Senior Data Scientist

Autotrader; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock compensation

28 days holiday

Pension scheme

Private medical cover

Wellbeing support

Hybrid working model

Job summary

Autotrader in Manchester is looking for a Senior Data Scientist to lead data-driven projects and transform the organization. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, orchestrate various data projects, and develop machine learning solutions.

The ideal candidate has proven experience in data science and a strong understanding of ML frameworks. Autotrader offers a competitive salary package, including stock options, generous holiday leave, and a supportive hybrid working model.

Qualifications

• Track record of delivering data science solutions in a commercial setting.
• Experience in deploying and monitoring machine learning workflows.
• Deep understanding of machine learning frameworks and statistical methods.
• Expertise in Python and SQL.
• Experience leading cross-functional data science projects.
• Ability to engage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Passion for coaching and mentoring others.

Responsibilities

• Lead the data science direction and projects at Autotrader.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify data science opportunities.
• Develop machine learning-centric data products and solutions.
• Support other Data Analysts and Scientists within your squad.
• Foster an analytical culture through showcases and mentorship.

Skills

Data science solutions delivery

Machine learning workflows

ML frameworks and algorithms

Python and SQL

Project orchestration

Stakeholder engagement

Coaching Data Analysts

Tools

Python

Databricks

Spark

MLFlow

Airflow

Google Cloud Platform

BigQuery

Job description

About Us

You've probably heard of Autotrader, but do you know what we're all about? We're the most trusted, most visited automotive marketplace in the UK. A heritage brand and a tech innovator. We bring together vehicle buyers and sellers to give them real choices. Cars may be what we're best known for, but we're also the place for pretty much everything else on wheels, from e‑bikes to caravans. In the automotive world, change is a constant, that’s why we take our job of untangling the complex car‑buying journey very seriously.

At our core, we’re all about people. We go our own way while embracing diversity and celebrating our differences. We dedicate ourselves to the idea that we work better together. Autotrader is a beautiful, surprising and vibrant place to work. We might not be for everyone, but we could be perfect for you.

About the Job

We are seeking a Senior Data Scientist who will play a crucial role in driving Autotrader's transformation into a data science‑driven organisation.

As a Senior Data Scientist you will be responsible for the direction of Data Science at Autotrader. You will join a cross‑functional collaborative squad focussed around a set of products or services. With your experience and research skills you will spot the opportunities for Data Science and work with the leadership in your squad to prioritise, resource and shape subsequent projects. Your role will require you to orchestrate these projects, including supporting other Data Analysts and Scientists and collaborating with software engineers towards the best solution. You will have a focus on developing ML‑centric data products and solutions, in which your expertise with ML frameworks and workflows will be key.

Right now, our Data Scientists are working on several exciting projects: creating personalised suggestions to get buyers more involved, improving our search system to make buying better for customers while also helping sellers stand out, building AI tools to aid customers in tasks like making listings and describing ads, studying how competition affects seller performance on our site, and upgrading our customer data platform for better targeted marketing beyond our site.

As part of our broader analytical community, Data Scientists collaborate closely with Data Analysts. Together, they foster a culture of shared insights, continuous learning, and mutual support through regular showcases, feedback sessions, mentorship programs and skill‑based workshops. As a Senior member of the community, you will play a key role in establishing our analytical standards and tools.

Technologies We Use

Python and Databricks for Data Science, Spark, MLFlow and Airflow for ML Workflows, Google Cloud Platform for our analytics infrastructure, dbt and BigQuery for data modelling and warehousing.

What We're Looking For

• A track record of delivering data science solutions in a commercial business
• Experience productionising machine learning workflows. Knowledge of deployment and monitoring strategies.
• A deep understanding of ML frameworks, algorithms and statistical methods
• Expertise with Python and SQL
• Experience orchestrating data science projects in cross‑functional teams and confidence leading other data scientists
• Enthusiasm for engaging with stakeholders both technical and non‑technical to identify opportunities for Data Science and influence squad roadmaps
• A passion for coaching Data Analysts and Data Scientists

Benefits

We’re offering a salary of £50,000–£70,000, plus an additional 10% of your salary awarded in shares each year. Those shares will vest yearly over the next three years, and you can choose to sell them or keep them.

You’ll have 28 days holiday per year, in addition to bank holidays and half‑day closures on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

We’ll provide a pension scheme with standard contributions of 7% and employee contributions of 5%, comprehensive private medical cover, enhanced family leave provisions, a car salary‑sacrifice scheme, share‑save options and more.

We support wellbeing with 24/7 online GP and dentist access, specialist support for assisted fertility, gender dysphoria, menopause, period care plans and many other health services.

Our hybrid model, Connected Working, combines the best of office and home. You’ll spend a minimum of 3 days a week in the office with your team, focusing on collaboration and connection. We also have remote‑first periods during summer and winter, where you can work remotely anywhere in the UK or from certain locations abroad.