Lead Data Scientist

World of Books Group; London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job description

Lead Data Scientist

Hybrid - London | Full Time | UK & US Market Focus

The Story So Far...

At World of Books, we're in the business of giving stories a second life - and right now, we're writing an exciting new chapter of our own. As we sharpen our commercial edge across the UK and US, we're searching for a Lead Data Scientist to turn our vast data landscape into tangible value - for customers, for the planet, and for the bottom line.

This is no ordinary pricing gig. You'll be the architect of intelligent models that not only shape our pricing strategy but also rewrite how we think about supply and demand. From first editions to fast sellers, every title has a place - and your algorithms will help us find it.

Your Mission:

As our Lead Data Scientist, you will...

1. Forecast supply and demand across markets, categories, and channels - always staying two pages ahead.
2. Run high-impact experiments that test hypotheses, drive performance, and fuel decision-making.
3. Build scalable, production-ready models that embed pricing intelligence into the heart of our business.
4. Lead and mentor - because data science is a team sport, and we win together.
5. Translate complexity into clarity for stakeholders across the business - making your insights stick.
6. Automate processes and champion efficiency - because we simplify, move fast, and deliver results.
7. Optimise pricing across outbound and inbound streams - driving growth, customer value, and competitive positioning.

About You:

We're looking for a curious, commercially-minded expert with:

• 10+ years of data science experience, including 5+ years in pricing and revenue management.
• Strong programming skills in Python (preferred), plus SQL, R, and PHP.
• Proven ability to bring insights to life using tools like Tableau.
• Depth in statistical modelling and machine learning - from GLMs and classification to price elasticity and customer segmentation.
• Experience with MLOps and Google Cloud tools (Vertex AI, BigQuery).
• A history of deploying production-grade models and using CI/CD best practices.
• Brilliant communication skills - equally confident with data engineers and C-suite stakeholders.

Bonus points for:

• Experimentation wizardry (A/B testing, MAB, MVT, causal inference).
• A flair for reinforcement learning, NLP, or computer vision.
• A sustainable mindset - ready to build systems that benefit both business and planet.

Success Looks Like...

By your one-year anniversary, you'll have:

• Launched 25+ pricing trials to drive commercial learning.
• Increased price per unit and grown our D2C mix.
• Expanded our supply coverage cost-efficiently.
• Embedded best-practice workflows for pricing model development and deployment.
• Elevated the entire Data Science function - with measurable commercial impact and a team that thrives under your leadership.

Why Join Us?

At World of Books, we are:

• Customer obsessed and environment-first.
• One team, no silos, no egos.
• Fast-moving, purpose-driven, and always simplifying the complex. On a mission to change the world - one book, one byte, one decision at a time.

Ready to write your next chapter? Apply now - let's turn the page together.