Senior Data Scientist

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company in the UK is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to drive innovation using machine learning and AI technologies. The role involves collaborating with stakeholders to develop impactful solutions and ensuring compliance with data governance. Applicants should have significant experience with the Microsoft Azure platform, Python, and machine learning practices. This position offers competitive salary, flexible working patterns, and numerous benefits to support wellbeing and family needs.

Benefits

Private healthcare discounts

Gym membership discounts

Interest-free loans on transport

Wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with the Microsoft Azure platform and related technologies.
• Proficient in machine learning, especially on Azure and Python.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the creation and adoption of AI products across the SSEN business.
• Work closely with stakeholders to create impactful products.
• Ensure compliance with data security and ethical AI best practices.

Skills

Experience with Microsoft Azure

Python programming

Machine learning

Stakeholder management

Geospatial tools

Tools

SQL

Databricks

Azure DevOps

Job description

Base Location: Havant and Reading

Salary: £competitive + performance-related bonus and a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

The role

This position sits within the Data Science team in TD&D (Technology, Digital & Data) supporting SSEN Distribution across a number of core use cases including facilitating & supporting the transition to net zero, assisting the delivery of the ED2 (Electricity Distribution 2) agreed business plan, driving efficiency savings via the use of automation/machine learning & insight & building market leading machine learning technology solutions to drive best in class service to our customers.

We are looking for a Senior Data Scientist to help drive innovation and the usage of machine learning technology to support key business use cases, leveraging the Azure platform, Python, Spark, GenAI/LLMs, Databricks, SQL, DevOps & geospatial data knowledge to create end‑to‑end products to support key products. Ideally, you'll have experience from within the energy industry.

You will

• Support the creation & adoption of data & AI products across the wider SSEN business, ranging from traditional machine learning, generative AI, advanced analysis & statistics.
• Work closely with business stakeholders to create high‑impact, value‑returning products to impact key business metrics.
• Create sustainable cost‑optimised solutions (FinOps) & work with our data quality/governance teams ensuring compliance with data security, GDPR & ethical AI best practice.
• Leverage advances in AI technology to work on data‑science innovation products creating prototypes in emerging fields (Agentic AI).
• Utilise best practice for coding standards, use of repos, DevOps sprints & Agile boards to ensure alignment with TD&D ways of working.

You have

• Extensive experience with the Microsoft Azure platform, Python, Databricks, SQL, Geospatial tools, Azure DevOps, use of repo, data factory & pipeline creation.
• Machine learning experience on the Microsoft Azure platform, AutoML or Python.
• Excellent communication & stakeholder management skills, with the ability to drive value via end‑to‑end ownership of business‑use‑case related problems.
• Early experience of new tech – such as NLP & generative AI (familiarity with potential use cases, value & concerns – ethical AI, information security).
• Front‑end development (GUI) experience with the ability to leverage the Azure Databricks platform (Databricks Apps) to create positive user experience generating tools off the back of key data‑science machine learning products.

About SSE

SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net‑zero world. We're investing around £10 million a day in homegrown energy to help power a cleaner, more secure future.

SSEN Distribution, part of the wider SSE group, powers 3.9 million UK homes and businesses. Our team of more than 4,200 skilled engineers, customer‑service advisors and energy experts keep customers connected to a safe, reliable supply of electricity while investing in and developing the flexible networks needed for our low‑carbon future.

Flexible Benefits To Fit Your Life

Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest‑free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

Work with an equal opportunity employer

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact [e-mail] / 01738 275846 to discuss how we can support you.

We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.

Ready to apply?

Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We'll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we'll be taking your application further. If you're offered a role with SSE, you'll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.