Chief Data Scientist

Xcede; Derry/Londonderry; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking tech-enabled company in Northern Ireland is seeking a Chief Data Scientist to guide the AI strategy, lead a talented team, and oversee the deployment of machine learning models. The ideal candidate will have around 10 years of experience in data science, solid programming skills in Python and SQL, and the ability to communicate effectively across teams. This is a hands-on role requiring a strong leader who can bridge technology and commercial value.

Qualifications

• Around 10 years of experience in applied data science or AI.
• Proven track record of building and deploying scalable ML systems.
• Ability to work with large, complex datasets.

Responsibilities

• Define AI direction and lead machine learning programmes.
• Oversee production-ready ML models development.
• Lead and mentor a team of data scientists.

Skills

Applied data science or AI experience

Strong programming skills in Python

Strong programming skills in SQL

Experience in frameworks like PyTorch

Experience in frameworks like TensorFlow

Experience in frameworks like scikit-learn

Excellent communication skills

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

ML systems

Job description

Chief Data Scientist / Lead Data Scientist

x2 days a week in the office (can be based in either Derry or Letterkenny)

About the Role & Company

Join a forward-thinking tech-enabled organisation with deep expertise in solving complex data problems across highly regulated industries. The team is investing heavily in AI and is now seeking a senior technical leader to shape its future. This includes everything from research and development to full-scale deployment and long-term AI strategy.

This is a hands‑on leadership position for someone who can connect the dots between advanced technology, product thinking, and commercial value. You will guide a growing team, influence intelligent product design, and help ensure that AI is integrated throughout the organisation.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Define the organisation’s AI direction and lead high‑level machine learning programmes across departments
• Oversee the development, testing, and deployment of production‑ready ML models with measurable business value
• Lead and mentor a team of data scientists and engineers, fostering a culture of experimentation, innovation, and high performance
• Collaborate with stakeholders to communicate AI strategy and model outcomes clearly and confidently
• Work with engineering and product teams to identify opportunities for data‑driven features and automation
• Stay up to date with the latest advances in AI, including generative models, LLMs, and agent‑based systems
• Help maintain strong data governance and ensure all AI initiatives meet relevant compliance and security standards
• Act as an internal and external ambassador for the company’s AI capabilities, sharing insight and thought leadership

What They’re Looking For

• Circa 10 years’ experience in applied data science or AI, including at least a few years in a leadership or strategic delivery role
• Proven track record of building and deploying scalable ML systems
• Strong programming skills in Python and SQL, with hands‑on experience in frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or scikit‑learn
• Ability to work with large, complex datasets and create structured pipelines for both structured and unstructured data
• Commercial awareness and experience aligning AI initiatives with wider business goals
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially when working with non‑technical teams
• Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP for data science workflows
• A good understanding of responsible AI principles and regulatory considerations in high‑compliance sectors
• Desirable: exposure to LLMs, autonomous systems, or next‑generation ML tooling

If this role interests you and you would like to find out more (or find out about other roles), please apply here or contact us via [e-mail] (feel free to include a CV for review).