Senior Data Scientist

Senior Manager, Data Science & AI, FSSR  

Location: Leeds

Financial Stability Strategy and Risk (FSSR) 

The Bank’s Financial Stability Strategy and Risk (FSSR) Directorate is responsible for producing analysis to help the Financial Policy Committee (FPC) assess the resilience of the UK financial sector and develop policy solutions to ensure UK financial stability.  Examples of our work are in our Financial Stability Reports. FSSR sits within the broader Deputy Governorship for Financial Stability (DGFS).

 Job description  

We are looking for an experienced data scientist to lead and help deliver an ambitious agenda on data science and AI across the directorate. This is a new cross-directorate role and will help delivery of data science-driven and AI-driven analytics in FSSR. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in modernising our use of data and analytics to support financial stability analysis, working in conjunction with the relevant analytical divisions within the directorate.  You will be given a platform and a mandate to drive that agenda, not just in FSSR, but Bank-wide. It’s a fast-changing space where the foundations are being laid for how the Bank operates in future. The person who takes on this role will have a real opportunity to shape how things are done, making a big difference now and in influencing the vision for the future.  

The role is split across two core areas of responsibility.  

First, the successful role holder will be responsible for leading analytical projects deploying the latest data science and AI tools.  The role brings opportunities to bring together analysts and data scientists from across FSSR to deliver analytical solutions, share knowledge and promote best practice.   

Second, the role holder will also be responsible for leading and steering FSSR’s Data & AI strategy, ensuring that strategic workstreams are progressing effectively and delivering against agreed objectives. This includes developing and implementing data science and AI capabilities across the area and ensuring a smooth transition of the area’s large datasets and models onto cloud. 

As part of that, the role holder will be the Lead Data Scientist across FSSR and responsible for the professional development of the pool of data scientists that sit in different divisions across FSSR.  In addition, they will also bring together the much larger pool of analysts interested in developing their data science and AI skills, and fostering an active network and community across FSSR.  

More on specific roles and responsibilities below. 

Roles and Responsibilities 

1. Develop & implement cloud based analytical solutions for FSSR. 

• Finalise FSSR’s roadmap for cloud adoption and ensure there is a smooth transition of FSSR’s large transaction-level datasets and models onto the Bank’s Cloud by aligning with the Bank’s broader cloud timelines.  
• Oversee the design of end‑to‑end lifecycle of data pipelines supporting FSSR needs. Ensure solutions and architecture align to the Bank’s Technology Target Operating Model. 
• Lead the development of Cloud based analytical and AI products including dashboards.  Partner with divisions across FSSR to create accessible and integrated dashboards that monitor financial stability vulnerabilities. 

 2.  Build FSSR’s AI and data science capabilities. 

• Lead the design and deployment of LLM and data science tools to support the analytical work of the directorate.  
• Lead the FSSR automation and innovation agenda, including the development and adoption of AI-enabled tools and agents to improve efficiency and analytical capability.
• Embed best practices in coding, modelling and documentation across divisions in the area. 
• Embed AI principles to ensure responsible AI usage is embedded in the directorate (governance, explainability, auditability, safety). 

3. Provide leadership of key policy projects deploying the latest data science and AI tools. 

• Act as senior data scientist on key policy projects, driving delivery through others and ensuring policy-relevant analytical insights. For example, current projects in FSSR include setting up a LLM tool that extracts supervisory intelligence and setting up a dashboard of core financial stability vulnerability metrics. 
• Provide senior technical leadership and advice across a range of projects in the area, including policy projects and innovation experiments. 

 4. As Lead Data Scientist in FSSR, support the professional development of staff.  

• Provide leadership to the small but growing pool of data scientists across divisions, acting as a senior mentor and technical authority . Through a matrix management model, support practitioners’ objectives and professional career development.  Over time, there may also be opportunities to line manage staff including on key projects.
• Provide technical support and guidance to a broader pool of analysts, to support the development of their data science and AI skillsets. This includes coaching on applying new methodologies, tools, and delivery challenges. 
• Strengthen the existing FSSR staff data science and AI networks and establish a mechanism for coordinating delivery of FSSR’s strategic priorities. Embed best practices in coding, modelling and documentation across divisions in the area while fostering a supportive community. 
• Drive data science and AI capability across the directorate by delivering structured training that equips both specialists and non‑specialists with the skills to use data and AI effectively in their roles. 

 5. Lead and deliver FSSR’s Data & AI strategy as part of the broader DGFS agenda  

• Lead and deliver the strategy for how data science and AI can support financial stability analysis in FSSR.  For example, this year’s priorities include planning cloud migration, driving automation leveraging data science/AI tools, upskilling staff, closing data gaps and streamlining data collection. 
• Engage with seniors and staff to understand their needs and ensure solutions are aligned and effective. 
•  Act as the primary technical contact for DAT, Technology and cross‑Bank initiatives related to AI, cloud platforms, data engineering and analytical tooling. And seek to influence bank-wide strategy on these initiatives.  
• Act as the senior manager representative on the DGFS Data & Analytics Group. Shape cross‑governorship and directorate alignment on cloud data tooling, model deployment and coding standards. 
• Represent FSSR and DGFS in a range of cross‑Bank communities on cloud, data science tools and AI.  

Role Requirements

Minimum criteria 

• Advanced technical expertise in data science, machine learning or data engineering, including experience with Python and/or R.  
• Strong understanding of cloud-based technologies and solutions (Azure and Databricks preferred), DevOps practices and API‑driven architectures. 
• Experience of large language models (LLMs), generative AI technologies including AI agents and their practical applications. 
• Proven experience leading analytical projects that leverage large and complex datasets, applying data science, machine learning and AI techniques to derive actionable insights and support policy. 

