Data Science - Head of Data Science

Whitbread PLC; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Family BUPA healthcare

Up to 60% off Premier Inn stays & 25%‑

Job summary

Whitbread PLC seeks a Head of Data Science to lead the vision, strategy and execution of advanced analytics across the business. You’ll drive decisions with data, shape high‑impact opportunities and own the end‑to‑end lifecycle of AI products in production.

You'll build and guide a high‑performing data science team, setting governance standards for model quality, validation and responsible AI while collaborating with Technology, Product and business units to embed analytics into core processes.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in advanced analytics, statistical modelling and machine learning.
• Proven experience leading data science or advanced analytics teams.
• Strong track record influencing senior stakeholders and shaping strategic decisions.
• Experience deploying and maintaining production‑grade data science solutions.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to challenge, guide and simplify.
• Understanding of AI governance, risk and ethical frameworks.
• Experience working in matrixed environments with engineering and product teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead Whitbread’s applied data science strategy and identify high‑value opportunities across the business.
• Own the lifecycle of data science products — from ideation to production, optimisation and BAU.
• Set and uphold standards for model quality, validation, monitoring and responsible AI.
• Build and develop a high‑performing data science team with strong business‑facing capability.
• Partner across Technology, Product and business teams to embed analytics into core processes.

Skills

Advanced analytics

Statistical modelling

Machine learning

Leadership

Stakeholder influence

Production ML systems

AI governance

Matrixed environments

Job description

We’re transforming how data powers decisions across Whitbread — from optimising hotel operations to shaping long ‑ term commercial strategy. As our Head of Data Science, you’ll lead the vision, strategy and delivery of advanced analytics and machine learning, ensuring our teams and leaders use data to drive meaningful, measurable impact.

Role: Head of Data Science

Contract Type: Full time, Permanent

Location: Dunstable (Hybrid, 3 days per week in office)

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Family BUPA healthcare
• Up to 60% off Premier Inn stays & 25% off our restaurant brands

As our Head of Data Science, you will lead Whitbread’s applied data science strategy and identify high‑value opportunities across the business, act as a senior advisor to leaders, shaping decisions through insight and analytical storytelling as well as own the lifecycle of data science products — from ideation to production, optimisation and BAU

Alongside the above you will set and uphold standards for model quality, validation, monitoring and responsible AI, Build and develop a high‑performing data science team with strong business‑facing capability and partner across Technology, Product and business teams to embed analytics into core processes

What you’ll need

• Deep expertise in advanced analytics, statistical modelling and machine learning
• Proven experience leading data science or advanced analytics teams
• Strong track record influencing senior stakeholders and shaping strategic decisions
• Experience deploying and maintaining production‑grade data science solutions
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to challenge, guide and simplify
• Understanding of AI governance, risk and ethical frameworks
• Experience working in matrixed environments with engineering and product teams