At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative digital products and mentor junior engineers.
- Company: A leading UK law firm focused on digital transformation and AI innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI and data products in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: 5-7 years in software engineering or data science with strong Python skills.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced team and make a real impact in a regulated industry.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 78000 £ per year.
Lead Data Scientist
£75,000 per annum
Hybrid | Central London (2–3 days per week in-office)
Permanent | Full-Time
We’re working with a leading UK-based law firm that’s investing heavily in digital transformation, innovation, and AI. As part of this, we\’re recruiting a Lead Data Scientist to help shape and deliver scalable products that sit at the intersection of data science, software engineering, and DevOps.
If you’re a technically curious builder with a track record of delivering software into production – and you\’re ready to take the lead in a collaborative, fast-paced environment – this could be the ideal next step in your career.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development of innovative digital products from concept through to production
- Design and build scalable, containerised software solutions that incorporate data science components
- Make architectural decisions around tooling, frameworks, and development approaches
- Work with DevOps practices including Docker, Terraform, and cloud deployment (Azure preferred)
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including product managers, data scientists, and business stakeholders
- Mentor and support junior engineers, helping to grow technical capability within the team
- Stay up-to-date with developments in data science and AI (e.g., LLMs, agentic AI), and integrate this thinking into product delivery
- Communicate clearly and confidently to both technical and non-technical audiences
Ideal Candidate Profile
Technical Experience
- 5–7 years of professional experience across software engineering, DevOps, or applied data science
- Strong programming skills in Python and familiarity with JavaScript/TypeScript
- Working knowledge of React (not a frontend role, but an understanding of the stack is important)
- Hands-on experience with containerisation (Docker) and cloud deployment (Terraform, microservices, Azure)
- Exposure to Jupyter notebooks, and understanding of how machine learning models are developed and deployed
- Experience in fast-paced or start-up environments where you’ve contributed across the stack
Background & Education
- Degree in a quantitative or technical field (e.g., Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, AI)
- Previous experience in data science or BI analytics is beneficial – particularly if you’ve moved into engineering
- Bonus: awareness of modern AI tooling (e.g., LLMs, Hugging Face) and an enthusiasm to apply this in real-world products
Leadership & Soft Skills
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Experience mentoring junior team members
- Willingness to step into a leadership role and grow into the function
- Pragmatic decision-maker who can weigh trade-offs and work well with product teams
If you\’re looking to join a business that\’s serious about building modern, intelligent software solutions – and want to help define how AI and data products are built in a complex, regulated industry – we’d love to hear from you.
Lead Data Scientist employer: Mentmore
Contact Detail:
Mentmore Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Data Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who’s already in the role you want. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your projects, especially those involving data science and software engineering. This is your chance to demonstrate your technical prowess and creativity, so make it shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to data science and DevOps. Think about how you can showcase your leadership skills and collaborative spirit, as these are key for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re all about making connections and helping you land that dream job. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our innovative projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Data Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Lead Data Scientist role. Highlight your programming skills in Python, experience with Docker, and any relevant projects that showcase your ability to deliver software into production.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for data science and AI, and how your background in software engineering and DevOps can contribute to our digital transformation efforts.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves mentoring junior engineers, be sure to mention any leadership experiences you've had. We want to see how you’ve supported others in their growth and how you can step into a leadership role with us.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mentmore
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your programming skills, especially in Python and JavaScript/TypeScript. Be ready to discuss your experience with Docker, Terraform, and cloud deployment, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've mentored junior engineers or led projects in the past. This role requires a willingness to step into leadership, so demonstrating your ability to guide others will set you apart.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the law firm's digital transformation goals. Being able to connect your technical expertise to their business needs will show that you're not just a techie, but someone who understands the bigger picture.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. You'll need to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences, so being clear and confident is key.