Head of Data Science & Engineering
Head of Data Science & Engineering

Head of Data Science & Engineering

England Full-Time 48000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Post Office Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Data Science & Engineering team to drive business transformation through data insights.
  • Company: Join Post Office, a diverse and inclusive organisation committed to positive change.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 27.5 days annual leave, up to 18% bonus, and continuous learning opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be part of a culture that values innovation, inclusion, and high performance.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Data Science or Computer Science with extensive leadership experience required.
  • Other info: This is a full-time, mid-senior level role based in England.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.

As a Head of Data Science & Engineering as a senior member of the Data & Analytics team you will join us on our journey and undertake a valuable role responsible for the development and delivery of functional strategies, role always modelling the Post Office behaviours and demonstrating a Postmaster first mindset.

The job title will be responsible for leading the development, deployment, and optimisation of data science models and engineering pipelines to drive business transformation. Reporting to the Data & Analytics Director, this role provides strategic and technical leadership to a team of data scientists and data engineers, to facilitate high-quality and actionable insights by ensuring that data is available and reliable.

The role will also oversee workflow prioritisation, quality assurance, and the implementation of best practices in data science and engineering to enhance decision-making across the organisation. Additionally, the Head of Data Science & Engineering will play a key role in fostering innovation, ensuring data compliance, and aligning analytics initiatives with business goals. They will drive a culture of inclusion, continuous improvement, and high performance in the teams they lead, delivering and driving decision-making across the Business, Customers and Partners.

What we can do for you

Now, more than ever, we understand that attracting the right talent is pivotal in driving the positive change needed throughout our organisation. Beyond a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • 27.5 days annual leave that increases with tenure
  • Up to 18% on target bonus opportunity
  • Life assurance
  • Full support from our employee assistance programme and access to our employee benefits platform
  • Ever-evolving learning and development opportunities

Our commitment to embracing diversity extends beyond just words. We actively foster an inclusive workplace that values the unique perspectives and contributions from all colleagues. We hold the belief that Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are not just vital but fundamental to our success and growth. Our priority lies in shaping a business that mirrors the diverse communities we reach, truly making Post Office \’Everybody\’s Business\’. As an equal opportunity employer, we value and celebrate the differences among our people, ensuring that our practices reflect our dedication to inclusivity and equal representation for all.

What you’ll need to succeed

  • Degree in Data Science or Computer Science and/or professional qualifications preferred
  • Demonstrable experience leading large teams: collaborating with senior leaders, to shape and deliver functional strategy to achieve business objectives.
  • Substantial experience convening multiple stakeholders and through successful relationships, leading key cross-functional projects to drive results across the organisation.
  • Experience in leading and driving change aligned to functional and business strategies.
  • Proven experience leading data science and data engineering teams in a complex organisation.
  • Strong expertise in machine learning, statistical modelling, and AI-driven solutions.
  • Extensive experience in building scalable data pipelines, ETL processes, and cloud-based architectures.
  • Hands-on experience with MLOps, DevOps, and continuous integration/deployment (CI/CD) practices.
  • Experience ensuring data privacy, security, and compliance in AI applications.
  • Strong record of stakeholder engagement, translating technical concepts into business value.
  • Demonstrated ability to balance technical leadership with strategic vision.
  • Strong experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) for data and AI services.
  • Empowering senior manager who can speak with knowledge, authority, and confidence in their subject matter, guiding their team toward success.
  • An expert advisor with ability to apply advanced knowledge of Data & Analytics specialism as well as broad knowledge of related areas.
  • An understanding of data privacy laws, governance, risk, and budget management
  • Advanced influencing and communication skills; using a range of techniques to deliver messages effectively make an impact and drive a successful outcome.
  • Ability to maintain strong and influential relationships with senior stakeholders and leaders to build support for business plans.
  • Strong commercial business acumen and ability to make data-driven business decisions.
  • Demonstrates a strong commitment to upholding the values and principles of Post Office.
  • A track record of actively promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within all areas of responsibility and in particularly in Data & Analytics function.
  • Expert proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and distributed computing frameworks (e.g., Spark, Hadoop).
  • Advanced knowledge of data engineering tools (e.g., Airflow, Kafka, Snowflake, Databricks).
  • Proficiency in machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
  • Ability to implement robust data governance and AI model explainability frameworks.
  • Commitment to ethical AI practices and responsible data usage.

