Data Science Manager

British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Berhad (BATM); Subang Jaya; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global multi-category company in Subang Jaya is seeking a Data Science Manager to lead its data science team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in data science and analytics, alongside strong team management skills. Responsibilities include overseeing the operational delivery of advanced analytics solutions, managing multiple projects, and ensuring quality and sustainability of data science products. The position offers opportunities for internal advancement and a market-leading performance bonus.

Benefits

Market-leading annual performance bonus

Flexible holiday plan

Health plans and work-life balance initiatives

Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on data science or analytics experience.
• 3+ years team management experience.
• Experience leading a Data Science team is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the data science team in an agile environment.
• Develop and evaluate predictive and prescriptive models.
• Ensure quality and sustainability of data science products.

Skills

Data manipulation using SQL

Statistical and machine learning modeling

Team management

Data governance practices

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Degree in Data Science or related field

Tools

Python

Azure

T-SQL

Job description

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BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World. To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!

BAT’s Digital Business Solution has an exciting opportunity for a Data Science Manager in Subang Jaya, Malaysia.

This role leads the Data Science team to enable data‑ and data-driven storytelling across BAT. The role oversees the activation, operations, and delivery of advanced analytics solutions, partnering with cross‑functional teams under D&A and collaborators across markets and global functions to drive business value and efficiency.

As the team’s subject matter expert, the Data Science Manager leads the development of statistical and machine learning models, designs robust analytical frameworks, and translates data into actionable insights. The role is accountable for the end‑to‑end lifecycle of analytical solutions—from business understanding and data discovery to modelling, validation, automation, and deployment—working with Solution Managers, Business Analysts, BI Developers, and Data Engineers.

Reports To: APMEA North Head of D&A

Reporting Level: Manages 1 internal staff and 2 contractors

Geographic Scope: Global

What you will do

• Leadership & Team management
• Lead the data science team in an agile environment and foster a solution-oriented, collaborative culture with timely, quality delivery.
• Coach, mentor, and develop the team to elevate technical depth and business insight.

Quality Advanced Analytics & Modeling Product Delivery

• Ensure quality and sustainability of every data science product and solutions developed by the APMEA D&A team.
• Develop and evaluate predictive, prescriptive, and causal models (segmentation, churn propensity, uplift modeling, forecasting, clustering, etc.).
• Perform data exploration, feature engineering, hypothesis testing to support business questions.
• Support feasibility studies, deliver POCs, and provide consultation and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Ensure models in production remain stable, monitored, and continuously improved.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects and timelines in a fast-paced environment.
• Provide SME guidance on modelling techniques and standard processes for related projects.
• Extract and manipulate raw datasets from Data Warehouse (Fabric) and other sources using T-SQL and Python.
• Collaborate with Data Engineers to optimize datasets and pipelines for modeling.
• Ensure analytical assets meet reproducibility, auditability, and integrity standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Drive collaborator alignment, manage expectations, and ensure analytical recommendations influence commercial and operational decisions.
• Collaborate with Solution Managers and business stakeholders to understand demand.
• Work with BI Developers to visualize model outcomes and insights.
• Collaborate with Business Analysts to translate business requirements into analytical frameworks.
• Support PoCs, feasibility studies, and consultative engagements.

Analytics Quality, Documentation & Governance

• Develop clear modelling documentation and maintain version control of scripts.
• Ensure data quality, variable definitions, and modelling logic adhere to internal standards.
• Conduct validation checks on data integrity and analytical accuracy.
• Support responsible AI practices including explainability and fairness.
• Build data governance checkpoints and contribute to optimizing the operating model.

Continuous Learning & Process Improvement

• Stay updated on new modelling techniques, analytics tools, and data science frameworks.
• Suggest improvements to data flows, modelling processes, or analytical tooling.
• Contribute to team learning sessions and knowledge sharing.
• Define and maintain internal processes and quality standards documentation to ensure controls and audits are up to date and aligned to BAT standards.

What are we looking for?

• Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science or similar.
• At least 7+ years hands-on data science or analytics experience with a proven record of increasing business value through deliverables.
• Minimum 3+ years team management experience.
• Experience leading a Data Science team and coordinating Data Engineer work is a plus.
• Proven record of performing complex data manipulation using SQL/Python.
• Proven track record of hands-on analysis/model influencing business decisions or creating measurable value.
• Experience deploying models in production; have built and deployed at least 2 ML/statistical models used in production or decision-making.
• Experience with Azure or similar cloud platforms.
• Experience with MLOps components such as CI/CD pipelines, model monitoring, and automated retraining is preferred.
• Strong ability in scoping, effort estimation, sprint planning, and prioritizing data science backlog.
• Ability to translate complex analytical findings into simple, compelling stories for business stakeholders and senior leaders.
• Experience in FMCG, retail, consumer insights, supply chain, marketing analytics, or commercial performance analytics is advantageous.

What we offer you

• Market-leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility).
• Benefits vary by country and include health plans, work-life balance initiatives, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives.
• Opportunities for internal advancement and career progression within BAT.
• Access to online learning platforms and growth programs to develop leadership skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement in a transformative environment.

Why join BAT?

We are a Global Top Employer recognized by the Top Employers Institute, with a culture of collaboration and inclusion. We support diverse talent and provide reasonable adjustments in recruitment when requested. If you require any adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during recruitment, please notify us. We are committed to supporting you throughout the process.