Senior Data Scientist – Leadership Role

About the role

We are looking for a Senior Data Scientist to lead a high‑performing team delivering machine‑learning and advanced analytics solutions for a retail organisation. The role focuses on improving customer insight, driving commercial decisions and enabling personalisation across multiple business functions. You will work on‑site in Southampton a few days each month while collaborating remotely with stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop a high‑performing Data Science team.
• Own and execute the Data Science roadmap, prioritising work based on business value.
• Oversee design, development and deployment of models for churn, CLV, forecasting, segmentation and recommendation.
• Ensure solutions are scalable, robust, governed and production‑ready.
• Partner with business and technology stakeholders to translate commercial challenges into data‑driven solutions.
• Promote best practices in model governance, technical delivery and measurable business impact.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading Data Science teams in a commercial environment.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Commercially focused with ability to prioritise high‑impact outcomes.
• Experience working in retail or customer‑facing data domains.

Required skills

• Python
• SQL
• Machine learning and statistical modelling
• Cloud analytics platforms (e.g., Databricks, Snowflake, BigQuery)

What we offer

• Salary £90,000‑£100,000 per year.
• Up to 50% performance bonus.
• £6,500 car allowance.
• Hybrid working – 2‑3 days per month on‑site in Southampton.