DV Cleared Data Science Specialist (AI & Machine Learning)

Location: Cheltenham, Ipswich, or Manchester (100% On-site)

Salary: Up to £100,000 + 10% Bonus

Working Pattern: Full-Time (37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday)

Security Clearance: Active DV Clearance (10+ years UK residency required)

We are seeking a Data Science Specialist to join a premier technology and defence practice. Sitting within a specialist team, this strategic and technical leadership role is responsible for maturing internal data science capabilities and maximizing the value of complex datasets across critical platforms.

Leading an agile team of 6 data scientists, you will combine hands-on delivery with strategic influence, identifying high-impact opportunities, building custom AI/ML models, and championing emerging technologies to solve complex customer challenges.

• Team Leadership & Line Management: Direct line management and technical leadership for a team of 6 data scientists across multiple agile projects.

• Advanced Data Exploitation: Drive the exploitation of complex data sets on critical customer platforms to deliver actionable outcomes.

• AI & Algorithm Development: Coordinate the design, build, and implementation of custom data models, intelligent algorithms, and machine learning solutions.

• Mentorship & Capability Building: Act as a senior technical authority to upskill and mentor team members in data science and AI practices.

• Programming & Scripting: Expert-level skills in interpreted and compiled languages (Python, Scala, or Java), including proficiency with libraries like Pandas and NumPy.

• Machine Learning & Frameworks: Deep practical knowledge of ML techniques and popular frameworks (eg, TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).

• Advanced Data Analytics: Solid grasp of graphs, time-series modelling, numerical algorithms, and geospatial analytics.

• Leadership & Outcomes: Proven experience leading technical teams, managing project delivery, and operating independently with an innovation-focused mindset.

• Competitive salary up to £100,000

• £5,000 per annum DV allowance (payable monthly while holding active clearance in role)

• Up to 10% target annual bonus

• Market-leading pension scheme

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays

*Rates depend on experience and client requirements