Lead Machine Learning Engineer

Hackajob Ltd; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Kingfisher is seeking a senior data science leader to oversee the ML/AI services within the Group Data Science team. You will guide research, drive algorithm development, and ensure DS projects align with commercial goals across our brands.

You will shape a high-performing DS function and set the direction for data-driven decision making. You will build and lead ML engineers, collaborate across tech, product and data to embed DS into our products, translate business needs into insights, and

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering high-quality AI-based products
• Proven experience developing cloud-based ML services (GCP)
• Excellent understanding of classical ML algorithms (Logistic Regression, Random Forest, XGBoost)
• Excellent understanding of modern deep learning (BERT, LSTM)
• Strong knowledge of SQL and Python data stack (Jupyter, Pandas, Scikit-Learn, Matplotlib)
• Strong software development skills with Python
• Proven experience deploying ML/AI services with Kubernetes and Kubeflow
• Strong leadership and team management experience
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Customer-focused mindset improving customer experience

Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D process for ML/AI services within the Group Data Science team
• Trailblaze the development of data science algorithms while building and retaining a high-performing DS team
• Lead the implementation of DS projects that support commercial goals
• Develop a proficient team of ML Engineers and establish collaborative ways of working
• Collaborate with tech, product and data teams to develop data platforms embedding DS in products
• Translate business needs into DS design and communicate recommendations and results
• Champion the application of DS across the Kingfisher group
• Support the data leadership in developing a data culture and demonstrating value
• Lead efforts to develop the DS and customer analytics brand at Kingfisher

Job description

Salary: £100,000 - 100,000 per year

Requirements

• Proven experience delivering high-quality AI-based products and productionising machine learning-based products
• Proven experience developing cloud-based machine learning services using one or more cloud providers, preferably GCP
• Excellent understanding of classical machine learning algorithms such as Logistic Regression, Random Forest and XGBoost
• Excellent understanding of modern deep learning algorithms such as BERT and LSTM
• Strong knowledge of SQL and Pythons ecosystem for data analysis, including Jupyter, Pandas, Scikit Learn and Matplotlib
• Strong software development skills, with Python as the preferred language
• Proven experience deploying ML/AI services using Kubernetes and KubeFlow
• Strong management and leadership skills, including previous experience managing a team
• Strong influencing, communication and stakeholder management skills
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to improving customer experience

Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development process for ML/AI services within our Group Data Science team
• Trailblaze the development of data science algorithms while building, leading, nurturing and retaining a high-performing data science team working on banner and group priorities
• Lead the implementation of data science projects and approaches that support commercial goals
• Develop a highly proficient team of Machine Learning Engineers and establish collaborative ways of working
• Collaborate with tech, product and data teams to develop data platforms that allow us to apply data science and embed it directly in our products and processes
• Support diverse teams in translating between business and data in the design of project work, and in the synthesis and communication of recommendations and results
• Champion and role model the application of data science across the Kingfisher group
• Support the data leadership team in developing a data culture and demonstrating the value of data in our decision making
• Lead our efforts to develop the data science and broader customer analytics brand at Kingfisher for internal and external audiences

Technologies

• AI
• Cloud
• GCP
• Support
• Jupyter
• Kubeflow
• Kubernetes
• Machine Learning
• Python
• SQL
• pandas

More

We are Kingfisher, a team of over 74,000 passionate people bringing our brands B&Q, Screwfix, Brico Depot, Castorama and Koctas to life. We are ambitious to become the leading home improvement company and to grow the largest community of home improvers in the world. We offer flexible and agile working, with a blend of working from home and our offices, and we encourage you to talk to us about how we can best support you. We are committed to inclusion and equal treatment for all colleagues, future colleagues and applicants. We offer an inclusive environment where new ideas are encouraged, experimentation is supported, and everyone can be their best self. We also offer a competitive benefits package and plenty of opportunities to stretch and grow your career.

last updated 40 week of 2026