Data Science Manager - Advanced Analytics & AI

TalkTalk; Salford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A telecommunications company in the UK is looking for a hands-on data science manager to lead teams in maximizing business value through data science products. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in data science, experience in managing teams, and effective communication skills. Join a dynamic workplace that supports flexible working and promotes diversity in an inclusive culture. This role offers competitive benefits such as private healthcare and generous vacation time.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working

Generous holiday package

Private healthcare for all employees

Competitive pension scheme

Free broadband for all employees

Paid volunteering days

Qualifications

• Expertise in leveraging data science methods to solve business problems.
• Experience in managing and upskilling team members.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead data science teams to deliver business value.
• Develop data products from POC to production in an agile manner.
• Mentor junior team members and foster a collaborative environment.

Skills

Data Science and AI expertise

Strong problem-solving skills

Effective communication skills

Coding languages (Python, SQL)

Familiarity with MLOps

Education

MSc, PhD or equivalent in relevant fields

Tools

Databricks

GIT

MLFlow

Job description

Role:

The business demands for data science products have increased leading to a natural expansion of the teams. The newly created hands‑on manager role will work alongside another data science manager to lead the teams in delivering business value through data science products.

Responsibilities:

Support the head of data science, advance analytics and AI and work alongside other team members in delivering the departments mandate.

• Apply expertise in statistics and mathematics, data science methods and AI techniques (including GenAI) to solve complex business problems and deliver value aligned to business needs.
• Develop products from POC to production in an agile, iterative fail‑fast, learn and optimise manner.
• Deploy robust data products in production using MLOps capabilities.
• Adhere to all applicable data and AI organisational, regulatory and legal requirements.
• Mentor, upskill technical capabilities and manage more junior members of the team.
• Generate energy, pride and momentum in the team to raise our game to world class, with the team acting as an internal consultancy.
• Work collaboratively across multi‑disciplined teams.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• A Data Science and AI expert with a proven track record in leveraging data science and AI methods to solve business problems and deliver tangible business value.
• Educated to MSc, PhD or equivalent apprenticeship level in physics, mathematics, statistics, data science, AI or computer science.
• Proven expertise in using relevant coding languages (Python, SQL, etc.), tools (e.g. GIT, CI/CD pipelines, MLFlow, etc.) and platforms (Databricks, etc.) to deliver data products.
• Strong problem‑solving skills are essential, along with an ability to manage a varied workload.
• Effective communication skills with ability to convey “why do we care” messages clearly to a broad range of stakeholders having different technical capabilities.
• Motivated by delivering results in a fast‑paced digital and transformational organisation.
• Prior experience of managing, motivating and upskilling more junior team members.
• Collaborative, team player with a tenacious, resilient mentality and a can‑do attitude.
• Experience in the Telecommunications sector is a bonus.

Be Yourself. Make an Impact. Join Us.

As a recognised Top 50 Inclusive Employer in the UK, we believe that diversity fuels innovation and success. We’re committed to building a workplace that reflects the communities and customers we serve. At TalkTalk, inclusion is part of our DNA – we’re all 100% human, and we’ve created a culture where you can truly be yourself.

We’re not your traditional 9‑5. We’re a dynamic, flexible workplace, and we’re excited to hear how you like to work. Whether you thrive in collaboration, focus better at home, or prefer a bit of both – let’s make it work.

What We Offer

• Flexible hybrid working – with a minimum of 50% office presence to support teamwork and connection
• Collaborative office spaces designed for creative thinking and innovation
• Free on‑site parking at our offices
• Generous holiday package – 25 days annual leave, 3 wellbeing days, and your birthday off (plus the option to buy up to 10 more days!)
• Private healthcare for all employees
• Competitive pension scheme and performance‑related bonus opportunities
• Free broadband for all employees
• Life event gifts – celebrating milestones like marriages and births
• Inclusive employee networks – open to all, supporting peer connection and thought‑provoking conversations
• Salary sacrifice scheme – save on dental, gym, and more
• Big retail and leisure discounts
• 3 paid volunteering days a year – because making a difference matters to us too