Head of Analytics & Data Science in London

This is a big one. You’ll unite our Analytics and Data Science teams under one bold, clear vision – and transform how analytics is produced and consumed across our business. As our Head of Analytics & Data Science, you’ll set the direction, raise the bar on what “good” looks like, and make sure every insight, model and dashboard is driving real impact across Virgin.

Who we are and what we’re about: In a world where we’re bombarded with choice and everything feels interchangeable, at Virgin we’re here to dial up the feel factor – to give people unforgettable travel, leisure and entertainment experiences, with a dose of our signature rebel spirit. We’re about meaning not visibility; attraction not promotion; cultural aliveness, and little touches that make everyone feel like a VIP.

Virgin was built on bold bets. It’s in our DNA. Here at HQ, the question is: how do we make better bold bets? How can we disrupt smarter? How do we reach customers, in an increasingly agentic world – and leave them alone when they don’t want to hear from us? How do we give them more connected, personalised, rewarding experiences across every Virgin touchpoint? Which culturally aligned brands should we partner with, beyond the Virgin family? How well are we operating? Ultimately, how do we know we’re on track, in supercharging this iconic brand – and making the next chapter epic?

It’s a fun place to work in the data team... From Cx to corporate strategy, experimentation support to advanced models, we help others make better, faster decisions. We enable them to be the rockstars. That starts with our loyalty, investment and support teams here at HQ – and ripples out across our global partner network. Ecosystem building is a complex, creative, energising, exhausting mission!

Set and lead a compelling strategy for analytics and data science, aligned to our wider data and business goals.

• Unify teams into a high-performing, impact-focused function that delivers value consistently at pace.
• Partner with our Head of Data Product to shape the roadmap, focusing initially on internal use (increasingly, on partner use too).
• Transform our dashboard and reporting estate – and how we deliver, going forwards – to right-size effort for impact, in an increasingly self-serve world.
• Guide the development of predictive models and automated decision systems aligned to business goals.
• Evangelise and educate across the business, stimulating data fluency and more integrated cross-functional ways of working.
• Build capability operational excellence and resilience, ensuring the team is growing, delivering and thrives in change.

What you’ll need:

• Experience leading analytics and data science teams at Head Of (or equivalent) level in a fast-paced B2B2C environment.
• A strong data science background – you’re a data scientist by trade and can lead confidently across the full analytics spectrum.
• The ability to set vision and strategy within a fluid operating environment, and rally people.
• A strong track record of transforming the production and consumption of analytics, leveraging the latest technology (and sound management) to increase speed and impact.
• Experience rolling out self-serve analytics and delivering automated decision systems in digital businesses (pricing experience is a plus).
• Strong commercial acumen and a strategic mindset, connecting big picture thinking with what’s needed, shaped and delivered.
• Exceptional communicator, with gravitas and empathy – you make the complex simple, and can influence at all levels (being candid where you need to be, about what’s blocking your team).
• A strong track record of developing talent, building and scaling inclusive teams that thrive in dynamic conditions.

Role type: Permanent

Location: London hub (2-3 days per week) & your home space

Salary: £competitive plus bonus - We will offer a salary that matches your skills, always aiming for room to grow.

Working hours: Full time - We embrace flexible working. Let us know what hours empower you to be at your best both professionally and personally, we’ll try to find a perfect match for you and us.

Benefits: Buckle up for an adventure with Virgin! Our benefits package isn’t just a list – it’s your ticket to an extraordinary career and life. Think unlimited leave for your globe-trotting dreams, a “Screw it, let’s do it” pot to enjoy being you, and a learning budget to fuel your curiosity. We’ve got your back with top-notch health care, family support that goes the extra mile, a generous pension with up to 10% employer contribution, life insurance, and the option to go electric through our EV scheme. From flexible volunteering to investing in your future, we’re not just offering a job – we’re inviting you to join a community that celebrates your whole self.

Some of the attributes that define a Virgin person just can’t be quantified in words. We pride ourselves on welcoming people from all walks of life, with all sorts of skill sets. Most recently, we successfully campaigned to add ‘Dyslexic Thinking’ as a skill on LinkedIn. We truly value passion for Purpose and Sustainability, welcoming creative thinkers and innovators. Any uniqueness is a strength and will be considered an asset to our workforce. If there is something you would like us to consider, to tailor the hiring process to the way you work best, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

Ready to turn your career into the ultimate adventure? Virgin's got the map, the compass, and the crew. Your great adventure awaits!