Lead Data Scientist

McCarthy & Stone; Manchester, Leeds; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the automotive industry is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to spearhead AI initiatives and develop machine learning models that drive strategic decisions. This role involves technical leadership, collaboration across teams, and a focus on ethical AI practices. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in Data Science, strong communication skills, and a PhD in a relevant field.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in Data Science, with 2+ years leading teams.
• Expertise in production-grade ML and model deployment.
• Fluency in French would be helpful.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of machine learning models for the Decision Engine.
• Mentor a team of data scientists and manage their growth.
• Collaborate with Product Managers to translate business problems into ML solutions.

Skills

Machine Learning

Python

MLOps

Data Analysis

Communication

Education

PhD in Data Science or Computer Science

Tools

AWS

PyTorch

TensorFlow

SQL

Job description

This is a Permanent , Full Time vacancy that will close in a month at 23:59 BST .

The Role

Job Title: Lead Data Scientist – Decisioning & AI

Location: Hub based (Leeds, Manchester with European travel)

Contract: Full-Time

About Cox Automotive Europe

Cox Automotive Europe is leading the digital transformation of the automotive industry, empowering dealers, OEMs, and buyers with cutting-edge tools that redefine how vehicles are managed, traded, and optimised. Our pan-European programme includes a groundbreaking Decision Engine, an AI-driven platform that turns complex data into actionable insights, enabling smarter decisions across inventory, pricing, and supply chains. Join us to shape the future of automotive intelligence.

Role Overview

As Lead Data Scientist, you’ll lead the development of machine learning models that power the Decision Engine, drive strategic AI initiatives, and mentor a team of data scientists (including a Senior Data Scientist). You’ll bridge complex data (vehicle lifecycle, marketplace behavior, third-party signals) with business outcomes, ensuring our models deliver measurable ROI for clients while adhering to ethical AI practices.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Leadership

- Architect and deploy scalable ML models (e.g., dynamic pricing, demand forecasting, desirability scoring) using Python, PyTorch/TensorFlow, and cloud ML tools (AWS SageMaker, Databricks).

- Define best practices for model governance, monitoring, and retraining in production.

- Lead R&D into emerging techniques (e.g., graph neural networks for inventory routing, GenAI for buyer personalisation).

- Manage and mentor a Senior Data Scientist, fostering growth in model optimisation, MLOps, and stakeholder collaboration.

- Coordinate with Data Engineering to ensure seamless data pipelines for model inputs (e.g., real-time inventory feeds, third-party economic data).

3. Cross-Functional Collaboration

- Partner with Product Managers to translate business problems into ML solutions (e.g., “How can we reduce France’s overstock by 30%?”).

- Work with Service Designers to ensure model outputs align with user workflows (e.g., explainable AI dashboards for dealers).

- Advise Legal & Compliance on ethical AI, bias mitigation, and GDPR-compliant data usage.

4. Automotive-Focused Innovation

- Design models that address industry-specific challenges:

- Residual value prediction with subsidy integration.

- Cross-border supply/demand matching (e.g., relocating EVs from Germany to Norway).

- Auction timing optimisation using historical buyer behaviour.

- Publish white papers or present findings at industry conferences to position Cox as a thought leader.

Qualifications:

- 7+ years in Data Science, with 2+ years leading teams in B2B, automotive, fintech, or supply chain domains.

- Expertise in production-grade ML (model deployment, A/B testing, MLOps) and tools like MLflow, Airflow, or Kubeflow.

- Mastery of Python, SQL, and cloud platforms (AWS/Asure/GCP).

- Proven track record solving business problems with ML (e.g., pricing, logistics, churn).

- Strong communication skills: Ability to simplify ML concepts for non-technical stakeholders.

- PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, or related field.

- Experience with time-series forecasting, graph analytics, or GenAI.

- Familiarity with automotive data (e.g., vehicle telematics, auction dynamics).

- Fluency in French would be helpful.

STRICTLY NO AGENCIES PLEASE

We work with a carefully selected set of recruitment agencies and we're not looking to add to our PSL.

We do not accept unsolicited agency CV's sent to the recruitment team or directly to the hiring manager. We will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CV's.

Aneliese Platts
Senior Designer

“The people that work here are what sets Cox Automotive apart. We genuinely work as a team, and I feel the same level of support everywhere in the business. Working here is like a family away from home, but most importantly we have fun whilst doing it!”

Ann Fairbanks
Executive PA & Business Support

Ann Fairbanks
Executive PA & Business Support

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Cox Automotive. The company has real culture of learning, pushing the boundaries and making YOU better. It’s all built on strong values that are more than just words, they’re acted on every single day.”

Gemma Hepple
National Operations Manager

Gemma Hepple
National Operations Manager

“In my nine years here, Cox Automotive has allowed me to learn, grow and hone my skills. There’s a real commitment to inclusion and diversity and today I am proud to be in what was historically perceived to be a ‘man’s’ role.”