At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a dynamic Data Science team to drive impactful projects.
- Company: Join B&Q, a leader in home improvement with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus options, generous holiday, and shopping discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in retail through data science and machine learning.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in data science leadership and strong technical skills in Python and SQL.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We believe anyone can improve their home to make life better. From our Southampton Store Support office (SSO) we equip our stores, our people, and our whole business with everything it takes to help our millions of customers create a home they'll love. Join us as a Senior Data Scientist and you'll be a big part of this.
What's the job?
- Lead, coach and develop the Data Science team, setting clear priorities and raising technical standards.
- Own delivery of the B&Q data science roadmap, managing the backlog and prioritising work based on value, feasibility and business need.
- Lead the development of models and data science products across churn, customer value, forecasting, segmentation, propensity, recommendation, personalisation etc.
- Ensure data science products are robust, explainable, documented, governed and deployed into production where they can be used by the business.
- Develop reusable customer features, segmentations and behavioural signals that support CRM, Loyalty, Retail Media, Digital and wider business teams.
- Work with stakeholders to translate business problems into practical data science solutions, challenging unclear briefs where needed.
- Partner with Product, Data, Technology and Kingfisher Group teams to ensure data science outputs are scalable, governed and aligned to wider roadmaps.
- Bring external thinking into B&Q by staying close to developments in retail, customer analytics, machine learning and AI.
- Drive measurable value for B&Q, TradePoint and our customers through better use of data science.
Requirements:
- Proven experience leading data science delivery in a commercial environment.
- Experience managing, coaching or developing technical specialists.
- Strong technical understanding of machine learning, statistics and applied analytics.
- Strong practical knowledge of Python, with strong SQL capability.
- Experience working with customer, behavioural, transactional or commercial data.
- Experience developing models such as churn, customer lifetime value, segmentation, forecasting, propensity or recommendation models.
- Experience taking data science products from concept through to production or repeatable business use.
- Experience working with cloud-based analytical platforms such as Databricks, Snowflake, Google BigQuery or similar.
- Experienced in modern, agile data science delivery using version control, CI/CD, and cloud-based tooling.
- Strong understanding of code quality, documentation, version control, testing, quality assurance and reproducibility.
- Able to manage a technical backlog and prioritise work based on value, effort, feasibility and business need.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to challenge, influence and simplify.
- Commercially minded, with a focus on outputs that drive action and measurable value.
- Able to explain complex data science work clearly to non-technical audiences.
Benefits:
- Award-winning pension scheme
- Bonus
- ShareSave options
- 6.6 weeks holiday
- Payroll giving
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Shopping discounts
- Colleague wellbeing benefits
- …and much more.
Equality and Inclusion
We want to ensure that all employees, future employees, and applicants to all Kingfisher companies are treated equally regardless of age, gender, marital or civil partnership status, colour, ethnic or national origin, culture, religious belief, philosophical belief, political opinion, disability, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.
Find out more about us, including the benefits we offer and our community, sustainability, and inclusion projects at bandqcareers.com.
Senior Data Scientist: Lead Data, ML & Growth in Retail in Eastleigh employer: B&Q plc
At B&Q, we are committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. As a Senior Data Scientist based in our Southampton Store Support office, you will not only lead a talented team but also have access to extensive employee growth opportunities, a competitive benefits package including an award-winning pension scheme and generous holiday allowance, and the chance to make a tangible impact on our customers' lives through data-driven solutions. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that values your contributions and supports your professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Data Scientist: Lead Data, ML & Growth in Retail in Eastleigh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at B&Q or in the retail data science space. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your data science projects, especially those related to customer analytics or machine learning. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss real-world applications of your work. Think about how your previous projects have driven measurable value and be prepared to share these examples. It’s all about showing how you can contribute to B&Q's goals!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at B&Q.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Scientist: Lead Data, ML & Growth in Retail in Eastleigh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Data Scientist. Highlight your experience with data science delivery, machine learning, and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in Python and SQL.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about data science in retail. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or developed models that drove measurable value, and don’t forget to mention your stakeholder management skills!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We want to see your technical prowess! Include details about your experience with cloud-based platforms like Databricks or Snowflake, and any modern data science practices you’ve implemented, such as CI/CD and version control.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our team at B&Q.
How to prepare for a job interview at B&Q plc
✨Know Your Data Science Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical skills, especially in Python and SQL. Be ready to discuss your experience with machine learning models like churn and customer lifetime value, as well as how you've taken data science products from concept to production.
✨Show Off Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've coached or developed technical specialists in the past. Highlight your ability to set clear priorities and raise technical standards within a team.
✨Understand the Business Needs
Familiarise yourself with B&Q's business model and how data science can drive measurable value. Be ready to discuss how you've translated business problems into practical data science solutions and how you prioritise work based on value and feasibility.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to explain complex data science concepts to non-technical stakeholders, so practice simplifying your explanations. Think about how you can convey your ideas clearly and confidently, ensuring everyone understands the impact of your work.
