Principle Data Scientist
Contract Principal Data Scientist (Senior Data Scientist) The Opportunity We’re looking for a Principal Data Scientist (Senior Data Scientist level) to lead the development of advanced analytics, AI models, and data-driven solutions that deliver real organisational impact.
This role sits at the intersection of data science, AI, and business strategy, combining technical expertise with leadership to shape high-value initiatives and unlock insights from complex data.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders to identify opportunities where data science and AI can deliver value
- Design, develop and deploy advanced analytics, machine learning models, and data products
- Lead and contribute to high-impact data science projects across the organisation
- Translate complex analysis into clear, actionable insights and recommendations
- Work closely with data engineers to ensure robust, scalable data pipelines and solutions
- Provide technical leadership, setting standards and coaching other data scientists
- Drive innovation and champion the use of AI and advanced analytics
- Contribute to best practice in data science, governance, and ethical use of data
🛠️ Tech & Tools
You’ll typically work with:
- Python and advanced statistical tools
- Machine Learning and AI frameworks
- Cloud-based data platforms (e.g. Azure ecosystems)
- Data visualisation and reporting tools
- Data engineering and transformation pipelines
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- Extensive experience designing and delivering data science and AI solutions in real-world environments
- Strong expertise in statistical analysis, machine learning, and advanced analytics techniques
- Proven ability to write and optimise complex code
- Experience working closely with data engineers and multidisciplinary teams
- Demonstrable contribution to building data science capability and best practice
- Ability to communicate complex findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
Desirable:
- Experience working in agile, iterative delivery environments
- Understanding of user research and user needs in product development
💡 What Makes This Role Stand Out
- Opportunity to lead and shape AI and data science strategy
- Combination of hands-on delivery and technical leadership
- Focus on delivering real-world impact through data
- Work across a variety of complex, high-value problem spaces
Key Skills
- Advanced statistical analysis and modelling
- Data engineering collaboration and data lifecycle understanding
- Storytelling with data and visualisation
- Data ethics, privacy, and governance awareness
- Stakeholder engagement and influencing
- Product thinking and delivery
What You’ll Deliver
- High-quality AI models and analytical solutions
- Insightful dashboards, reports, and visualisations
- Scalable and reusable data science products
- Established standards, practices, and capability improvements
- Thought leadership in data science and AI innovation
Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates
About the job
Contract Type: Temporary Interim Management
Specialism: Technology & Digital
Focus: Software Development/Engineering
Industry: IT
Salary: Negotiable
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Experience Level: Mid Management
Location: Cardiff
CONTRACTORJob Reference: 13AEZO-5FEBFBEA
Date posted: 18 June 2026
Consultant: Tina Sollom
south-west-wales information-technology/software-engineering 2026-06-18 2026-07-18 it London Cardiff GB Robert Walters https://www.robertwalters.co.uk https://www.robertwalters.co.uk/content/dam/robert-walters/global/images/logos/web-logos/square-logo.png true