Data Science Manager

John Lewis Partnership; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Data Scientist to enhance decision-making in Commercial, Retail, and Supply Chain domains. The role involves developing solutions, managing roadmaps, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive business impact through data science initiatives.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in data science with hands-on coding experience.
• Experience with ML Ops tools and software engineering best practices.

Responsibilities

• Work with stakeholders to improve decision-making using data science methods.
• Analyze complex data sets to support actionable insights and recommendations.

Skills

Python

SQL

Communication

Tools

Dataiku

Vertex AI

Git

Job description

About the role

The core of this role is to help the Partnership make insight-driven, better informed, customer-centric decisions specifically in our Commercial, Retail and Supply Chain domains. You will work closely with teams across these domains, understanding their challenges and identifying opportunities for improvement. Using your analytical skills and customer knowledge, you will enhance decision-making speed and quality.

A Data Scientist in this role typically addresses problems such as Demand Forecasting, Price Optimisation, and other Constrained Optimisation tasks like markdown optimisation to reduce food waste or setting safety stock levels in Distribution Centres. This position is within a central Data Science team supporting John Lewis, Waitrose, and John Lewis Money.

We seek someone passionate about solving diverse business problems with a broad range of techniques that impact day-to-day operations and customer experience. The successful candidate will play a hands-on role in developing and deploying solutions alongside stakeholders, Data Scientists, and ML Engineers.

At a glance

This is a hybrid role, primarily working from home and the London/Head Office, with occasional visits to other locations as needed. Currently, the team works from the office once a week, with additional ad-hoc meetings depending on business requirements.

Expected Salary: £59,000 - £85,000

Contract: Permanent

What you will do

• Work effectively with stakeholders to improve decision-making using data science methods.
• Manage the roadmap and deliverables within an assigned business domain in Commercial, Retail, or Supply Chain, including stakeholder and team management.
• Analyze complex data sets to support actionable insights and recommendations.
• Identify opportunities to drive business impact through data science initiatives.
• Build models to optimise customer experience, revenue, costs, and other outcomes.
• Communicate the benefits and use cases of statistics and machine learning to diverse audiences.
• Design and implement end-to-end solutions, from problem definition to deployment and adoption.

Internally, this role is known as Insight Manager, Data Science.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proficiency in data science with hands-on coding experience in Python and SQL, and ability to mentor others.
• Experience with ML Ops tools (Dataiku, Vertex AI), Git, and software engineering best practices.
• Passion for solving business challenges and applying innovative data science techniques.
• Excellent communication skills and experience working in cross-functional teams.
• Ability to identify key problems with stakeholders and optimize KPIs to meet objectives.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• People management experience.
• Retail and grocery industry experience.
• Experience with Agile methodologies.
• Knowledge of Cloud technologies, preferably GCP.

Next Steps

• Complete the application form, including CV upload and answers to questions, prepared in Google Docs.
• Internal applicants can access the job outline here: https://bit.ly/InsightsMgrDS
• Successful candidates will undergo a virtual first-stage interview, followed by a detailed second-stage interview.
• Inform us of any adjustments needed during the process.

About The Partnership

We are the UK's largest employee-owned business, home to John Lewis and Waitrose. We are committed to building a happier world, focusing on retail excellence, innovation, and diversity. As Partners, we share ownership, success, and responsibility, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

Note: Some roles require pre-employment vetting, including DBS checks and financial probity assessments. We encourage prompt application as vacancies may close early due to high demand. We support flexible working arrangements and encourage discussing this with the hiring manager during interviews.