Job Title : Data Science and Analytics Practice Lead Location : Remote Salary : £70,000 - £100,000 per annum Contract Type : Full-time, Permanent About Us ICS.AI is the UK's market leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for local government, partnering with over 20 councils to revolutionise public service delivery. As a Microsoft-sell partner, we combine cutting-edge AI technology with deep sector expertise to deliver exceptional value through our core solutions: AI Contact Centres, AI Staff Copilots, and Social Care AI Copilots. With our head office in Basingstoke, delivery office in Leamington Spa, and satellite offices throughout the UK, we're transforming how the public sector delivers services. About the Role We are seeking an experienced Data Science and Analytics Practice Lead to establish and drive our data and analytics practice, combining internal product development responsibilities with external client-facing engagements. This role is pivotal in shaping ICS.AI’s data strategy and driving adoption of advanced analytics solutions across our AI-first product suite. You will lead a team of data scientists and engineers, design scalable data platforms, and deliver innovative solutions that enable AI-driven insights for our clients. As both a leader and practitioner, you’ll oversee technical design, data governance, and solution delivery, while working closely with senior leadership, engineering, and client success teams. Key Responsibilities Lead the development and implementation of ICS.AI’s data science and analytics strategy Manage and grow a high-performing team of data scientists, engineers, and analysts Architect and oversee scalable data platforms (data warehouses, lakes, vector/graph databases) Design and deliver advanced analytics solutions integrated with AI-first platforms Create predictive models, dashboards, and business intelligence artefacts that deliver measurable client value Drive innovation in AI and machine learning applications, including NLP, sentiment analysis, and intent recognition Establish robust data governance frameworks aligned with UK public sector compliance standards Collaborate across teams to embed data-driven insights into products and client solutions Support pre-sales engagements with data strategy and technical expertise Present insights and strategy recommendations to executive stakeholders Required Skills and Experience 8 years of professional experience in data science and analytics, with at least 4 years in leadership roles Strong expertise in Python, R, SQL, and Power BI (advanced) Proven experience leading data teams in consulting or professional services environments Deep knowledge of machine learning, statistical analysis, and predictive modelling Hands-on experience with Azure ecosystem (Data Factory, Synapse, Fabric, ML Studio, Cognitive Services) Proficiency in data architecture, ETL design, and visualisation Experience with LLM fine-tuning, embeddings, RAG techniques, and prompt engineering (desirable) Knowledge of data governance, privacy, and ethical AI principles Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences Degree in Data Science, AI, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or related field What We Offer Flexible and remote working options. Enhanced pension scheme (5% employer contribution). 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays. £1,200 annual work-from-home allowance. Private healthcare package (Vitality). Eligibility Requirements Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we cannot offer visa sponsorship for this role. A full Role Profile is available upon request