Head of Data Science - Advanced Analytics & AI in Salford

Role: This role has been created to service the increasing business demand to deliver value through leveraging data science, advanced analytics and AI. The individual will provide both technical and strategic direction to the teams to deliver data products aligned to business needs and unlock tangible business value.

Responsibilities:

• Identify, prioritise and deliver data products aligned to business needs.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across different departments.
• Communicate insights to a range of stakeholders at different seniority and levels of technical capabilities.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable data related internal governance, regulatory and legal requirements.
• Day to day management of data teams.
• Manage relationships with third party vendors.
• Provide both technical and strategic guidance and mentorship to other team members.
• Lead, mentor, upskill and demonstrate best practices to other team members.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture across different teams.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Knowledge of data science, advanced analytics and AI methods including GenAI and Agentic AI.
• Knowledge of underlying mathematics, statistics and science concepts underpinning data science, advanced analytics, and AI (including GenAI) methods.
• Knowledge of applicable governance and ethical frameworks and guidance.
• Experience with best practices of scaling, deploying and monitoring models in production using MLOps capabilities.
• Programming proficiency in Python.
• Ability to execute data science and AI strategy, simplify complexity and align deliverables to business values.
• Effective stakeholder management skills with ability to influence at different organisational levels.
• Ability to prioritise and deliver projects at pace with a clear focus on delivering value.
• Experienced in leading, mentoring and upskilling data science teams is a must.
• Proven record in taking projects from inception through to production.
• Tenacious and resilient mentality with a can-do attitude.

Be Yourself. Make an Impact. Join Us. As a recognised Top 50 Inclusive Employer in the UK, we believe that diversity fuels innovation and success. We’re committed to building a workplace that reflects the communities and customers we serve. At TalkTalk, inclusion is part of our DNA – we’re all 100% human, and we’ve created a culture where you can truly be yourself. We’re not your traditional 9-5. We’re a dynamic, flexible workplace, and we’re excited to hear how you like to work. Whether you thrive in collaboration, focus better at home, or prefer a bit of both – let’s make it work.

What We Offer:

• Flexible hybrid working – with a minimum of 50% office presence to support teamwork and connection.
• Collaborative office spaces designed for creative thinking and innovation.
• Free on-site parking at our offices.
• Generous holiday package – 25 days annual leave, 3 wellbeing days, and your birthday off (plus the option to buy up to 10 more days!).
• Private healthcare for all employees.
• Competitive pension scheme and performance-related bonus opportunities.
• Free broadband for all employees.
• Life event gifts – celebrating milestones like marriages and births.
• Inclusive employee networks – open to all, supporting peer connection and thought-provoking conversations.
• Salary sacrifice scheme – save on dental, gym, and more.
• Big retail and leisure discounts.
• 3 paid volunteering days a year – because making a difference matters to us too.