At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing Data Science team to drive commercial impact.
- Company: Fast-growing FinTech with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work with advanced technologies like Generative AI and risk-based decisioning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a dynamic environment using cutting-edge Data Science techniques.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in Data Science and strong technical expertise.
The predicted salary is between 81000 - 99000 £ per year.
I’m working exclusively with a high growth FinTech that is looking for a Head of Data Science to join on a 12 month FTC.
The opportunity:
- You’ll lead and develop a Data Science team while remaining close enough to the technical detail to set the bar on quality and make key technical decisions.
- You’ll work closely with Engineering, Product, Pricing and senior stakeholders to identify where Data Science can have the greatest commercial impact and ensure the team delivers at pace.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Leading, developing and motivating a high performing Data Science team
- Setting technical standards across the full modelling and Data Science lifecycle
- Identifying and prioritising opportunities that can deliver meaningful commercial impact
- Partnering with Product, Engineering and Pricing on technical direction and trade offs
- Influencing senior and C-suite stakeholders and constructively challenging decisions where required
- Coaching technical talent and driving improvements across ways of working, tooling and best practice
What they’re looking for:
- Proven experience leading and developing Data Science teams
- A strong technical background as a senior Data Scientist or equivalent individual contributor
- Experience delivering ML solutions end to end in a commercial environment
- Strong experience in pricing, risk or another commercially focused Data Science environment
- The ability to influence technical direction across Data Science and Engineering
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- A commercial mindset with a track record of using Data Science to drive measurable business outcomes
The team works across traditional machine learning, risk based decisioning, Generative AI and agentic AI, making this a great opportunity for a leader who wants to work across a broad and evolving Data Science landscape.
Head of Data Science (12 month FTC) employer: Cognify Search
As a remote-first analytics specialist based in the UK, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to take ownership of their projects and drive meaningful change. With a strong focus on professional growth, we offer ample opportunities for skill development and career advancement, all while working with cutting-edge data technologies and collaborating closely with clients. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team where your contributions are valued and have a direct impact on business success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data Science (12 month FTC)
✨Tap into Online Data Science Communities
Join online communities focused on data science like Kaggle, LinkedIn groups, or Reddit threads. These are goldmines for temporary gigs, as you can network with professionals and potentially hear about opportunities at companies like Cognify Search before they're even advertised!
✨Show Off Your Skills With Projects
Got some cool data science projects? Showcase them on platforms like GitHub or create a personal portfolio website. This visibility is crucial for landing temporary roles—let recruiters see your actual skills in action, which can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Check Out Specialist Job Boards
For temp roles, hit up job boards dedicated to tech and data science, like Stack Overflow Jobs or DataJobs. These platforms often feature openings that you won’t find on general job sites, including contracts with companies like Cognify Search.
✨Leverage University Resources
If you're currently at uni or recently graduated, tap into your school's career services. They often have connections with companies looking for temporary data science interns or contract workers, and they might even host job fairs with employers like Cognify Search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Science (12 month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Data Projects:When applying for a temporary data science role at Cognify Search, make sure to showcase any relevant projects you've worked on. Whether it's a personal project, an academic undertaking, or contributions to an open-source initiative, detailing these experiences can really set you apart and demonstrate your practical skills.
Emphasise Your Analytical Skills:In your CV and cover letter, focus on the specific analytical skills that are key to data science. Mention any experience with statistical tools, programming languages like Python or R, and data visualisation software. Don't forget to include any certifications that may bolster your expertise!
Show Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, it's important to convey your adaptability and willingness to learn. In your cover letter to Cognify Search, emphasise how quickly you can get up to speed with new tools or projects. Highlight any previous experiences where you've had to adjust to new environments or challenges.
Craft a Unique Data-Driven Cover Letter:Instead of the usual generic cover letter, spice it up with some data! Maybe you’ve improved a process by 20% in a past role or cleaned a dataset with over a million entries. Use these stats to your advantage to grab Cognify Search’s attention and show the tangible impact of your work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognify Search
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
For a data science gig, it's crucial to demonstrate your analytical abilities. Be ready to discuss previous projects and the methodologies you used. Think about how you can quantify your impact—did your analysis improve efficiency or save costs? These are the stories that will stick with interviewers at Cognify Search.
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
You might face technical questions on tools relevant to data science, like Python, R, or SQL. Prepare to solve a problem live—perhaps they'll ask you to write a simple query or code snippet. It’s cool to talk about them, but we need to show we can do it in practice, especially in a temporary role where quick results matter.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your ability to learn quickly and adapt to new tools or workflows. Share examples of how you've thrived in fast-paced environments before, and how you can hit the ground running at Cognify Search.
✨Prepare a Portfolio of Your Work
Bring your portfolio to the table—showcase projects where you've leveraged data science techniques to solve problems. Whether it’s a GitHub repository or a set of case studies, having tangible examples of your work will help you stand out and show what you bring to the team at Cognify Search.
