Head of Data Science

Data Science Festival; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Data Science Festival in Greater London is seeking a Head of Data Science to define and lead a high-impact data science function. This strategic leadership role focuses on building a scalable capability to drive commercial performance through machine learning.

You will shape the data science strategy, establish performance metrics, and ensure alignment with business outcomes. Candidates must have a proven track record in building teams and influencing senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute a data science and machine learning strategy aligned with commercial priorities.
• Build and lead a high-performing data science function that delivers measurable business outcomes.
• Establish standards, prioritization frameworks, and performance metrics for machine learning.

Skills

Experience operating at scale where ML directly influences commercial performance

Track record of building and leading high-performing data science teams

Strong stakeholder management skills

Solid technical foundation as a former hands-on data scientist

Job description

Data Idols are partnered with a digitally‑led organisation that is investing heavily in data and machine learning as a core driver of commercial performance and competitive advantage.

They are now seeking a Head of Data Science to define and lead the next phase of their ML capability. This is a strategic leadership role focused on building a scalable, high‑impact data science function that consistently delivers measurable business outcomes.

This is not a hands‑on individual contributor role. It is a mandate to shape strategy, build capability, and ensure machine learning directly influences revenue, margin, customer experience, and operational performance.

The Opportunity

You will define and execute a company‑wide data science and machine learning strategy, ensuring investment is tightly aligned to commercial priorities and measurable business outcomes. You will build and lead a high‑performing data science function, establishing clear standards, prioritisation frameworks and performance metrics, and positioning machine learning as a long‑term strategic differentiator for the organisation.

Skills & Experience

• Experience operating at scale where ML directly influences commercial performance
• A track record of building and leading high‑performing data science teams
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at a senior level
• A solid technical foundation as a former hands‑on data scientist

This is an opportunity to shape machine learning as a strategic lever within a scaling, commercially sophisticated organisation.