Data Scientist

Location:

Bolton, Greater Manchester, UK, BL1 9Salary:

Up to £55,000 per annum not pro rata (dependent on experience and qualifications)Contract:

Fixed Term Contract - 15 MonthsHours:

37.5 hours per week, Mon-Fri 9-5We''re reimagining work/life balance - and you could be part of it. At OFG, we’re proud to be part of the 4-Day Working Week trial, giving teams more time to recharge while earning their full pay. If successful, the trial could roll out across the Group.

The RoleMake a difference and advance your career by helping deliver some of the UK’s leading special education providers, change futures for vulnerable children and young people across the country. You’ll join a talented team of professional problem solvers, creative thinkers, and solutions builders in a dynamic, supportive environment that rewards initiative and flexibility.

You will:

Have the opportunity to use advanced data science and machine learning methods to generate insights that inform strategic and operational decisions.

Work with diverse datasets, from structured to unstructured text, to identify trends, risks, and opportunities that improve outcomes for learners.

Develop analytical models and tools that support planning and decision making across education settings.

Collaborate closely with educators, clinicians, and leaders to align data science outputs with the needs of students and staff.

Help establish and embed best practices in data science, supporting the growth of an emerging data science team.

Skills and Experience

Strong knowledge of data science and machine learning methods, including emerging techniques.

Proven track record of translating methods into production workflows with scalable, maintainable infrastructure.

Proficiency in natural language processing techniques and experience applying them to real-world applications.

Strong foundation in statistical methods.

Deep expertise with a modern data science programming language (Python/R), with the ability to write clean and efficient code.

Experience with cloud deployments (ideally Azure) to build, scale and maintain data science solutions and pipelines.

Proficiency in SQL for data extraction, transformation, and analysis across relational databases.

Experience with a Business Intelligence tool (such as Cognos/Power BI).

Desirable

Commercial experience adapting, operationalising and monitoring generative AI/LLM models.

Familiarity with education or healthcare analytics and data.

Why join Outcomes First Group?About the GroupOutcomes First Group is the largest independent provider of high quality special needs education and care. We are a vital part of local communities in England, Scotland and Wales with a renowned reputation for quality and positive outcomes for the people we educate and care for. In 2024, Outcomes First Group was certified as a Great Place to Work for the fifth year running. Our divisional brands include Acorn Education, Options Autism, Blenheim Schools and Momenta Connect.

Our VisionEmpower every child, whatever their ability, with a world-class education that nurtures potential, inspires lifelong learning, and equips them to thrive in a diverse and evolving world.

Our MissionWe commit to unlocking our pupils’ potential through personalised learning, innovation, and opportunity, supporting growth and aspirations.

Our Promise

We Listen.

We never assume.

We work together to make the remarkable happen.

We are accountable to each other and for one another.

BenefitsYour health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions

"Your Wellbeing Matters" - access to a wide range of mental health support services and physical health checks

Family Growth Support - enhanced maternity and paternity leave, plus paid fertility treatment support

Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, offering a package you can tailor, including:

A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits

Discount options in the UK and abroad

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Critical illness cover

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and require all employees to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and a fully enhanced DBS where applicable. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Please note: 4DWW is subject to successful completion of your probation period and is not a contractual benefit. The vacancy may close early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Outcomes First Group follows Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. We aim to keep applicants informed; however, we do not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other costs due to delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to safeguarding checks and statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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