At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale a Data Science function, driving AI innovation and automation.
- Company: Fast-scaling, innovation-led business focused on data-driven growth.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape strategy, competitive salary, and executive backing.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a focus on AI adoption and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by building intelligent systems that drive commercial success.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in Data Science, strong Python skills, and experience with ML engineering.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
The team at MRJ Recruitment are partnering with a fast-scaling, innovation-led business making significant investment across Data Science, AI and intelligent automation, with a clear mission to turn data into a core commercial growth engine.
This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious Data Science leader to build and shape a function with genuine executive backing, modern infrastructure and the freedom to define strategy, architecture and capability from the ground up. The business is entering a major phase of AI adoption, focused on creating intelligent systems that connect raw data with live commercial outcomes, spanning product intelligence, pricing optimisation, recommendation engines, automated creative generation and next-generation search experiences.
The Opportunity
As the Head of Data Science, you’ll lead the evolution of advanced ML and agentic AI capabilities across the organisation, driving automation, experimentation and real-time decision-making at scale. You’ll operate at the intersection of commercial strategy, machine learning and AI innovation, building systems that reduce manual intervention, improve performance and unlock entirely new revenue opportunities. This is not a role focused on maintaining legacy models or managing incremental change. You’ll define the vision, influence senior stakeholders, grow a high-performing Data Science capability and help establish AI as a true competitive advantage for the business.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading and scaling a commercially focused Data Science function
- Driving the development of ML powered Martech, Search, Pricing & Recommendation systems
- Building intelligent agentic workflows and automation capabilities
- Owning experimentation strategy, model optimisation and AI innovation
- Collaborating with Product, Engineering and Commercial teams to embed Data Science into core decision-making
- Shaping scalable MLOps and ML infrastructure within AWS environments
- Mentoring and developing a technically strong team of Data Scientists and ML Engineers
- Influencing long-term AI strategy and roadmap at leadership level
What We’re Looking For
- Proven leadership experience within Data Science or Machine Learning environments
- Strong background in Python and production-level ML engineering
- Hands-on experience with PyTorch and deploying scalable ML models
- Expertise in recommendation systems, pricing models or personalisation engines
- Strong understanding of MLOps, experimentation frameworks and ML infrastructure
- Experience operating within AWS cloud environments
- A commercially minded approach to AI, modelling and automation
- Track record of building, mentoring and scaling high-performing DS teams
If you’re a Data Science leader looking for a role where you can genuinely shape strategy, build intelligent systems at scale and drive measurable commercial impact through AI, we’d love to speak. Apply now or message me directly for a confidential conversation.
Head of Data Science in Manchester employer: MRJ Recruitment
At MRJ Recruitment, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters innovation and growth in the rapidly evolving field of Data Science. Our Manchester location offers a dynamic work culture where ambitious leaders can thrive, with significant investment in modern infrastructure and a commitment to employee development. Join us to shape the future of AI and data-driven decision-making while enjoying a collaborative environment that values your expertise and vision.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data Science in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the Data Science field, attend meetups, and engage in online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio of your projects, especially those involving ML and AI. Share them on platforms like GitHub or your personal website to demonstrate your expertise and passion.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Practice common interview questions related to Data Science and think about how you can articulate your vision for AI in a commercial context.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can drive innovation in Data Science. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Science in Manchester
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 work with ML engineering. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to turn data into a core commercial growth engine.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about AI and how you can drive innovation. We love seeing candidates who can articulate their vision for Data Science and how they plan to influence senior stakeholders.
Showcase Relevant Projects:Include examples of projects where you've built or scaled Data Science functions, especially those involving ML-powered systems. We’re keen on seeing your hands-on experience with tools like Python and PyTorch, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at MRJ Recruitment
✨Know Your Data Science Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical skills, especially in Python and ML engineering. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with tools like PyTorch and how you've deployed scalable ML models in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Data Science, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've built and mentored high-performing teams, and be ready to discuss your approach to influencing senior stakeholders.
✨Understand the Business Impact
This role is all about turning data into a commercial growth engine. Be prepared to talk about how your work in AI and machine learning has driven measurable business outcomes, and how you plan to do this in the new role.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
You'll be working closely with Product, Engineering, and Commercial teams. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated across departments, and be ready to discuss how you would embed Data Science into core decision-making processes.
