Job description
At Tesco, our Data Science team focuses on modelling complex business problems and deploying data products at scale. Our work spans across multiple areas including physical stores, online, supply chain, marketing and Clubcard, where we encourage rotation amongst our Data Scientists so they can gain expertise in different subjects.
We work on several domains and problem types: online, pricing, security, fulfilment, distribution, property, IoT and computer vision are just some. Our team members spend 10% of their week on learning and personal development. Multiple academic collaborations enrich the team expertise; knowledge sharing events are regular. Furthermore, we have got a great work-life balance, team days and relaxed but engaging culture.
Our core work involves:
- Developing algorithmic products that can be deployed at scale
- Supporting the automation of decision making across the business
- Optimising processes for key business objectives
Examples of our previous work include:
- Building personalised search and recommender systems
- Optimising space and range within our stores
- Optimising delivery routes for our vans
- Developing enhanced picking algorithms for our fulfilment centres
- Optimising price reductions
As a Data Science Manager, you will help shape and expand a highly skilled team of Data Scientists focused on delivering a better understanding of the business and optimising processes based on all available data. You will have the following responsibilities:
- Owning 1 or more business or technical domains and leading the development of data science algorithmic features across multiple projects
- Setting up the team/projects for success by making sure that the projects they are responsible for are resourced appropriately and by unblocking difficult situations
- Leading framing and scoping of Data Science problems across multiple projects
- Line managing data scientists
- Support, guide and mentor the team in their daily work
- Help to define the strategic direction the overall team should take, trading off between contradicting priorities
- Partnering with Engineering to the design complex software systems and influencing the wider team architecture choices
- Promote data science across Tesco, and promote Tesco across the external Data Science community
You are an experienced Data Scientist with an advanced level of capability across the Data Science Toolkit and an inspirational leader who promotes Data Science. You therefore tick most of the following points:
Mathematical & Statistical Understanding:
- A strong numerical higher degree in a mathematical, scientific, engineering or computer science discipline with application to Data Science
- The ability to use your academic knowledge and commercial experience to tackle specific business problems
- An analytical mind set and the ability to use your academic knowledge to tackle specific business problems
Big Data / Programming Experience:
- A high-level expertise in Python
- Strong background in Machine Learning
- Experience with Software Engineering best practises (SDLC)
- Experience in designing reliable and scalable ML systems
- Experience in open source big-data technologies and cloud
- Experience of setting up and managing open source Data Science environments
Management & Leadership Experience:
- You have previously managed colleagues
- Experience in hiring and building out high performing Data Science teams
- You have experience in setting a strategic direction and running complex data science projects with multiple stakeholders
- You can influence senior stakeholders and have a passion for implementing change
A background or strong understanding of the retail sector, logistics and/or ecommerce would be advantageous but is not required.
About usOur vision at Tesco is to become every customer’s favourite way to shop, whether they are at home or out on the move. Our core purpose is “Serving our customers, communities and planet a little better every day”. Serving means more than a transactional relationship with our customers. It means acting as a responsible and sustainable business for all stakeholders, for the communities we are part of, and for the planet.
We are proud to have an inclusive culture at Tesco where everyone truly feels able to be themselves. At Tesco, we not only celebrate diversity, but recognise the value and opportunity it brings. We’re committed to creating a workplace where differences are valued, and make sure that all colleagues are given the same opportunities. We’re a big business with diverse working patterns and many business areas which means that we can find something that works for you. Everyone is welcome at Tesco.
We have recently announced that we are moving to a more blended working week – combining office and remote working. Our offices continue to be where we connect, collaborate and innovate. Talk to us about how this can work for you.
Note: Should you be successful in your application, your employment will be subject to and conditional upon you providing your bank account details on your agreed start date.
We’re proud to have been accredited Disability Confident Leader and we’re committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer, please click here.
What’s in it for youWe offer excellent benefits that help make Tesco a great place to work! These include but are not limited to:
- Annual bonus scheme
- Holiday starting at 25 days plus a personal day (and bank holidays)
- Great colleague discounts and deals, saving you money on everyday purchases, utility bills for the home and more
- Retirement savings plan – save between 4% and 7.5% and Tesco will match your contribution
- Buy as you earn and Save as you earn share schemes
- Opportunities to get on – take advantage of our ongoing learning opportunities and award-winning training to help you achieve the career you want