Data Scientist - Operational Research (Routing)

Relay; London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Relay is seeking an Operational Research Data Scientist to join their Routing squad. This role involves designing optimizing algorithms, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and shaping the future routing strategy to enhance efficiency. Ideal candidates will possess relevant academic qualifications and strong analytical skills, particularly in Python and SQL.

Benefits

Generous equity package

25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays

Bupa Global Business Premier health plan

Enhanced Parental Leave

Contributory pension scheme

Friday office lunches

Access to cutting-edge AI tooling

Free gym membership

Cycle-to-work scheme

Regular team socials and offsites

Qualifications

• Experience in Operational Research, specifically combinatorial optimisation and/or graph theory.
• Experience with experimentation, simulation and statistical analysis.
• Ability to move from ambiguity to structure.

Responsibilities

• Design, prototype, and iterate on routing algorithms and models across first, middle, and last mile.
• Work with data analysts to benchmark routing performance.
• Analyse routes to identify inefficiencies in routing models.

Skills

Python

SQL

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

MSc or PhD in a relevant discipline

Job description

Company mission

In the future, commerce will be instant, local, and seamless. What we now call "e-commerce" will simply be how we shop.

Relay is building the logistics network that e-commerce should have had from the start. We're designed from the ground up for sustainability - environmental, social, and economic. By rethinking both the middle and last mile, we cut miles driven, reduce carbon emissions, lower costs, and return value to local communities.

Behind the scenes, we orchestrate this with cutting-edge tech: from smart routing and real-time planning to seamless tools that empower our ground teams.

We're not just building the future, we're scaling it fast.

• We just closed a $35M Series A, the largest ever for a logistics tech startup in Europe.
• Brands like Vinted, TikTok, and Temu are choosing Relay to power their UK expansion.
• We're growing at a top 0.01% among all European Series A startups.

About the role

As a highly operational business, we rely on our Data Scientists to guide how every parcel moves through our network - from when it enters the system to when it's delivered at the doorstep.

We're hiring an Operational Research Data Scientist to join our Routing squad, helping to design, test, and improve the models and algorithms that power routing across Relay's first, middle, and last mile. This role sits at the intersection of operations research and applied data science; it's well-suited to someone who enjoys turning real-world routing challenges into scalable solutions.

You'll work directly in a cross-functional squad which includes Operations, Engineering, Data Analytics, and Data Science, to improve the quality of our routes and reduce the cost of delivery. You'll also play a key role in shaping our future routing strategy, working across all areas of the business to unlock efficiency, scale into new service areas, and adapt our solutions to new commercial or business requirements.

It's a hands-on, high-impact role in a high-performing team with strong exposure to both technical architecture and network operations.

What you'll do

• Design, prototype, and iterate on routing algorithms and models across first, middle, and last mile
• Work directly with data analysts to benchmark routing performance and quantify gains from proposed improvements
• Analyse our routes to identify inefficiencies in routing models and algorithms, helping our team to operate with precision and maximise impact.
• Build models and produce analysis to optimise the daily operation
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists to deploy your algorithms and models into production
• Translate operational and commercial constraints into model or algorithm improvements
• Bring a scientific lens to operational design; measure rigorously, test thoughtfully

What we're looking for

• Academic or Industrial experience in Operational Research, specifically combinatorial optimisation and/or graph theory
• Academic or Industrial experience with experimentation, simulation and statistical analysis
• MSc or PhD in a relevant discipline
• Experience working in an office environment, or as part of a team
• Python & SQL
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to move from ambiguity to structure
• Effective communication skills - you can explain technical results clearly to non-technical audiences
• Passion for the problems you'll be solving

Nice to haves

• Experience working on routing, scheduling, or network optimisation problems
• Experience developing your own algorithms or heuristics
• Experience working with Geospatial data
• Experience with Machine learning or other modelling techniques
• Experience in fast-scaling startups or operational teams
• Experience in logistics, mobility, marketplaces, or other operationally complex businesses

What we offer

• Generous equity package
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Bupa Global Business Premier health plan - including mental, dental, and optical cover
• Enhanced Parental Leave:
  
  • 20 weeks of fully paid maternity leave
  • 4 weeks of fully paid paternity leave
• Contributory pension scheme
• Friday office lunches
• Access to cutting-edge AI tooling
• Hybrid working from our dog-friendly Shoreditch office
• Free gym membership via our co-working spaces
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Regular team socials, events, and offsites!!