellbeing:
- Committed investment in training, supporting your growth with array career pathways providing ongoing skill-building opportunities.
- 3 paid volunteering days annually, reflecting your commitment to responsible giving and involvement.
- Salary sacrifice program for electric or hybrid vehicle ownership discount packages.
- Wellbeing initiatives include discounted gym memberships, cycling to work scheme, and a vibrant cycle-to-work incentive.
Culture & Inclusion:
- Diverse colleague networks: Including Carers and Pride Alliance groups.
- Engaging workplace environment facilitated through training, allyship programmes, and company-wide inclusive policies.
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