Head of Data Science

Data Idols; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-growth data company in London is seeking a Head of Data Science to lead a team of data scientists and set the technical focus within the organization. The role involves driving the transition toward machine learning engineering while ensuring delivery in areas like search, pricing, and marketing. The ideal candidate has proven leadership experience, strong technical expertise with tools like Databricks and Python, and a passion for mentoring and career development. This position offers a competitive salary and full-time employment.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in data science or machine learning.
• Strong background in building and deploying ML models at scale.
• Experience in leading embedded data science teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 6+ data scientists across product teams.
• Set technical direction and align with company-wide OKRs.
• Drive the transition towards machine learning engineering.

Skills

Leadership in data science or machine learning

Building and deploying ML models

Structuring and leading embedded data science teams

Hands-on with Databricks, Python, Spark, GCP/BigQuery

Engineering mindset towards ML engineering best practices

Mentorship and career development skills

Tools

Databricks

Python

Spark

GCP/BigQuery

Job description

Head of Data Science

Salary: £110K - £120K + bonus

Location: Manchester, 2-4 days a month

Overview

We're working with a high-growth business that is scaling its data function to the next level. Data scientists here have traditionally combinedញ្ជ? reporting with predictive modelling, but the business is now creating a dedicated leadership role to bring focus, structure and engineering rigour to the discipline.

Responsibilities

As Head of Data Science, you’ll lead a growing team of 6+ scientists embedded across product and functional teams, while also setting the technical direction and ensuring alignment with company-wide OKRs. You’ll drive the transitionanchement towards machine learning engineering, championing end-to-end ympäris? model ownership from research through to deployment in production. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the data science strategy, support the career growth of talented scientists, and deliver measurable impact in areas such as search, pricing, personalisation, vouchers, marketing, operations and finance.

Skills and Experience

• Proven leadership experience in data science or machine learning, ideally within product‑led or consumer‑facing organisations
• Strong background in building and deploying ML models at scale in production Gov environments
• Ability to structure and lead embedded data science teams, partnering effectively with senior stakeholders across multiple domains
• Hands‑on technical expertise with tools such as Databricks, Python, Spark, GCP/BigQuery
• Engineering mindset, with experience moving teams toward machine learning engineering best practice
• Credibility to lead long‑tenured individual contributors while providing direction, mentorship and career development

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Information Technology

Industry

Data Infrastructure and Analytics