THE OPPORTUNITY

Are you ready to lead data science innovation that supports frontline policing and community safety?

The WA Police Force is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Data Science Manager to lead the Data Science team within the Data Science and Analytics Division. Based in Perth, this role manages ten data scientists delivering capabilities that strengthen operational intelligence, help solve crime faster, and support officer and community safety.

As an innovative and strategic-thinking leader, you will guide a team whose work strengthens intelligence capabilities, shape the unit’s strategic priorities, guide the ethical use of data science, and introduce contemporary tools and techniques responsive to changing operational needs. This is an opportunity to influence agency-wide practice while maintaining the quality, integrity and transparency expected in a policing environment delivering high quality insights that support operational and tactical outcomes across the agency to solve crime faster contributing to community and officer safety.

THE ROLE

As Data Science Manager, you will lead the delivery of innovative data science, capabilities and solutions that support the WA Police Force’s operational, tactical and corporate priorities. You will provide trusted advice to senior leaders, set technical standards and champion strong governance, quality and continuous improvement.

You will lead and develop a team of Senior Data Scientists, Data Scientists and Data Science Officers. By setting clear priorities, coordinating resources and fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture, you will ensure the team delivers timely, reliable and high-quality outcomes aligned with agency priorities.

We are looking for an accomplished data science professional with demonstrated leadership, strong critical thinking and organisational skills, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly. You will build productive relationships, influence stakeholders at all levels and promote ethical, transparent and accountable data science practices. Australian citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 2 security clearance are essential.

This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of data, intelligence and policing operations, translating complex operational needs into practical, fit-for-purpose solutions. You will introduce contemporary tools and techniques, strengthen analytical capability and help the WA Police Force respond to emerging risks and changing operational needs.

ABOUT US 

The WA Police Force has over 10,000 employees located across the largest policing jurisdiction in the world, with 200 police facilities in 15 policing districts across the State. Our priorities are our people, our partnerships and our performance. We are committed to enforcing the law, preventing crime and managing and coordinating emergencies.   

The WA Police Force’s values of Duty, Teamwork, Integrity and Care are an integral part of how we do business. Alignment with our values should be incorporated within your application. Integrity within the WA Police Force means employees are held to a high standard of conduct, both in and outside of work. Further information is available in the Work-Related Requirements component of the position description form. 

Work, Health and Safety is vital to WA Police Force operations. We incorporate safety in every part of our business and it is an essential part of our decision-making processes. 

The WA Police Force is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Aboriginal Australians, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and women to apply for positions within our agency. The WA Police Force also promotes and supports flexible, family friendly work practices.

We believe all our people are leaders irrespective of their role. We consider this as critical to our success and, to support this, we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provide a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector.  The leadership context for this role is: Leading Leaders. 

THE BENEFITS   

• Flexible working arrangements. 
• Professional development opportunities and study leave/assistance. 
• 12% employer contributed superannuation into a fund of your choice.
• Salary packaging options for vehicles and superannuation. 
• 4 weeks of Annual Leave with the option to purchase additional leave each year. 
• 3 Public Service Holidays per year.  
• Access to Long Service Leave every 7 years
• On site gym facilities at Perth Headquarters. 
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program including immediate family members living at home. 
• Access to free WA Police Force Chaplaincy and Psychological services. 
• An active social club that welcomes WA Police Force family members. 

HOW TO APPLY 

To demonstrate your talents, please provide a covering letter of no more than 2 pages which describes how your skills and experience meet the following Work-Related Requirements as stated in the position description together with a comprehensive CV.

• Experience in data science – Leading, directing, guiding and providing subject matter expertise in relation to the development, review and implementation of new data science driven techniques and tools to meet operational and tactical needs. Ensuring the design and implementation is fit for purpose and maintenance and operational activities are undertaken in a timely way. Overseeing the data science processes and implementing best practices. 
• Leadership and management skills – Leading, directing and managing the delivery of services in line with the strategic direction. Providing clear and purposeful leadership and management to team members and other unit managers including planning, prioritising, making decisions, meeting deadlines and coordinating resources in a changing and dynamic environment. Managing resources (including human) and ensuring staff development and team building is addressed.

Please also include the contact details of two professional referees who we can contact as part of the recruitment process, with a current line manager preferred. 

For applicants deemed suitable, all essential work-related requirements in the position description form will be assessed at some stage during the selection process. 

Candidates must also read the attached supplementary information regarding conditions of employment including integrity checking requirements and the WA Police Force Drug and Alcohol policy. 

During the recruitment process we provide reasonable adjustments to allow people with a disability to participate effectively.  If you have any access or communication needs to allow you to better participate in this process, please contact our Police Staff Selection and Deployment Manager Matt Davis on telephone (08) 6229 5723 or via email at matt.davis@police.wa.gov.au  

SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION 

Applicants are requested to apply online.  To apply online, you must have a valid email address and be ready to attach your comprehensive electronic resume, integrity check form (if required) and any additional attachments as requested in the “APPLICATION PROCESS” section of the advertisement. Please select the “APPLY FOR JOB” button at the top/bottom of this advertisement.  

Should you encounter any problems lodging your online application please contact Police Staff Selection and Deployment on (08) 6229 5772 during business hours (8am to 4pm, Monday – Friday), prior to the specified closing time. 

AGENCY REFERRALS

Public sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact Police Staff Selection & Deployment at Police.Staff.Selection&Deployment@police.wa.gov.au during the advertisement period.

EMAILED, LATE OR PRO-FORMA APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED 

Application packages, supplementary work-related requirements/information and the Position Description Form are attached. 

FOR FURTHER SPECIFIC JOB-RELATED INFORMATION 

Please contact Janelle Baily on telephone number (08) 9223 3231 or Ella Lawless on telephone number (08) 9223 3734.