Seniority level

  • Seniority level

    Mid-Senior level

Employment type

  • Employment type

    Full-time

Job function

  • Job function

    Engineering and Information Technology

  • Industries

    Retail and Data Infrastructure and Analytics

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Head of Data Science & Engineering employer: Post Office Ltd

At Post Office Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions a culture of inclusion and continuous improvement. As the Head of Data Science & Engineering, you will benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and extensive learning opportunities, all while working in a dynamic environment that values diverse perspectives and fosters professional growth. Join us in shaping a business that truly reflects the communities we serve, where your expertise will drive meaningful change and innovation.
Post Office Ltd

Contact Detail:

Post Office Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Data Science & Engineering

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the data science and engineering field. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and leaders at Post Office. Building these relationships can give you insights into the company culture and expectations.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully led teams and projects in your previous roles. Be prepared to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead at a senior level.

✨Tip Number 3

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in data science and engineering, particularly those relevant to the retail sector. Being knowledgeable about cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP, and tools like TensorFlow or PyTorch will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss how you would foster a culture of inclusion and continuous improvement within your team. Think about specific strategies you could implement to promote diversity and collaboration, as this aligns closely with the values of Post Office.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Science & Engineering

Leadership Skills
Strategic Vision
Data Science Expertise
Machine Learning Proficiency
Statistical Modelling
AI-driven Solutions
Data Engineering Skills
Cloud Architecture Knowledge
ETL Process Development
MLOps and DevOps Practices
Continuous Integration/Deployment (CI/CD)
Data Privacy and Compliance Understanding
Stakeholder Engagement
Technical Communication Skills
Commercial Business Acumen
Python Proficiency
R Programming Skills
SQL Expertise
Distributed Computing Frameworks (e.g., Spark, Hadoop)
Data Engineering Tools (e.g., Airflow, Kafka, Snowflake, Databricks)
Machine Learning Frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn)
Data Governance Implementation
Ethical AI Practices

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in leading data science and engineering teams. Emphasise your expertise in machine learning, statistical modelling, and cloud platforms like AWS or Azure, as these are crucial for the role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, demonstrate your understanding of the Post Office's mission and values. Discuss how your leadership style aligns with their commitment to diversity and inclusion, and provide examples of how you've driven change in previous roles.

Showcase Relevant Projects: Include specific projects in your application that showcase your ability to build scalable data pipelines and lead cross-functional teams. Highlight any successful outcomes that resulted from your strategic decisions in data science and engineering.

Highlight Stakeholder Engagement: Illustrate your experience in engaging with senior stakeholders. Provide examples of how you've translated technical concepts into business value, ensuring that your communication skills stand out in your application.

How to prepare for a job interview at Post Office Ltd

✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience

As a Head of Data Science & Engineering, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead large teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with senior leaders and driven cross-functional projects that resulted in tangible business outcomes.

✨Highlight Technical Expertise

Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with data science and engineering tools, especially in machine learning, cloud platforms, and data governance. Use specific examples to illustrate your proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and any relevant frameworks like TensorFlow or Spark.

✨Emphasise Stakeholder Engagement

Your role will involve engaging with multiple stakeholders. Prepare to share instances where you've effectively translated complex technical concepts into business value, showcasing your strong communication skills and ability to influence decision-making.

✨Demonstrate a Commitment to Inclusion

The Post Office values diversity and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you've promoted these principles in your previous roles, particularly within data and analytics functions. Share specific initiatives or practices you've implemented to foster an inclusive environment.

Head of Data Science & Engineering
Post Office Ltd
Location: England
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