Head of Data Science

Head of Data Science

Full-Time 110000 - 120000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic team of data scientists and shape the data science strategy.
  • Company: High-growth business focused on scaling its data function.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and opportunities for career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in areas like search, pricing, and personalisation.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in data science and experience with ML models.
  • Other info: Work in a collaborative environment with a focus on machine learning engineering.

The predicted salary is between 110000 - 120000 £ per year.

Salary: £110K – £120K + bonus

Location: Manchester 2-4 days a month

The Opportunity

We’re working with a high-growth business that is scaling its data function to the next level. Data scientists here have traditionally combined reporting with predictive modelling, but the business is now creating a dedicated leadership role to bring focus, structure and engineering rigour to the discipline. As Head of Data Science, you’ll lead a growing team of 6+ scientists embedded across product and functional teams, while also setting the technical direction and ensuring alignment with company-wide OKRs. You’ll drive the transition towards machine learning engineering, championing end-to-end model ownership from research through to deployment in production. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the data science strategy, support the career growth of talented scientists, and deliver measurable impact in areas such as search, pricing, personalisation, vouchers, marketing, operations and finance.

Skills and Experience

  • Proven leadership experience in data science or machine learning, ideally within product-led or consumer-facing organisations
  • Strong background in building and deploying ML models at scale in production environments
  • Ability to structure and lead embedded data science teams, partnering effectively with senior stakeholders across multiple domains
  • Hands‑on technical expertise with tools such as Databricks, Python, Spark, and GCP/BigQuery
  • Engineering mindset, with experience moving teams toward machine learning engineering best practice
  • Credibility to lead long-tenured individual contributors while providing direction, mentorship and career development

If you are looking for a new challenge, then please submit your CV for initial screening and more details.

Head of Data Science employer: Data Science Festival

Join a high-growth business in Manchester as the Head of Data Science, where you'll lead a dynamic team and shape the future of data strategy. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative work culture, this role offers the chance to make a significant impact while enjoying competitive benefits and a flexible working environment. Embrace the opportunity to drive innovation in machine learning engineering and advance your career in a supportive setting that values your expertise.
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Contact Detail:

Data Science Festival Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Data Science

✨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. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects, especially those involving machine learning and data engineering. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership experience. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams and delivered impactful data solutions in the past.

✨Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and get noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Science

Leadership in Data Science
Machine Learning
Predictive Modelling
Model Deployment
Team Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Databricks
Python
Spark
GCP/BigQuery
Machine Learning Engineering Best Practices
Mentorship
Career Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your leadership experience in data science and any hands-on technical expertise you have with tools like Python and Spark. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!

Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your previous roles, focus on the measurable impact you've had. Did you drive a successful machine learning project? Share those results! We love seeing how you've made a difference in past positions.

Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire a team, so don’t be afraid to show us your passion for data science and your vision for the future!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Data Science Festival

✨Know Your Data Science Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your technical skills, especially around machine learning and data engineering. Be ready to discuss your experience with tools like Python, Spark, and Databricks, as well as any projects where you've deployed ML models at scale.

✨Show Your Leadership Skills

Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed data science teams in the past. Talk about how you've mentored team members and aligned projects with company goals, showcasing your ability to partner with senior stakeholders.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges in data science leadership. Think about scenarios involving team dynamics, project prioritisation, or transitioning to machine learning engineering best practices, and have your strategies ready.

✨Align with Company Vision

Research the company's mission and values, and be ready to discuss how your vision for the data science function aligns with their objectives. Highlight how you can contribute to areas like personalisation and marketing, showing that you understand their business needs.

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