Data Scientist

Connections Policy Data Scientist 6-Month Contract Location: Warwick (Hybrid - once per week onsite) Contract Type: 6-month contract Rate: £500 per day, via Umbrella Company About the role National Energy System Operator (NESO) is seeking an experienced Connections Policy Data Scientist / Analyst to support decision-making across its Connections and Connections Reform programmes. In this hands-on contractor role, you will provide the modelling, forecasting and deep-dive analytics that underpin policy and operational decisions across the GB connections landscape. Working closely with the Data & Systems Lead and the Reporting & Insights Lead, you will design and run policy impact models, quantify options and sensitivities, and translate complex analysis into clear, actionable insights for programme teams, senior leadership and regulatory stakeholders. This role is suited to a contractor who can onboard quickly and deliver value from week one, helping to embed strong analytical ways of working across the Connections portfolio. Key responsibilities • Build, maintain and own policy impact models, including forecasting connection volumes, lead times, backlog burn-down, capacity release and customer outcomes • Run scenario, sensitivity and probabilistic modelling to assess trade-offs between connections policy and strategy options • Design experimental approaches to estimate the real-world impacts of policy or process changes • Define data requirements and partner with the Data & Systems Lead to engineer robust, version-controlled data pipelines (e.g. SQL and Python on Azure) • Co-develop self-serve MI, curated datasets and Power BI dashboards with the Reporting & Insights Lead • Produce clear decision papers and visual narratives for governance forums, senior leadership and external stakeholders • Proactively improve data quality and manage model risks and assumptions • Deliver rapid ad-hoc analysis to support time-critical requests from Connections delivery teams and key stakeholders • Ensure compliance with information security, data protection and confidentiality obligations About you You are an experienced data scientist or analyst with a strong background in applying advanced analytics to policy or process change, ideally within energy, infrastructure or other regulated environments. Essential experience and skills • Proven track record in data science or advanced analytics, including forecasting, simulation and scenario design • Strong proficiency in Python and SQL, with experience of data engineering for analytics use cases • Excellent data visualisation and storytelling skills, particularly using Power BI • Ability to explain complex models, uncertainty and assumptions to non-technical stakeholders • Familiarity with GB energy networks or markets and the end-to-end connections lifecycle, from application through to energisation • Collaborative mindset, with experience working alongside data, systems and reporting leads • Degree in a quantitative discipline such as data science, statistics, economics or engineering, or equivalent professional experience Desirable • Knowledge of the GB regulatory context for connections, including charging, queue management and industry codes • Experience producing evidence packs for regulatory audiences • Prior success working as a contractor or consultant, with rapid onboarding and structured, outcome-focused delivery Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive. We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.