Head of Data Science

Randstad Technologies Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad Technologies Recruitment is seeking a Data Science Operations & Strategy Head to shape and scale our data science function. London or Manchester, hybrid—3 days in office.

This six-month contract offers a high-visibility, hands-on role guiding operating models and partnerships with product and technology. You’ll review current setup, define clear handoffs with Product, Software and Content teams, advise leadership on resourcing and project sequencing, and coach the team to improve

Qualifications

• Proven track record scaling data science operating models in commercial environments.
• Experience enabling governance and handoffs between data, product, and tech teams.
• Ability to diagnose inefficiencies quickly and translate them into practical solutions.
• Strong ability to build trust, align teams, and bring structure to complex planning.

Responsibilities

• Review our current Data Science setup to fix delivery bottlenecks and improve ways of working.
• Define clear handoffs and collaboration practices with Product, Software, and Content teams.
• Advise leadership on team resourcing, project sequencing, and planning for medium-term growth.
• Improve project estimation and delivery confidence across complex, data-led programs.
• Coach the current team and help shape future recruitment strategies.

Job description

Data Science Operations & Strategy Head

Contract: 6 Months (Extension potential)

Location: London or Manchester (Hybrid - 3 days in office)

We're looking for a Head to help shape the next chapter of our Data Science team.

Having recently set up a standalone Data Science function, we're scaling fast. We need an experienced advisor to step in, evaluate how we work, and help us build a smoother, more scalable operating model. You'll work closely with business leadership to refine our team setup, clear delivery roadblocks, and align us with key product and technology partners.

What you'll be doing:

• Reviewing our current Data Science setup to fix delivery bottlenecks and improve ways of working.
• Defining clear handoffs and collaboration practices with Product, Software, and Content teams.
• Advising leadership on team resourcing, project sequencing, and planning for medium-term growth.
• Improving project estimation and delivery confidence across complex, data-led programs.
• Coaching the current team and helping shape future recruitment strategies.

What we're looking for:

• Proven Track Record: Experience scaling or optimizing Data Science operating models in commercial environments.
• Cross-Functional Vision: Expertise in setting up clear governance and handoffs between data, product, and tech teams.
• Pragmatic Problem Solver: Comfortable navigating ambiguity, diagnosing inefficiencies quickly, and turning them into practical solutions.
• Stakeholder Impact: Strong ability to build trust, align different teams, and bring structure to complex planning.

Why apply?

This is a high-visibility, hands-on strategic role where you'll directly influence how a major global analytics function operates. You'll enjoy a supportive, collaborative culture with a balanced hybrid setup in either our London or Manchester hubs.