Head Of Data Science

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

Job summary

A high-growth business in the UK is seeking a Head of Data Science to lead a team of 6+ data scientists. You will set the technical direction, champion machine learning engineering, and shape the data science strategy across various business domains. Ideal candidates will have proven leadership experience and technical expertise in tools like Python and GCP. This role offers an attractive salary and potential bonuses.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in data science or machine learning.
• Strong background in building and deploying ML models at scale.
• Ability to lead embedded data science teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead a growing team of 6+ data scientists.
• Set the technical direction for data science initiatives.
• Drive transition towards machine learning engineering.

Skills

Leadership in data science

Building ML models

Technical expertise in Python

Hands-on with GCP/BigQuery

Experience with Databricks

Machine learning engineering best practices

Tools

Databricks

Python

Spark

GCP/BigQuery

Job description

Overview

Head of Data Science — Salary: £110K - £120K + bonus • Location: Manchester (2-4 days a month)

The Opportunity

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

As Head of Data Science, you will 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 will drive the transition towards machine learning engineering, championing end-to-end 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead a growing team of 6+ data scientists embedded across product and functional teams.
• Set the technical direction and ensure alignment with company-wide OKRs.
• Drive the transition towards machine learning engineering and end-to-end model ownership from research to production.
• Shape the data science strategy and influence areas including search, pricing, personalisation, vouchers, marketing, operations and finance.
• Support career growth and mentorship for scientists, providing direction and governance.

Qualifications

• 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 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, and GCP/BigQuery.
• Engineering mindset with experience moving teams toward machine learning engineering best practices.
• Credibility to lead long-tenured individual contributors while providing direction, mentorship and career development.

How to apply

If you are looking for a new challenge, please submit your CV for initial screening and more details.