Senior Manager, Data Science & AI, FSSR

Financial Stability Strategy and Risk (FSSR)

The Bank's Financial Stability Strategy and Risk (FSSR) Directorate is responsible for producing analysis to help the Financial Policy Committee (FPC) assess the resilience of the UK financial sector and develop policy solutions to ensure UK financial stability. Examples of our work are in our Financial Stability Reports. FSSR sits within the broader Deputy Governorship for Financial Stability (DGFS).

We are looking for an experienced data scientist to lead and help deliver an ambitious agenda on data science and AI across the directorate. This is a new cross directorate role and will support the delivery of data science driven and AI driven analytics in FSSR. It provides an exciting opportunity to modernise our use of data and analytics to support financial stability analysis, working in conjunction with the relevant analytical divisions within the directorate. You will be given a platform and a mandate to drive that agenda, not just in FSSR, but Bank wide.

The role is split across two core areas of responsibility. 1. Develop and implement cloud based analytical solutions for FSSR.

• Finalise FSSR's roadmap for cloud adoption and ensure a smooth transition of FSSR's large transaction level datasets and models onto the Bank's Cloud by aligning with the Bank's broader cloud timelines.
• Oversee the design of end to end lifecycle of data pipelines supporting FSSR needs. Ensure solutions and architecture align to the Bank's Technology Target Operating Model.
• Lead the development of cloud based analytical and AI products, including dashboards. Partner with divisions across FSSR to create accessible and integrated dashboards that monitor financial stability vulnerabilities.

2. Build FSSR's AI and data science capabilities.

• Lead the design and deployment of LLM and data science tools to support the analytical work of the directorate.
• Lead the FSSR automation and innovation agenda, including the development and adoption of AI enabled tools and agents to improve efficiency and analytical capability.
• Embed best practices in coding, modelling and documentation across divisions in the area.
• Embed AI principles to ensure responsible AI usage is embedded in the directorate (governance, explainability, auditability, safety).

3. Provide leadership of key policy projects deploying the latest data science and AI tools.

• Act as senior data scientist on key policy projects, driving delivery through others and ensuring policy relevant analytical insights. For example, current projects in FSSR include setting up an LLM tool that extracts supervisory intelligence and setting up a dashboard of core financial stability vulnerability metrics.
• Provide senior technical leadership and advice across a range of projects in the area, including policy projects and innovation experiments.

4. As Lead Data Scientist in FSSR, support the professional development of staff.

• Provide leadership to the small but growing pool of data scientists across divisions, acting as a senior mentor and technical authority. Through a matrix management model, support practitioners' objectives and professional career development. Over time, there may also be opportunities to line manage staff including on key projects.
• Provide technical support and guidance to a broader pool of analysts, to support the development of their data science and AI skill sets. This includes coaching on applying new methodologies, tools, and delivery challenges.
• Strengthen the existing FSSR staff data science and AI networks and establish a mechanism for coordinating delivery of FSSR's strategic priorities. Embed best practices in coding, modelling and documentation across divisions in the area while fostering a supportive community.
• Drive data science and AI capability across the directorate by delivering structured training that equips both specialists and non specialists with the skills to use data and AI effectively in their roles.

5. Lead and deliver FSSR's Data & AI strategy as part of the broader DGFS agenda.

• Lead and deliver the strategy for how data science and AI can support financial stability analysis in FSSR. For example, this year's priorities include planning cloud migration, driving automation leveraging data science/AI tools, upskilling staff, closing data gaps and streamlining data collection.
• Engage with seniors and staff to understand their needs and ensure solutions are aligned and effective.
• Act as the primary technical contact for DAT, Technology and cross Bank initiatives related to AI, cloud platforms, data engineering and analytical tooling, and seek to influence bank wide strategy on these initiatives.
• Act as the senior manager representative on the DGFS Data & Analytics Group. Shape cross governorship and directorate alignment on cloud data tooling, model deployment and coding standards.
• Represent FSSR and DGFS in a range of cross Bank communities on cloud, data science tools and AI.

Role Requirements - Minimum criteria

• Advanced technical expertise in data science, machine learning or data engineering, including experience with Python and/or R.
• Strong understanding of cloud based technologies and solutions (Azure and Databricks preferred), DevOps practices and API driven architectures.
• Experience with large language models (LLMs), generative AI technologies including AI agents and their practical applications.
• Proven experience leading analytical projects that leverage large and complex datasets, applying data science, machine learning and AI techniques to derive actionable insights and support policy.
• Experience delivering business change and production ready pipelines through new data and technology systems. A strong understanding of organisational data and AI transformation.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary technical projects and teams, with the ability to set strategy and technical direction, manage staff during a project and deliver results in ambiguous, fast moving environments.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, able to translate complex technical concepts for senior non technical audiences, influence governance and strategic decisions, and build relationships across staff.
• Experience building cloud based analytical solutions and delivering the implementation of a new data platform and analytics capabilities within a large or complex organisation.
• Experience working within a central bank, financial services or complex public sector environments.

Salary and Benefits Information

The salary range is from £97,920 to £110,160.

• Non contributory, career average pension giving a guaranteed retirement benefit of 1/80th of your annual salary for every year worked, with the option to adjust the accrual rate.
• Discretionary performance award based on a current award pool.
• 8% benefits allowance with the option to take as salary or purchase a wide range of flexible benefits.
• 26 days' annual leave with the option to buy up to 12 additional days through flexible benefits.
• Private medical insurance and income protection.

National Security Vetting Process

Employment in this role will be subject to the National Security Vetting clearance process (typically 6 12 weeks post offer) and the passing of additional Bank security checks in accordance with the Bank policy. Further information regarding the vetting and security clearance requirements for the role will be provided to the successful applicant.