Lead Data Scientist

About the role

We are seeking a Lead Data Scientist to join an established UK organisation on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract. Reporting to the Head of Analytics, you will combine hands‑on data science with people leadership to shape the data strategy and deliver high‑impact analytical solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of Data Scientists and Analysts.
• Design and implement advanced analytics, predictive modelling and machine‑learning solutions.
• Identify and prioritise AI opportunities that generate measurable business improvements.
• Translate business requirements into scalable, production‑ready models.
• Collaborate with Data Engineering and BI teams to deploy and maintain models.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and champion best practices in data science and AI.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement of analytical capability, governance and delivery.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a Lead or Senior Data Scientist with people‑management responsibilities.
• Strong commercial mindset and ability to communicate complex concepts to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Inquisitive, results‑oriented and comfortable working closely with senior stakeholders.

Required skills

• Python
• SQL
• R or similar analytical language
• Machine Learning, predictive modelling and statistical analysis
• Databricks or comparable cloud‑based analytics platform
• Tableau, Power BI or other data‑visualisation tools
• Experience with cloud data platforms, data lakes and enterprise data warehouses

What we offer

• Salary £70,000‑£80,000 per year
• 10 % annual bonus
• Private healthcare
• Generous pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus the option to buy additional holiday
• Hybrid working – three days per week in the Bristol office