Data Scientist Lead - Barclays

Date live: 27/07/2026

Business Area: Decision Intelligence

Area of Expertise: Data & Analytics

Contract: Permanent

Reference Code: JR-0000121906

Join Barclays as a Data Science Lead, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping our AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Data Science strategy while leading and developing a high-performing team of data scientists. This is a hybrid technical and people leadership role, responsible for delivering impactful AI solutions, setting technical direction, and fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous learning. You will lead the design and deployment of scalable AI and machine learning solutions, establish best practices across the data science lifecycle, and guide teams through technical and organisational transformation. Alongside technical leadership, you will mentor and develop colleagues, helping them grow their skills and careers while supporting the delivery of strategic business outcomes.

To be successful as a Data Science Lead, you must have the following essential skills:

• Advanced Python Development – Expert knowledge of Python and modern data science libraries including NumPy, Pandas, scikit-learn and PyTorch.
• Machine Learning & AI – Demonstrated experience designing, developing, deploying and monitoring production-grade machine learning solutions.
• Software Engineering Best Practices – Experience building modular, maintainable solutions using testing frameworks, Continuous Integration/ Continuous Deploymentpipelines, version control and deployment automation.
• Technical Leadership – A proven ability of leading complex data science projects, defining technical standards and driving innovation across teams.
• People Leadership & Coaching – Experience leading, mentoring and developing technical professionals, creating an environment where individuals and teams can thrive.

Some other highly valued skills may include:

• Enterprise AI Systems – Experience designing and implementing scalable, governed AI solutions within a large organisation.
• Strategic Leadership – Ability to define long-term technical roadmaps, influence senior stakeholders and lead transformational change.
• Generative AI & Large Language Models – Proven experience with Large Language Models , agentic AI solutions and modern AI architectures.
• Advanced Data Science Techniques – Experience applying specialised methods such as causal inference, time series forecasting, optimisation, graph analytics or deep learning.
• Stakeholder Management – Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business recommendations and influence decision-making at senior levels.