Data Scientist

About the Role

Great Britain’s electricity system is undergoing an ambitious and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, greener system that serves consumers now and for generations to come.

The Connections Data Scientist will play a strategic role in advancing the Connections Insights & Reporting capability by applying data science, statistical modelling, machine learning and advanced analytics to complex operational, customer, regulatory and programme datasets. The role will move beyond descriptive reporting to generate predictive and prescriptive insight that supports performance optimisation, risk management, regulatory confidence, Connections Reform delivery and long-term strategic decision-making. Working closely with reporting, data strategy, digital, policy, operational and senior stakeholder teams, the post holder will design and maintain trusted analytical models, shape scalable datasets and analytical products, identify emerging trends, forecast future demand and delivery risks, and translate complex evidence into clear strategic recommendations for internal and external audiences.

The role provides strong technical capability in Python, SQL, advanced analytics platforms, statistical methods, data visualisation, automation, data quality assurance and model governance, alongside the ability to influence stakeholders, challenge assumptions and promote data-led decision-making across Connections.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with Connections leaders, policy specialists and operational teams to translate strategic priorities into clear data science questions, define success measures and prioritise an analytical portfolio focused on business value.
• Lead the development and delivery of reporting, engaging stakeholders to understand analytical requirements and presenting data and insights clearly to support informed decision-making.
• Source, integrate and engineer complex operational, customer, programme and external datasets, applying robust data-quality controls and creating analysis-ready data assets for advanced modelling and insight.
• Lead exploratory and diagnostic analysis to identify trends, dependencies, segmentation opportunities, anomalies and emerging risks across the connections portfolio, distinguishing meaningful signals from normal variation.
• Design, develop and validate statistical, machine-learning, forecasting, classification, clustering, anomaly-detection and optimisation models, ensuring methods are proportionate, explainable and suitable for the decision context.
• Build scenario, sensitivity, simulation and evaluation frameworks to assess uncertainty, test policy or delivery options, quantify trade-offs and generate credible evidence on outcomes and potential causal impact.
• Create reproducible analytical pipelines, reusable code libraries and scalable data science products, working with data engineers, architects and technology teams to move validated models into controlled operational use.
• Translate complex analytical results, assumptions and uncertainty into clear visual narratives and evidence-based recommendations for senior leaders, governance forums and external stakeholders, while upholding standards for validation, interpretability, ethical use, data protection and model performance.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Visa sponsorship may not be available for this role and will be considered in line with business requirements.

About You

We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone who has:

Essential

• Experience working as a data scientist, reporting analyst or insight analyst, with a proven ability to turn complex operational data into clear analysis, reporting and recommendations.
• Strong practical capability in Python SQL, Excel and Power BI, including data extraction, transformation, validation, dashboard development and production of repeatable reporting outputs.
• Ability to interrogate data, identify trends, anomalies and root causes, and explain what the analysis means for performance, risk, delivery or customer outcomes.
• Strong attention to detail, with experience applying data quality checks, reconciling outputs and documenting metric definitions, assumptions and reporting logic.
• The ability to communicate data clearly to non-technical audiences, using concise commentary, visualisation and evidence-based storytelling.
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to work with operational teams, reporting leads, data specialists and stakeholders to understand requirements and land practical reporting outcomes.
• Degree level qualification in a relevant analytical, numerical or technical subject, or equivalent experience gained in a data, reporting or operational insight role.
• Knowledge of the GB energy sector, electricity connections lifecycle, Connections Reform, queue management, regulatory reporting or customer case management.

Desired

• Experience working with Palantir Foundry, Azure, Python, data catalogues, data quality tooling or other enterprise data and analytics platforms.
• Experience producing insight for senior governance forums, regulatory submissions, external stakeholder reporting or operational performance reviews.

What You'll Get

A competitive salary of £63,000 - £81,000 dependent on experience and capabilityAs well as your base salary, NESO's core benefits are the essential perks and advantages that form part of your employee package. - You will receive a bonus based on company performance- 26 days annual leave as standard - A competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. - Annual Enrollment to NESO Savings Plan, when you save between £20- £500 a month from your take-home pay, we will pay a 50% matching contribution.

NESO's flexible benefits programme provides you with more flexibility around your health, lifestyle and protection benefits, here's just a few available:

- Flexible Bank Holidays & Holiday Trading

- Additional Birthday Day Off

- Cycle to Work Scheme, Retail & Gym Discounts

- Private Medical Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance & Personal Accident Insurance

About Us

At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britain's energy future. We already operate the world's fastest decarbonising electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon-free for a short period this year - provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources. Alongside this, we provide expert advice to government on how to deliver a clean power system by 2030.

In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO - an independent, expert public corporation with a whole-system view across electricity, gas, and hydrogen. NESO operates independently and transparently, always acting in the best interests of all energy users.

Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability and security. Our organisation is fully independent from government, the regulator and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system-wide benefit, long term thing and public value.

The time to deliver is now. Join the energy transformation and help shape the future.

Your energy. Our future. Together

National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

More Information

This role closes at 23:59, on the day before date shown above, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we're committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment

We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential. If this role sparks your interest but you're not sure you tick every box, we still want to hear from you. process where everyone has the opportunity to show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.