Essential criteria 

• Experience delivering business change and production‑ready pipelines through new data and technology systems. A strong understanding of organisational data and AI transformation.  
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary technical projects and teams, with the ability to set strategy and technical direction, manage staff during a project and deliver results in ambiguous, fast‑moving environments.  
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, able to translate complex technical concepts for senior non‑technical audiences, influence governance and strategic decisions, and build relationships across staff. 

 Desirable Criteria  

• Experience of building cloud-based analytical solutions and delivering the implementation of a new data platform and analytics capabilities within a large or complex organisation. 
• Experience working within central bank, financial services or complex public‑sector environments. 

Our Approach to Inclusion

The Bank values diversity, equity and inclusion. We play a key role in maintaining monetary and financial stability, and to do that effectively, we believe we need a workforce that reflects the society we serve. 

At the Bank of England, we want all colleagues to feel valued and respected, so we're working hard to build an inclusive culture which supports people from all backgrounds and communities to be at their best at work. We celebrate all forms of diversity, including (but not limited to) age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. We believe that it’s by drawing on different perspectives and experiences that we’ll continue to make the best decisions for the public.

 

We welcome applications from individuals who work flexibly, including job shares and part time working patterns. We've also partnered with external organisations to support us in making adjustments for candidates and employees in the recruitment process where they're needed.

 

For most roles where work can be carried out at home, we aim for colleagues to spend half of their time in the office, with a minimum of 50% per month.  Subject to that minimum requirement, individuals and managers should work together to find what works best for them, their team and stakeholders.

 

Finally, we're proud to be a member of the Disability Confident Scheme. If you wish to apply under this scheme, you should check the box in the ‘Candidate Personal Information’ under the ‘Disability Confident Scheme’ section of the application.

 

Salary and Benefits Information

We encourage flexible working, part time working and job share arrangements.  Part time salary and benefits will be on a pro-rated basis as appropriate.

 

The salary range is from £97,920 - £110,160. In addition, we also offer a comprehensive benefits package as detailed below:

• Currently a non-contributory, career average pension giving you a guaranteed retirement benefit of 1/80th of your annual salary for every year worked. There is the option to increase your pension (to 1/65th) or decrease (to 1/105th) in exchange for salary through our flexible benefits programme each year.  The Bank has the discretion to vary standard accrual rates and dial up and dial down rates at any time and to withdraw dial up and dial down options at any time.
• A discretionary performance award based on a current award pool.
• An 8% benefits allowance with the option to take as salary or purchase a wide range of flexible benefits.   
• 26 days’ annual leave with option to buy up to 12 additional days through flexible benefits. 
• Private medical insurance and income protection.

National Security Vetting Process

Employment in this role will be subject to the National Security Vetting clearance process (and typically can take between 6 to 12 weeks post offer) and the passing of additional Bank security checks in accordance with the Bank policy.  Further information regarding the vetting and security clearance requirements for the role will be provided to the successful applicant, and information about how the Bank processes personal data for these purposes, is set out in the Bank's Privacy Notice.

 

The Bank of England welcomes applications from all candidates, but as a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) approved sponsor, we have a responsibility to comply with the Immigration Rules and guidance.  As such, our ability to employ individuals who require sponsorship for immigration purposes is limited.  The Bank cannot guarantee that you and / or the role you are applying for will be eligible for sponsorship and that any application made to UKVI will be successful.  Eligibility will therefore be considered on a case by case basis.

 

The Application Process

Important: Please ensure that you complete the ‘work history’ section and answer ALL the application questions fully. All candidate applications are anonymised to ensure that our hiring managers will not be able to see your personal information, including your CV, when reviewing your application details at the screening stage. It’s therefore really important that you fill out the work history and application form questions, as your answers will form a critical part of the initial selection process.

 

This role closes on Wednesday 29th July.  We are aiming to hold first stage interviews between Monday August 3rd - Tuesday August 11th and second stage interviews between Wednesday August 12th - Wednesday August 19th. We appreciate this is the summer holiday period so we will do our best to accommodate interviews as much as possible. 

 

Please apply online, ensuring that you complete your work history and answer ALL the application questions fully and in detail as your application will not be considered if all mandatory questions are not fully completed.

We are the UK's central bank - and we are a bank like no other; known by our peers for our world-leading thinking on policy and strategy.

Our mission is to promote the good of the people of the UK by maintaining monetary and financial stability. We seek to keep prices stable and people's money safe. We know our work matters to people, to families, up and down the UK. We are driven by curiosity and the desire to do important, challenging work. 

It takes a great team to run the Bank of England. We rely on each other to play our part. We benefit from a collaborative culture and long-established flexible ways of working, supporting our colleagues balance their work and personal lives. We strive to be a place where people feel they belong and have equal access to opportunities, because different perspectives helps us make the best decisions for the public.

There's much to gain from working with us - from career defining work at the heart of the UK economy, being part of a fantastic team, and a rewarding compensation package. 

Join us and find a bank like no other. Together, we can make a difference.

The Bank of England will use and protect the information you provide when you apply for a role with us, in line with our obligations under data protection law.  This is so we can assess your suitability for the role and administer your application. If you’re successful we’ll use it to offer you a position and onboard you to join the Bank.

If you would like more details about how your information will be used and your information rights, please visit our recruitment privacy notice