At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful data science projects that drive real-world outcomes and strategic decisions.
- Company: Join a FTSE 100 company transforming data and analytics.
- Benefits: Excellent contract rates, hybrid work, and potential for extension.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence high-value business problems and drive best practices.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data science in a dynamic, enterprise-scale environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Principal Data Scientist with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Contract: 6-month initial contract (extension likely)
Location: Hybrid - London
Rate: Excellent contract rates
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Overview
We're supporting a FTSE 100, enterprise-scale organisation undergoing a long-term transformation across data, analytics, and decision intelligence. As part of this programme, we're looking for a Principal/Senior Data Scientist to lead high-impact data science products that directly influence operational performance and strategic decision-making. This is a senior, hands-on role focused on real-world outcomes, not proof-of-concept work. You'll operate at the intersection of data science, engineering, and the business, shaping how advanced analytics is embedded across a complex organisation.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading the end-to-end delivery of data science and machine learning products, from problem framing through to production and optimisation
- Tackling ambiguous, high-value business problems, translating them into structured analytical solutions
- Providing technical leadership across predictive modelling, optimisation, and decision-support use cases
- Ensuring data science solutions are production-ready, scalable, and embedded into operational processes
- Working closely with senior stakeholders to translate analytical outputs into clear, actionable decisions
- Driving best practice across model governance, ethics, engineering standards, and Agile delivery
- Influencing roadmaps and priorities, balancing pace with long-term value
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience at Principal or Lead Data Scientist level
- Strong grounding in data science, machine learning, and applied analytics in production environments
- Ability to structure complex, ill-defined problems and drive them to delivery
- Confidence communicating with and influencing senior, non-technical stakeholders
- Experience delivering industrialised data or ML products
- A pragmatic, outcome-focused mindset with a strong sense of ownership
- Coming from a consulting background (BCG, McKinsey, etc.)
- Experience in complex operational or asset-heavy environments (e.g. transport, logistics, infrastructure) is beneficial but not essential.
Data Scientist employer: Xpertise Recruitment
Join a leading FTSE 100 organisation that champions innovation and transformation in data science and analytics. With a hybrid working model in London, you'll benefit from excellent contract rates and the opportunity to work on high-impact projects that shape strategic decision-making. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth, allowing you to lead cutting-edge data science initiatives while influencing key stakeholders across the business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the data science field, especially those who work in similar industries. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals that could give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best data science projects. Whether it's predictive modelling or machine learning applications, having tangible examples of your work can really impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common data science questions and case studies. Think about how you can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We often have exclusive roles listed there, and applying directly can sometimes put you ahead of the competition. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Data Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Data Scientist role. Highlight your experience in leading data science projects and your ability to tackle complex problems. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your technical leadership and outcome-focused mindset.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills in data science and machine learning. We’re interested in your experience with predictive modelling and optimisation, so make sure these are front and centre in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Xpertise Recruitment
✨Know Your Data Science Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your data science and machine learning knowledge. Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, especially those that had a real-world impact. Prepare to explain how you tackled complex problems and the outcomes of your solutions.
✨Speak Their Language
Since you'll be working with senior stakeholders, practice translating technical jargon into business terms. Think about how your analytical outputs can influence decision-making and be prepared to share examples of how you've done this in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires technical leadership, so be ready to talk about how you've led teams or projects before. Highlight your experience in guiding others through the delivery of data science products and how you ensure best practices are followed.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical business problems. Practice structuring your thought process clearly and logically. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your answers and demonstrate your problem-solving skills effectively.
