Lead Data Scientist

Lead Data Scientist

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead complex data science projects and mentor teams to drive innovation.
  • Company: Dynamic company transforming retail with cutting-edge AI technologies.
  • Benefits: Unlimited annual leave, private healthcare, flexible working, and coaching support.
  • Other info: Diverse team culture that values unique perspectives and fosters growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of retail while making a real impact in a collaborative environment.
  • Qualifications: Expertise in machine learning and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

About the team

Our Retail and Consumer experts are dedicated to helping clients in an industry which is being transformed by new technologies and evolving consumer expectations. Leveraging over a decade of experience in Applied AI, we combine exceptional technical and delivery expertise to empower businesses to adapt and thrive.

About the role

As a Lead Data Scientist, you'll take on a pivotal, entrepreneurial role, functioning as the technical expert who thrives on complexity and commercial impact. You will be responsible for setting the technical direction and ensuring the high-quality, scalable delivery of our most challenging, high-impact projects. This position combines deep expertise in machine learning with strategic oversight to define project roadmaps, manage technical risk, and architect reliable solutions. Your focus will be on driving innovation, mentoring cross‑functional teams, and actively shaping both our technical standards and long‑term customer relationships.

What you'll be doing:

  • Setting the technical direction for complex, business-critical projects and expertly balancing trade‑offs between speed, innovation, and reliability.
  • Designing and implementing reliable, production‑grade technical solutions, ensuring comprehensive documentation of architectures and specifications.
  • Defining project problems, developing clear roadmaps, and overseeing end‑to‑end delivery across multi‑disciplinary workstreams.
  • Leading technical scoping and feasibility studies for high‑value sales opportunities and strategic customer engagements.
  • Managing relationships and communications with demanding clients, fostering trust and aligning technical solutions with shared long‑term commercial goals.
  • Driving the adoption of best practices, shared resources, and robust technical processes across the wider Data Science craft.
  • Mentoring and developing other data scientists and team members, actively contributing to the growth and technical excellence of the organisation.

Who we're looking for:

  • You bring depth of expertise in at least one machine learning domain and strong technical breadth across the entire data science landscape.
  • You are a skilled technical leader, proficient in mentoring individuals, managing teams (including other managers), and rolling out impactful tools and workflows.
  • You have proven project management expertise, capable of dividing complex, ill‑defined problems into actionable, clearly defined workstreams with timelines you can defend.
  • You are adept at managing ill‑defined, high‑risk tasks, consistently delivering innovative and practical outcomes under commercial pressure.
  • You possess strong customer leadership skills, able to act as a trusted technical advisor and drive long‑term strategic relationships with demanding clients.
  • You excel at cross‑functional collaboration, effectively aligning technical strategy with Engineering, Commercial (BD), and Infrastructure teams.
  • You have experience extending technical oversight to business unit‑level initiatives, using your vision to influence and contribute to organisational success.

Our Interview Process

  • Talent Team Screen (30 minutes)
  • Introduction to the team (30 minutes)
  • Take Home Technical Assessment
  • Technical Interview (90 minutes)
  • Commercial Interview (60 minutes)

Our Recruitment Ethos

We aim to grow the best team - not the most similar one. We know that diversity of individuals fosters diversity of thought, and that strengthens our principle of seeking truth. And we know from experience that diverse teams deliver better work, relevant to the world in which we live. We’re united by a deep intellectual curiosity and desire to use our abilities for measurable positive impact. We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, religions and sexual orientations.

Some of our standout benefits:

  • Unlimited Annual Leave Policy
  • Private healthcare and dental
  • Enhanced parental leave
  • Family-Friendly Flexibility & Flexible working
  • Sanctus Coaching
  • Hybrid Working

Lead Data Scientist employer: AI Chopping Block, Inc.

As a Lead Data Scientist at our company, you will join a dynamic team of Retail and Consumer experts dedicated to driving innovation in an evolving industry. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through mentorship and collaboration, alongside standout benefits like unlimited annual leave and private healthcare. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a rich environment where your contributions will have a meaningful impact on both our clients and the broader community.

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Contact Details:

AI Chopping Block, Inc. Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Data Scientist

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the data science field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Lead Data Scientist role.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your machine learning knowledge and be ready to discuss your past projects in detail. We want to see how you’ve tackled complex problems and delivered innovative solutions under pressure.

Tip Number 3

Show off your leadership skills! Be prepared to talk about how you've mentored others and managed teams. Highlighting your ability to drive collaboration across different functions will make you stand out as a candidate.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Data Scientist

Machine Learning Expertise
Technical Leadership
Project Management
Mentoring Skills
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Customer Relationship Management
Technical Direction Setting

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Technical Expertise:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your depth of expertise in machine learning and data science. We want to see how you’ve tackled complex problems and the innovative solutions you've implemented.

Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Lead Data Scientist role. We love seeing how your background fits with our mission and values.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that communicate your ideas effectively. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read through your achievements.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at AI Chopping Block, Inc.

Know Your Machine Learning Stuff

As a Lead Data Scientist, you need to showcase your depth of expertise in machine learning. Brush up on the latest trends and be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied these techniques. Be prepared to explain complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Master the Art of Project Management

Since you'll be defining project problems and developing clear roadmaps, it's crucial to demonstrate your project management skills. Prepare examples of how you've broken down complex tasks into manageable workstreams and how you've handled high-risk situations. This will show that you can deliver under pressure while maintaining quality.

Show Off Your Mentoring Skills

You'll be expected to mentor other data scientists, so think about your past experiences in this area. Share specific instances where you've guided team members or led cross-functional collaborations. Highlight how you've contributed to the growth and technical excellence of your previous teams.

Build Rapport with Clients

Strong customer leadership skills are key for this role. Prepare to discuss how you've managed relationships with demanding clients in the past. Think about how you've aligned technical solutions with their long-term goals and how you've built trust. This will demonstrate your ability to act as a trusted technical advisor.