Data Scientist

Who are we?

South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight.

Join our team and help us continue to bring people together to get the most out of life.

The Data Scientist will play a pivotal role in unlocking deeper insights and greater value from the diverse datasets available to the Commercial Team and the wider business. Using expertise in data analysis and interpretation, this role will uncover hidden patterns and opportunities that drive strategic decision‑making.

Using advanced data and machine learning techniques, this role will extract valuable information from currently under‑utilised data sources, transforming raw and complex information to reveal insights that individual sources alone cannot provide.

The Data Scientist will be an expert in data visualisation, demonstrating ability to communicate the story as well as having the skills to create more innovative and custom visuals such as geographic and special visuals that will better communicate the findings from data analysis to stakeholders.

• Deep exploratory analysis of new and emerging datasets to support business decision making
• Design, creation, and maintenance of predictive models and algorithms through various machine learning and more advanced techniques
• Creation of interesting, innovative, and informative visuals
• Clear and effective presentation of findings to stakeholders with a variety of data literacy
• Support Data Engineers with complex data modelling
• Work with Data Technicians in the creation of informative and performant dashboards
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the business to identify opportunities for improvements through richer and deeper data analysis and insight
• Keep abreast of the latest data science technologies and trends to drive innovation
• Effective and considered use of AI to drive further benefits to the data team and wider business
• Collaboration with data specialists from other train companies to drive industry wide benefits

• 2+ years experience as a Data Scientist
• Ability to explore complex and messy datasets to extract value and insights
• Strong proficiency in SQL and Python (including common Data Science packages e.g. scikit‑learn)
• Knowledge and experience of Machine Learning and its application to real world datasets
• Experience with artificial intelligence, and the ability to communicate the benefits and risks of its application
• Capability to produce high quality and specialist visuals including maps and network visuals
• Able to break down large and complicated problems into an actionable and achievable plan
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively work with key stakeholders and suppliers across our data estate
• Have a high attention to detail, completing work to a high level of accuracy, maintaining focus, with the ability to prioritise workloads and work to challenging deadlines
• Demonstrates thoughtful and efficient design without over engineering solutions
• Proactive and with a drive for continuous improvement

• Experience working within the Fabric environment is desirable
• Experience in the UK Rail Industry
• Knowledge of rail commercial or operational systems (e.g. Lennon MOIRA, ORCATS, Cubic, BT MND) desirable

South Western Railways HQ is based on the 4th Floor at South Bank Central, a stone's throw from the River Thames and a 10 minute walk from our busiest station, Waterloo. It is local to many well‑known attractions, restaurants and retail facilities and is easily accessible by public transport.

Working an average of 37 hours per week over 5 days.

Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 17:30

In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits, including:

• Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees
• Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent)
• 75% discount on many other train operating companies
• Full training and…