Data Scientist (Predictive Analytics Specialist)

Location: Hybrid working, minimum 2 days in the Manchester (Salford Quays) Office

Reports to: Head of Data

Salary: £50K, plus target bonus of 8%

About Pearson: Learning is no longer just a stage of life but a lifelong journey. In an era where AI is moving at breathtaking pace and where there is huge demand for new talent, with new skills, the world needs learning more than ever before. Whether it’s upskilling in the workplace, developing a team, getting ahead in school, making the grade at university, or learning a new language, millions of people around the world trust Pearson products and services to help them realise the life they imagine through learning. We hold learners, educators, and enterprises at the heart of our thinking. Our five interconnected business divisions work together to meet people’s evolving learning needs. We’re proud to be a trusted partner in the moments that matter throughout their lives.

About UK Assessment & Qualifications: We are responsible for the delivery of nearly 4 million examination results per annum, including A-Level, GCSE, BTEC and T-levels for students in UK and International centres. Our in-house systems process every learner from registration to marking and certification, in a highly regulated business. We currently operate a hybrid estate of predominantly bespoke systems, with an ongoing strategic transformation programme to migrate from on-prem to cloud based, cost effective, scalable and resilient services.

About The Role: We are seeking a talented Data Scientist to drive our predictive analytics capabilities across commercial and operational processes. The successful candidate will apply advanced analytical techniques to forecast trends, optimise performance, and inform strategic decisions. This role will work closely with cross-functional teams to enhance data-driven decision-making and contribute to the continuous improvement of our operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Predictive Modelling: Develop and implement predictive models to forecast key metrics such as sales performance, customer and learner behaviour, and operational efficiency.
• Data Analysis & Insight Generation: Analyse complex datasets to uncover patterns, trends, and correlations that inform business strategies.
• Operational Optimisation: Use advanced analytics to identify opportunities for improving operational processes, resource allocation, and cost efficiency.
• Commercial Insights: Provide data-driven recommendations to support commercial initiatives, including pricing strategies, market segmentation, and demand forecasting.
• Data Visualisation & Reporting: Create clear and insightful visualisations and reports to communicate findings and predictions to stakeholders.
• Collaboration: Work closely with commercial, operational, and technical teams to understand business challenges and deliver actionable insights.
• Model Evaluation & Maintenance: Continuously monitor, validate, and refine predictive models to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Preference for ‘R’ programming language but other machine learning languages/tools also acceptable.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines and manage own time effectively.
• Ability to solve problems using initiative and a methodical approach to tasks.
• Adaptable and flexible approach and able to prioritise workloads.
• Ability to collate and analyse information from various sources.

Job Location and Hours:

The role is aligned to our office in Salford Quays on a 2 day hybrid basis, working a 37.5 hour week. We work a 37.5 hour week, with all our team free to flex their day around our core hours, which are Monday to Friday, 10 to 4 GMT/BST. School runs, etc can be accommodated. Other flexible working patterns can be considered, including part-time working and non-traditional hours. As we regularly work with global teams, particularly in India and the US, there may be the occasional need to accommodate meetings outside of core hours.

Your benefits and rewards:

• 25 Days annual leave (increasing by 1 day with every year of continuous service up to 30 days); annual leave trading, +/- 5 days.
• Annual Bonus.
• Private Pension plan scheme where we pay in double what you contribute, up to 16% depending on your age.
• Life, private medical and dental care insurance options, plus free eye tests.
• Stock/share purchase options.
• Maternity, paternity, and family care leave as well as flexible working policies.
• An employee wellbeing assistance programme.
• Cycle to work program, volunteering days, gym membership concessions in selected office locations, along with retail and leisure discounts.