35 hours per week
Sat, 4 Jul 2026
We are recruiting for the newest member of our Data Science team. If you have a passion for using advanced analytics and data science to drive data‑informed decisions, then this could be the role for you.
The Lead Data Scientist is a pivotalrole,whereyou’llbe responsible forusing advanced analytics and data science to promote data-led decision making across the Society.You’llprovide thought leadership to a range of stakeholders and take a proactive approach to encouraging the right outcomes from your analysis.
You’lluse your experience toidentifyopportunities and make recommendations that deliver return on investment, improve customer engagement, and support more efficient running of the organisation.
As a senior member of our Data Science team,you’llmentor and support colleagues to deliver our data and analytics strategy.You’llbalance being hands‑on with data with being a key contact and role model for the wider team.
Who Are We?
Not just another building society. Not just another job.
We'rethe fourth biggest building society in the UK, and what makes us different is thatwe'rea mutual organisation. Wedon'thave shareholders;we'reowned by our members.
Our colleagues say Skipton isa great placeto work — and you could be one of them, bringing fresh ideas on how we can continue to keep customers at the heart of what we do.
Whatever your background and whatever your goals,we’llhelp you take the next step towards a better future.
You will also be joining us at an exciting time for our Data Capability function. Our aspiration is to create a single, joined‑up Data and Intelligence platform where everything related to data sits in one place, enabling clear ownership, better decision‑making and full end‑to‑end control of the data lifecycle. To achieve this, we are bringing together the core elements of our data capability: reporting (what’s happening), analytics (why it’s happening), data science (what’slikely to happen next), data governance (how we work safely,consistentlyand responsibly) and data engineering.
What’s In ItForYou?
Skipton values work/life balance, andwe’reproud to support hybrid and flexible working where possible. Our newly refurbished head office offers a vibrant and collaborative workspace.
We have a range of other benefits available to you including:
Annual discretionary bonus scheme
25 days’ standard annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing by one day per year of service up to 30 days
Holiday trading scheme, allowing you to buy or sell annual leave
Matching employer pension contributions (up to 10% per annum)
A strong commitment to training and development
Private medical insurance for all colleagues
Salarysacrificeelectric/hybrid car scheme
Three paid volunteering days per year
Diverse and inclusive colleague networks, including our Carers and Pride Alliance groups
A wide range of wellbeing initiatives, including our cycle‑to‑work scheme and discounted gym membership
What Will You Be Doing?
You’llbe responsible foranalysis and statistical/machine‑learning modelling to drive value and deliver both complex and smaller projects focused on commercial performance, strategicalignmentand practical impact. Alongside generating insights,you’llfoster a culture of analytical curiosity by asking the right questions to fully understand and deliver business needs.
You’llwork closely with leaders across the organisation, building andmaintainingstrong relationships to ensure your analysis resonates with your audience. Through coaching and mentoring,you’llalso support the development of your team.
You’llplay a key role in migrating our models and processes from on‑premise technology to a cloud‑based analytics platform.
What Do We NeedFromYou?
We’relooking for someone with extensive experience across a broad range of data science techniques, using data‑coding languages and analytics software.You’llalso be confident in communicating findings and recommendations to stakeholders and in sharing your knowledge with others.
Key competencies for this role include:
Solid experience applying data‑driven mathematical,statisticaland machine‑learning models using Python and/or R
Exposure to distributed processing systems for big data workloads (e.g., Microsoft Azure)
Experience managing large and complex datasets using SQL
A proventrack recordof translating business problems into analytical solutions
Strong presentation, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to tailor your approach to different audiences and simplify complex concepts
Experience mentoring junior data scientists and reviewing their work
Experience working in a commercially focused environment
Founded on Fairness.
Fairness in what we provide to members, fairness in what we stand for in Society and fairness is what we deliver to our colleagues.
We started 172 years ago with a clear purpose, to build a better society. And that’s what our colleagues work to do every day. We help more people have a home, save for life ahead and support long-term financial wellbeing, whether that’s from our head office at The Bailey in Skipton or our branch network across the country.
And we’re more than just a building society. We head up Skipton Group, a collection of companies stretching from Aberdeen, UK to Auckland, NZ. Together we’re 90 brands. 18,000 people. 1,300 branches. 1.2million building society members. £37bn total assets. All pushing together to help policymakers make better decisions, and help society address the needs of the hardest hit.
So, if you want to become a member of somewhere that’s driving change all while keeping community at its core and fairness in its foundation, get in touch.
