Data Science Manager – Logistics Operations

Tesco Technology; Welwyn Garden City; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus scheme of up to 20%

25 days holiday plus personal day

Private medical insurance

Maternity and adoption leave provisions

Free virtual GP service

Job summary

A leading retail technology firm in the UK seeks a Data Science Leader to guide a team in leveraging data for strategic business solutions. This role involves mentoring Data Scientists and managing complex optimization projects within an innovative environment. Candidates should possess expertise in data science domains and experience in programming languages like Python or Java. The position offers opportunities for professional growth and a competitive benefits package including an annual bonus and health insurance.

Qualifications

• Specialist knowledge of a technical Data Science domain.
• Experience with programming languages like Java, Python, Scala.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders on technical topics.

Responsibilities

• Guide and support a team of Data Scientists.
• Translate business challenges into data science problems.
• Build mathematical models on top of big data architectures.

Skills

Operations Research

Machine Learning

Python

Statistics

Job description

Here at Tesco we focus on solving complex business problems and developing data products that can be deployed at scale to our customers. Our work spans across multiple areas including Stores, Online, Fulfilment, Marketing and Clubcard and we encourage rotation amongst our Data Scientists so they can apply their skills to different business challenges and gain deeper levels of subject matter expertise.

Our core work involves developing data products that can be deployed at scale both internally and externally. On any day you could be supporting the automation of decision‑making across the business, optimising processes for key business objectives, or conducting deep‑dive exploratory analysis to inform strategic decision‑making.

About the role

We’re looking for someone who’s passionate about data science and excited to make a real impact across our business. In this role, you’ll take ownership of your technical domain and lead meaningful engagements with teams across the company, helping them unlock the power of data.

You’ll be guiding and supporting a talented group of Data Scientists—managing, mentoring, and coaching them as they tackle complex optimisation challenges. Your leadership will help shape the strategic direction of the team, balancing competing priorities and making thoughtful decisions that drive value.

You’ll be the kind of person who thrives on turning ambiguity into clarity—translating business challenges into data science problems and practical applications. You’ll work closely with your team throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial exploration to production‑ready data products, always keeping an eye on the impact and effectiveness of what you build.

Communication is key in this role. You’ll be comfortable explaining complex ideas in a way that’s clear and engaging to those without a technical background, helping others see the possibilities that data can unlock.

You’ll also be building mathematical models on top of big data architectures, uncovering insights that improve both the customer experience and our business. And beyond your day‑to‑day work, you’ll be a champion for data science—sharing your knowledge within Tesco and representing us proudly in the wider data science community.

You will need

• Specialist knowledge of a technical Data Science domain, preferably in Operations Research and Simulations, or other domains such as Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Forecasting, NLP, Statistics.
• Experience with different programming languages and a high level of capability of at least one language – Java, Python, Scala, Go (or similar).
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders on technical topics.
• Experience of leading highly technical Data Science developments involving multiple stakeholders in the area of logistics.
• Experience of coaching and mentoring others in technical approaches.
• Experience of partnering with technology teams to productionise developments and roll out at scale.

Whats in it for you?

• Annual bonus scheme of up to 20% of base salary.
• Holiday starting at 25 days plus a personal day (plus Bank holidays).
• Private medical insurance.
• 26 weeks maternity and adoption leave (after 1 year’s service) at full pay, followed by 13 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay or Statutory Adoption Pay, we also offer 4 weeks fully paid paternity leave.
• Free 24/7 virtual GP service, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and your family, free access to a range of experts to support your mental wellbeing.

About Us

Our vision at Tesco is to become every customer’s favourite way to shop, whether they are at home or out on the move. Our core purpose is ‘Serving our customers, communities and planet a little better every day’. Serving means more than a transactional relationship with our customers. It means acting as a responsible and sustainable business for all stakeholders, for the communities we are part of and for the planet.

We are proud to have an inclusive culture at Tesco where everyone truly feels able to be themselves. At Tesco, we not only celebrate diversity, but recognise the value and opportunity it brings. We're committed to creating a workplace where differences are valued, and make sure that all colleagues are given the same opportunities. We’re proud to have been accredited Disability Confident Leader and we’re committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer, please click here.

We’re a big business and we can offer a range of diverse full‑time & part‑time working patterns across our many business areas, which means that we can find something that works for you. We work in a more blended pattern – combining office and remote working. Our offices will continue to be where we connect, collaborate and innovate. If you are applying internally, please speak to the Hiring Manager about how this can work for you – Everyone is welcome at Tesco.

Beware of Recruitment Fraud

We never ask for money during our hiring process. Any request for payment made in the name of Tesco is not legitimate. Please report suspicious activity to [e-mail].