Senior Data Scientist

As a Data Scientist at Thames Water, you’ll join a mission that goes far beyond data and code — you’ll be helping to protect one of life’s most essential resources. Working within our Data Science team, you’ll develop and deploy machine learning models and data-driven solutions that create real-world impact: improving water quality, reducing pollution, supporting sustainability, and enhancing the experience of millions of customers across the Thames Water region.

Do you want to be part of a team using data in innovative ways to tackle some of the UK’s biggest environmental challenges? From reducing sewer overflows and improving network resilience to predicting leaks before they happen, your work will directly contribute to safeguarding the environment and ensuring a reliable water supply for generations to come.

This is an opportunity to use your skills to make a measurable difference — to turn complex data into actionable insight, to help drive operational efficiency and digital transformation, and to play a key role in shaping the sustainable future of water management in the UK.

What you’ll be doing as a Data Scientist

• Design and develop machine learning models to support use cases such as predictive maintenance, leakage detection, and customer behaviour analytics.
• Extract, clean, and transform large datasets from multiple sources to improve model accuracy and deliver insights.
• Apply statistical and predictive modelling techniques to inform business decisions and optimise operations.
• Use data visualisation tools to communicate insights clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
• Work closely with Data Engineers, BI Developers, and Product Teams to ensure seamless integration of models into business processes.
• Implement MLOps best practices to ensure models are scalable, robust, and well-maintained in production environments.
• Collaborate with IT, security, and governance teams to ensure data ethics, privacy, and compliance with GDPR and Ofwat regulations.
• Contribute to open data initiatives and knowledge-sharing activities across the team and wider organisation.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in AI/ML and data science.
• Support stakeholder engagement across operational, engineering, retail, and finance functions to identify opportunities for AI adoption.

Base Location: Reading – Hybrid
Working Pattern: 36 Hours

What you should bring to the role
Essential Experience:

• Proven experience developing and deploying machine learning models in a commercial or operational setting.
• Strong background in data science and statistical modelling, with experience in predictive analytics and advanced analytics techniques.
• Experience handling large, complex datasets in cloud or distributed environments.
• Ability to translate business problems into data science solutions with measurable outcomes.
• Collaborative experience working with engineers, analysts, and business stakeholders on end-to-end data projects.
• Experience in data science, machine learning, or analytics, including leadership of high-impact projects or strategic model deployments.

Essential Technical Skills & Qualifications

• Proficiency in Python, R, or a similar programming language for data analysis and machine learning.
• Experience with machine learning frameworks such as Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or PyTorch.
• Familiarity with cloud-based AI/ML platforms (e.g. Azure ML, AWS SageMaker, Databricks).
• Working knowledge of SQL and data engineering principles including pipelines and ETL processes.
• Experience using data visualisation tools such as Power BI or SAP Analytics Cloud.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within the water or utilities industry.
• Exposure to IoT or sensor-based data analytics.
• Experience applying AI to asset management or predictive maintenance challenges.
• Working knowledge of natural language processing (NLP) techniques or chatbot applications.
• Experience deploying and monitoring ML models in production using MLOps frameworks.

Desirable Technical Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field.
• Cloud certifications (e.g. Azure AI Engineer, AWS Machine Learning Speciality).
• Knowledge of advanced data science techniques such as deep learning, reinforcement learning, or Bayesian methods
• Proficiency in advanced programming techniques for scaling and optimising ML models.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary up to £100,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?
We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.