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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data science projects, focusing on machine learning and analytics to drive business success.
- Company: Join a high-growth performance marketing and tech company at the forefront of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work flexibility, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of data-driven marketing solutions.
- Qualifications: Proficiency in Python, SQL, and experience with machine learning deployment required.
- Other info: This role does not offer sponsorship; ideal for those ready to lead and mentor.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ per year.
Job Description
Lead / Principal Data Scientist
UK-based | 2–3 days per week on-site (UK-wide travel)
£80k–£125k base + bonus | All travel expenses covered
This is a hands-on, client-facing role for someone who wants to lead meaningful change – not just design solutions, but see them embedded and delivering results.
You’ll work directly with senior client leaders across public and private sector organisations, applying AI, advanced analytics, and modern digital tooling to solve complex operational challenges. This is a delivery-first environment where outcomes matter, and ideas are only valuable once they’re live and working.
This role involves regular on-site work (typically 2–3 days per week) at client locations across the UK. Candidates must be comfortable with this level of travel.
What you’ll be doing:
- Identifying high-impact opportunities to apply AI, data science, advanced analytics, and digital tools to real operational problems
- Leading the design and delivery of technical workstreams, taking solutions from concept through to live, operational use
- Acting as a technical and delivery leader within multi-disciplinary teams spanning people, process, and technology
- Translating complex technical concepts into clear, practical guidance for non-technical stakeholders
- Advising senior client leaders on what’s possible with digital and how to realise value quickly
The kind of work you’ll be involved in:
- Deploying machine learning and LLM-enabled tools in public sector and healthcare settings to improve throughput and outcomes
- Rapidly prototyping and delivering AI solutions in highly regulated environments
- Building predictive and optimisation models that drive measurable financial and operational impact
- Embedding digital tools into day-to-day operations rather than stopping at pilots or proofs of concept
What we’re looking for:
- Proven experience taking digital, AI, or analytics ideas from concept through to operational delivery
- Deep expertise in at least one of AI, data science, advanced analytics, or digital engineering, with the appetite to grow beyond it
- Strong leadership experience, including guiding multi-disciplinary teams and developing others
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, particularly with senior, non-technical audiences
- A pragmatic, outcome-focused mindset with high personal resilience
- Comfort working on client sites multiple days per week to drive change first-hand
What’s on offer:
- £80k–£125k base salary depending on level and experience
- Performance-related bonus
- All travel expenses fully covered
- Clear progression at Lead and Principal level, with a defined path toward senior leadership
- Strong investment in development, mentoring, and long-term career growth
- Opportunity to work across multiple sectors on genuinely high-impact programmes
Apply below!
Contact Detail:
Harnham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Data Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in machine learning and data science, especially those relevant to marketing. This will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the data science and marketing sectors. Attend industry meetups or webinars to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects where you've successfully deployed machine learning models or optimisation algorithms. Be ready to explain your thought process and the impact of your work on business outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any experience you have in mentoring or guiding others. Highlight how you can contribute to growing the data science team and fostering a collaborative environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Data Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in data science, particularly with machine learning, optimisation, and analytics. Emphasise your proficiency in Python, SQL, and any cloud platforms you've worked with.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for data science and how it intersects with marketing. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead and deliver data-driven solutions.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since the role involves mentoring junior data scientists, include examples of your leadership experience. Highlight any instances where you guided a team or implemented best practices in previous roles.
Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your technical skills in detail, especially around deploying machine learning models and optimisation algorithms. Prepare to explain complex concepts in simple terms, as communication is key in this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harnham
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your proficiency in Python, SQL, and cloud platforms. Bring examples of machine learning models or optimisation algorithms you've deployed in production, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with digital marketing concepts and tools like Google Ads and Meta. Being able to relate your data science expertise to real-world marketing scenarios will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Potential
Since this role involves mentoring junior data scientists, be ready to share your experiences in leading teams or projects. Highlight any instances where you've guided others or established best practices.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice simplifying complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders. Strong communication skills are crucial, so prepare to explain your past projects in a way that anyone can understand.
