Head of Data Science & AI - Scale Impact Leader (Hybrid)

Co-op Group; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

An annual bonus (based on personal and

28 days holiday (rising to 32) + bank

Pension up to 10% employer

Subsidised onsite gym - 30% discount

Stream

Early access to a portion of pay

Virtual healthcare including GP and 24

Training and career progression

Cycle-to-work

Job summary

Co-op Group in Manchester is seeking a Head of Data Science & AI to lead our data science and AI practices and shape our AI strategy across the business. You will drive opportunities, guide a team of Data Scientists, and work with senior leaders to unlock value from data across our stores and members.

The role blends home working with a Manchester office presence, and involves building governance around AI as it scales. The position offers a generous salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading high-performing data science, machine learning or AI teams in a large and complex organisation.
• A strong data science background, with the technical credibility to lead and support specialist teams.
• A track record of turning data science, machine learning or AI capabilities into measurable business outcomes.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and helping leaders understand how data and AI can solve business challenges.
• Experience with cloud-based data and AI platforms.
• A clear understanding of the ethical, security, governance and risk considerations involved in the use of AI.
• Excellent leadership, communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to inspire teams and bring people together around a shared vision.

Responsibilities

• Lead and evolve Co-op’s Data Science and AI strategy, aligning with wider business goals.
• Work with senior leaders to identify where data science and AI drive value.
• Shape and prioritise a pipeline of opportunities that improve experiences and drive outcomes.
• Lead, coach and develop a team of Data Scientists.
• Build understanding and excitement around data science, AI and agents.
• Oversee the delivery of data science and AI products, ensuring scalability and alignment.
• Uphold governance and ethical standards for AI in scale.
• Collaborate with Data Domain Leads, tech teams and stakeholders to turn ideas into measurable production outcomes.
• Monitor value and focus investment on areas of greatest impact.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Data science leadership

AI strategy

Stakeholder management

Governance & ethics in AI

Communication

Team coaching

Tools

Databricks

Snowflake

Microsoft Azure

Job description

Co-op Group in Manchester is seeking a Head of Data Science & AI to lead our data science and AI practices and shape our AI strategy across the business. You will drive opportunities, guide a team of Data Scientists, and work with senior leaders to unlock value from data across our stores and members.

The role blends home working with a Manchester office presence, and involves building governance around AI as it scales. The position offers a generous salary and comprehensive benefits.