Transformation Director (Data Science) at RELX, London Wall – Visa Sponsorship Available

Are you a seasoned Data Science professional looking to drive significant change within a global leader? RELX is seeking a Transformation Director (Data Science) in London Wall, a fantastic opportunity for those passionate about turning data strategy into tangible business impact. This full-time position explicitly offers Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa sponsorship, making it ideal for Nigerian and African immigrants seeking to advance their careers in the UK, with a competitive salary and robust benefits package.

Job Description

As the Transformation Director (Data Science) at RELX, you will be at the heart of a significant, multi-workstream transformation within the Data Science function. Your primary responsibility will be managing this complex portfolio, establishing the governance backbone to ensure timely and effective delivery. This involves defining and improving programme management standards, assessing hygiene across workstreams, and coaching leads to close gaps early, all while providing independent assurance on delivery confidence.

A critical aspect of this role involves applying a strong technical understanding of data science, ML, and AI engineering to challenge plans, estimates, and risk assessments. You will run end-to-end governance cadences, including operating and steering committee forums, and own all reporting materials for senior leadership. Furthermore, you will maintain a coherent view of the entire change portfolio, identifying overlaps, conflicts, and dependencies, and support the shaping of robust business cases for future investments.

Requirements

• A data science, ML, or AI engineering background, gained through hands-on experience or leading/governing data science delivery, sufficient to understand technical content and translate for non-technical audiences.
• Substantial experience running portfolio, programme, or transformation governance in a complex, technical organisation, with a proven track record of improving delivery discipline.
• Demonstrated experience producing and presenting reporting to senior and executive audiences, with the credibility to command attention.
• Strong grounding in programme management methods (e.g., MSP, PRINCE2, P3O, Agile/SAFe or equivalent), applied pragmatically.
• Experience building or contributing to business cases, including benefits and financial modelling.
• Sharp analytical and written communication skills; able to distil complexity into clear messages.
• Confidence to challenge and influence without relying on formal authority.
• Applicants must either possess the right to work in the UK or be eligible for Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa sponsorship, which is available for this role.

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance with the option to buy additional days.
• Health screening, eye care vouchers, and private medical benefits.
• Wellbeing programs and life assurance.
• Access to a competitive contributory pension scheme and Save As You Earn share option scheme.
• Flexible working hours to promote a healthy work/life balance, along with shared parental leave and study assistance.
• Travel Season ticket loan and Electric Vehicle scheme.

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African immigrants eyeing this Transformation Director (Data Science) role at RELX, meticulous preparation is key. Focus on crafting a CV that highlights your extensive experience in data science, ML, or AI engineering, explicitly detailing your involvement in transformation projects and governance. Ensure your LinkedIn profile mirrors your CV, showcasing your leadership in technical environments and your ability to drive significant change. Your cover letter should articulate how your background aligns with the specific responsibilities of managing complex data science portfolios and governing large-scale transformations, emphasizing your pragmatic approach to programme management methods.

When preparing for the interview, be ready to discuss your technical understanding of data science, ML, and AI engineering, and how you’ve used this to challenge plans and estimates effectively. Practice articulating complex technical concepts to non-technical senior audiences. Importantly, for visa-sponsored roles, be prepared to discuss your immigration status confidently and how you meet the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa, showcasing your commitment to a long-term career in the UK.

• Tailor your CV to emphasize data science transformation, governance, and senior stakeholder management experience.
• Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your expertise in data science, ML, AI, and programme leadership within complex organisations.
• Prepare a compelling cover letter that directly addresses the job description, highlighting your track record in improving delivery discipline and shaping business cases.
• Be ready to discuss your technical acumen in data science, ML, and AI engineering, and how you apply it to challenge and assure project delivery.
• Practice articulating how you would handle the visa sponsorship process, demonstrating your understanding of UK immigration requirements and your long-term career aspirations in the UK.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa sponsorship is explicitly available for this Transformation Director (Data Science) role at RELX. Foreigners, including those currently residing outside the UK, are encouraged to apply as Skilled Worker (Tier 2) sponsorship is offered. If your current immigration status is borderline or you have unique circumstances, it is advisable to clearly outline your situation in your application or cover letter, demonstrating your eligibility and commitment to securing the necessary UK work visa.