Lead Data Scientist in London

We go beyond the obvious, using intelligence, passion and creativity to inspire new thinking and shape the world we live in. Kantar is the world’s leading AI-native marketing data and analytics business and an indispensable brand partner to the world’s top companies. We combine the most meaningful attitudinal and behavioural data with deep expertise and advanced analytics to uncover how people think and act. We help clients understand what has happened and why and how to shape the marketing strategies that shape their future.

We are searching for a dynamic Lead Data Scientist to join our team and evolve, build, and lead our portfolio of AI, Machine learning and sophisticated data science solutions. This position offers an outstanding opportunity to lead and develop some of the most exciting and challenging AI-led projects for Kantar and its clients, and make an impact in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Job Goals

As a leader you will be responsible for collaborating with the Chief AI Scientist and the Executive Committee to build an outstanding portfolio of AI-led solutions within KANTAR, employing the latest developments in AI/ML. You will engage in several R&D efforts to demonstrate and develop new capabilities, algorithms, and technologies across the entire breadth of data science, including but not limited to Generative AI. Subsequently, you will work closely with Engineering, Product, Operations, and Commercial teams to scale and commercialize the products and solutions you develop.

In this role, you are accountable for the process of translating potential AI, ML and other data science ideas into concrete, scalable products. You will work hands-on and lead a very hardworking, cross-functional, and geographical team with multifaceted strengths of data scientists. As part of the global data science and innovation team, you will serve as a representative and ambassador for data science, AI, and ML-led solutions with all collaborators.

Ideal Skills & Capabilities

• Advanced degree or equivalent experience from world-class technical institutes in relevant field
• Demonstrated ability in Data science including traditional supervised and unsupervised machine learning methods, with some exposure to / experience in Generative AI in the last few years.
• Strong background in mathematics, probability, analytic problem solving and multivariate statistics
• Confirmed experience of having led, or responsible for AI / ML product / solution development.
• Demonstrable experience in building and deploying applications on cloud platforms like Azure/AWS/Google Cloud using server-less architecture.
• Proficiency in tools such as Azure machine learning service, Amazon Sagemaker, Google Cloud AI
• Proficiency with Python is critical
• Ambitious, dedicated, curious, and entrepreneurial
• Experience in Agile working methodologies for product development
• Excellent (English) communication skills to address both technical audience and business stakeholders
• Comfortable working in global set-ups with diverse cross-geography teams and cultures
• Technology savvy – closely follows the latest developments in Data Science and technology
• Willing to try out new things and quickly prototype solutions.
• Meticulous and deep attention to detail
• Being able to straddle ‘big picture strategy’ and ‘tactical details’ with ease

Please be aware, the majority of our roles are hybrid, working three days a week in our office. We’re not able to offer visa sponsorship or help with relocation support for this role. Please make sure you’ve got the right to work in the country where this role is located before applying.

Why join Kantar?

We shape the brands of tomorrow by better understanding people everywhere. By understanding people, we can understand what drives their decisions, actions, and aspirations on a global scale. And if we combine the expertise of our people with the latest AI technology, we can really help brands discover some amazing insights. And because we know people, we like to make sure our own people are being looked after as well. Equality of opportunity for everyone is our highest priority and we support our colleagues to work in a way that works for them. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and sections of society. Even if you feel like you’re not an exact match, we’d love to receive your application and talk to you about this job or others at Kantar.

Privacy and Legal Statement

At Kantar, the diversity of our employees provides a richer environment for our employees and broader depth and breadth of thinking for our clients. Kantar is committed to inclusion and diversity; therefore, we welcome applications from all sections of society and do not discriminate based on age, race, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

PRIVACY DISCLOSURE: Please note that by applying to this opportunity you consent to the personal data you provide to us to be processed and retained by The Kantar Group Limited (“Kantar”). Your details will be kept on our Internal ATS (Applicant Tracking System) for as long as is necessary for the purposes of recruitment, which may include your details being shared with the hiring manager.

Kantar is the world’s leading data, insights and consulting company. We understand more about how people think, feel, shop, share, vote and view than anyone else. Combining our expertise in human understanding with advanced technologies, Kantar’s 30,000 people help the world’s leading organisations succeed and grow.