NHS Counter Fraud Authority

Data Science Manager

The closing date is 12 April 2026

Job summary

The NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA) is the national body responsible for all matters relating to the prevention, detection and investigation of economic crime across the NHS.

Following the success of our 2 year funded 'Project Athena' we are pleased to offer this permanent vacancy that has senior management responsibility for professional advice, guidance and technical oversight of disciplines within the Advanced Data Analytics function. The successful candidate will work with domain experts and professionals in data science, counter fraud disciplines, and be the technical conduit between non-analytical experts and highly specialised data professionals. Supporting the design of analytical services, products and models and analysis to meet the needs of NHSCFA including aligning with strategic intentions that drive innovation and organisational counter fraud impact.

Our vacancies are popular and we may close this vacancy early should we receive a significant number of applications.

NPPV 2 applies to this role

Main duties of the job

Provide technical analytical, data science and counter fraud advice relating to analysis from an NHSCFA perspective.

Use expertise in data management, analytics, data science to ensure robust governance appropriate delivery of models, products and insight suitable for action.

Use existing stakeholder engagement and management bring together existing analytical and counter fraud knowledge together.

Actively work with key disciplines (e.g., Data Science/Data Engineering and Technology managers, domain specialists), functions to ensure modelling and products meet the needs of the Advanced Analytical team in terms of performance and delivery.

Please see the Job Description

About us

We have offices in Coventry, Newcastle and London and offer flexible, hybrid, and home-based working. Working in the London area will attract High-Cost Area Supplement. NHSCFA values and respects the diversity of its employees and aims to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including an invitation to the first stage of the selection process and consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability. We encourage applications from individuals interested in a secondment opportunity. If you are applying on this basis, please ensure you have obtained agreement in principle from your current employer. When you apply , you will be redirected to our recruitment system TRAC. The NHSCFA does not hold a sponsor licence in respect of skilled worker visas and so is unable to employ candidates requiring sponsorship.

To comply with the HM Government Functional Standard GovS 007, and specifically the Personnel Security Standards, individuals employed by NHS Counter Fraud Authority will be required to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standards checks. Interviews will take place on 22nd April 2026 face to face.

Details

Date posted

27 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£66,582 to £77,368 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

076-CFA7879915-A

Job locations

NHSCFA

7th Floor, 10 South Colonnade

London

E14 4PU


Job description

Job responsibilities

Provide the counter fraud analytical technical oversight to all teams within the Advanced Data Analytics Team.

Work in partnership with the Data Scientists, Data Acquisition Manager, Data Engineering and domain specialist to ensure analysis conducted meets the requirements of the function.

Review analytical performance with Data Science professionals to ensure it meets required thresholds for advanced analysis techniques.

Please see the Job Description

Job description

Job responsibilities

Provide the counter fraud analytical technical oversight to all teams within the Advanced Data Analytics Team.

Work in partnership with the Data Scientists, Data Acquisition Manager, Data Engineering and domain specialist to ensure analysis conducted meets the requirements of the function.

Review analytical performance with Data Science professionals to ensure it meets required thresholds for advanced analysis techniques.

Please see the Job Description

Person Specification

PSpec

Essential

  • oDesigning algorithms for actionable outcomes oStrong proficiency in SQL, R, Python, and tools like Alteryx, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Databricks oAssociated data science practices across the domain oAbility to produce reproducible code and pipelines with governance and automation, in addition to assuring team members coding practices are supervised ensuring efficiency. oProven experience in fraud detection using statistical modelling in production environments and technologies within data science.
  • oSignificant practical experience managing a data science/analytics team including all processes and practices for high quality outputs. oProven experience in fraud detection using statistical modelling in production environments and analytical approaches and innovation. oSignificant experience in model development aligned with governance and regulatory standards for fraud detection oExpertise in data visualisation, communicating statistical outputs. oStrong analytical and critical thinking skills. oPolicy implementation and development within the function as directed. oUndertaking own research in key analytical areas of counter fraud focus and areas for improved detection using techniques and data. oApplying and developing ethics frameworks and governance to own work and that of their team. oUndertaking data science initiatives that are allocated driven and proactive. Including reviewing the enablers to support detection
  • oMaster's degree in a numerate subject or equivalent experience (e.g., Mathematical, Data Science, Computer Science, Physics, or related discipline) For the purposes of this job description equivalent experience would be management and technical experience in a similar sized and complex organisation, successfully providing the technical ability to undertake data science/analysis in addition to line management

Desirable

  • Extensive knowledge and understanding of the NHS data landscape and how the various data sources can be used to identify fraudulent activity.
  • Advanced knowledge and practical experience of developing, implementing and harnessing generative AI and NLP for the benefit of counter fraud.
  • oAccredited Counter Fraud Specialist or member of Government Counter fraud Profession oDemonstrate CPD.
  • oPolitically astute with knowledge of national and regional decisions in relation to the NHS and counter fraud.
Person Specification

PSpec

Essential

  • oDesigning algorithms for actionable outcomes oStrong proficiency in SQL, R, Python, and tools like Alteryx, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Databricks oAssociated data science practices across the domain oAbility to produce reproducible code and pipelines with governance and automation, in addition to assuring team members coding practices are supervised ensuring efficiency. oProven experience in fraud detection using statistical modelling in production environments and technologies within data science.
  • oSignificant practical experience managing a data science/analytics team including all processes and practices for high quality outputs. oProven experience in fraud detection using statistical modelling in production environments and analytical approaches and innovation. oSignificant experience in model development aligned with governance and regulatory standards for fraud detection oExpertise in data visualisation, communicating statistical outputs. oStrong analytical and critical thinking skills. oPolicy implementation and development within the function as directed. oUndertaking own research in key analytical areas of counter fraud focus and areas for improved detection using techniques and data. oApplying and developing ethics frameworks and governance to own work and that of their team. oUndertaking data science initiatives that are allocated driven and proactive. Including reviewing the enablers to support detection
  • oMaster's degree in a numerate subject or equivalent experience (e.g., Mathematical, Data Science, Computer Science, Physics, or related discipline) For the purposes of this job description equivalent experience would be management and technical experience in a similar sized and complex organisation, successfully providing the technical ability to undertake data science/analysis in addition to line management

Desirable

  • Extensive knowledge and understanding of the NHS data landscape and how the various data sources can be used to identify fraudulent activity.
  • Advanced knowledge and practical experience of developing, implementing and harnessing generative AI and NLP for the benefit of counter fraud.
  • oAccredited Counter Fraud Specialist or member of Government Counter fraud Profession oDemonstrate CPD.
  • oPolitically astute with knowledge of national and regional decisions in relation to the NHS and counter fraud.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Counter Fraud Authority

Address

NHSCFA

7th Floor, 10 South Colonnade

London

E14 4PU


Employer's website

https://cfa.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Counter Fraud Authority

Address

NHSCFA

7th Floor, 10 South Colonnade

London

E14 4PU


Employer's website

https://cfa.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Head of Advanced Data Analytics

George Cooke

George.Cooke@nhscfa.gov.uk

Details

Date posted

27 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£66,582 to £77,368 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

076-CFA7879915-A

Job locations

NHSCFA

7th Floor, 10 South Colonnade

London

E14 4PU


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

NHS Counter Fraud Authority's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)