At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a dynamic Data Science team while solving complex retail challenges.
- Company: Join Ocado Retail, the world's largest dedicated online supermarket.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive pay, health perks, and discounts at M&S.
- Other info: Be part of our AI Academy and enjoy excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact using data to enhance customer experiences and drive growth.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in data science, machine learning, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Contract type: Permanent
Location: Hatfield (Hybrid working - 3 days in the office)
Working hours per week: 40 hours
Level: Senior
Application Closing Date: Wednesday 27th May 2026
About us
Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivalled service, and reassuringly good value. We’re also on a mission to empower our business with smart technology; we've recently launched our AI Academy, providing a tailored AI learning journey for every colleague. We’re Ocado Retail, a market‑leading joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, and the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket, ocado.com.
About the team and the role
Data is core to our decision making, and we have one of the richest datasets in the industry. The Data Science team develops models which turn our data into actionable insights. It is our mission to leverage data to give the best value and experience to our customers and suppliers whilst increasing profitability and growth for Ocado Retail. The Data Science team is responsible for understanding the complexities in the data, generating appropriate models to answer business questions, and delivering the outputs of these models to stakeholders in diverse areas of the business. It is our responsibility to work across functions to productionise these models so they are available to the right people, any time they need them. This could be in the form of a data table with the outputs of the model, or developing an interface to allow users to leverage models for their specific needs. Our remit is to apply statistics, machine learning and artificial intelligence to our data at scale, and to do this we use Python, SQL, and the Google Cloud Platform (GCP). We are cross‑functional by design, working with stakeholders across the business with varying degrees of technical expertise, meaning communicating complex ideas is core to the success of the Data Science team.
What you’ll do
- Take the lead in line managing and mentoring junior members of the Data Science team, coaching them to realise their career ambitions.
- Apply advanced statistics and machine learning to our industry‑leading retail dataset within a fast‑paced, agile framework.
- Use Python and SQL, operating directly on our Data Lake in GCP, to solve complex challenges like optimising demand forecasting, improving customer conversion, and delivering sophisticated pricing optimisation models.
- Transform prototypes into reliable, production‑ready systems hosted on Vertex AI, working cross‑functionally to productionise models—leveraging modern MLOps tools such as Kubeflow.
- Communicate complex findings clearly to stakeholders to influence decision‑making at all levels of the organisation.
Who you are
- Extensive experience as a data scientist, with a demonstrable track record in the end‑to‑end development and deployment of high‑impact data science products.
- Deep expertise in advanced statistical modelling and machine learning, with practical experience tackling retail‑specific problems like pricing optimisation, demand forecasting or customer lifetime value.
- Experience with Python and SQL, including key packages such as numpy, pandas and scikit‑learn.
- Familiarity with software engineering best practices, such as unit testing, CI/CD, and containerisation.
- Experience with version control software and platforms such as GitLab or GitHub.
- Experience in implementation of machine learning concepts and methods.
- Experience in line‑managing capacity, including mentoring and coaching junior data scientists to realise their career ambitions.
- Strong communication skills with a passion for data storytelling.
Benefits
By joining Ocado Retail, you’ll have the chance to experience life at the world’s largest online retailer, work with an amazing bunch of people who challenge what’s possible each day, and grow your skills and career in online retail. You’ll also be part of our AI Academy, a dedicated learning journey designed to empower every colleague with the smart technology skills of the future.
Health & wellbeing: Private medical insurance with option to add your family, Digital GP appointments, market‑leading family policies, mental health support, discounted gym memberships, dental insurance, and more.
Spend & Save: Annual bonus scheme split between personal and business objectives, recognition with reward platform, up to 7% matched pension contributions, 15% Ocado discount, 20% M&S discount, free breakfast every day in the office, electric vehicle leasing scheme, and free shuttle bus from Hatfield station to the office.
Working flexibility: Hybrid working, 26 days holiday plus 8 flexible bank holidays, options to buy extra holiday, 2 weeks work from anywhere, and lifestyle break opportunities.
Equal opportunities
We’re an equal opportunities employer, which means that we make sure all potential colleagues are treated fairly and equally. We want to ensure everyone has a fair chance to apply; if you need this job description in an alternative format, please reach out to careers@ocadoretail.com and we’ll be happy to assist you, and if you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know on the application form.
Senior Data Scientist in Hatfield employer: Ocado Retail
At Ocado Retail, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions innovation and employee development. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while our AI Academy provides tailored learning opportunities to enhance your skills in a dynamic environment. With competitive benefits including private medical insurance, generous discounts, and a strong focus on health and wellbeing, joining our team means being part of a collaborative culture that values your contributions and supports your career growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Data Scientist in Hatfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Ocado Retail on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your data storytelling skills. Practice explaining complex data concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate effectively with stakeholders across the business.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your projects! Bring examples of your previous work that demonstrate your expertise in Python, SQL, and machine learning. Real-world applications will impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Ocado family.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Scientist in Hatfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Data Scientist role. Highlight your experience with Python, SQL, and any relevant machine learning projects. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Ocado Retail!
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past roles, focus on the impact you've made. Use metrics and examples to illustrate how your data science work has driven results. We love seeing how you’ve turned data into actionable insights!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for data storytelling and how you can contribute to our team. Let us know why you're excited about working with Ocado Retail and our innovative AI Academy.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ocado Retail
✨Know Your Data Science Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your advanced statistics and machine learning concepts. Be ready to discuss specific retail problems you've tackled, like pricing optimisation or demand forecasting, and how you used Python and SQL to solve them.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since communicating complex ideas is key for this role, practice explaining your past projects in simple terms. Think about how you can convey technical findings to non-technical stakeholders, as this will be crucial in influencing decision-making.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentoring
Be prepared to talk about your experience in line-managing and mentoring junior data scientists. Share examples of how you've helped others grow in their careers and how you approach coaching within a team setting.
✨Familiarise Yourself with MLOps Tools
Get comfortable discussing modern MLOps tools like Kubeflow and Vertex AI. Highlight any experience you have in transforming prototypes into production-ready systems, as this will show you're ready to hit the ground running.
