Data Science Lead at Ocado Technology

Job Description:

About the role:

This role is to lead one of the data science teams responsible for the algorithms behind the ecommerce systems in Ocado’s Smart Platform. The team is distributed across multiple development centres, and data scientists are seated in development teams to work closely together with engineers. As a Data Science Lead, you will organise our team of mostly Data Scientists and will be accountable for the outputs they provide.

Essentially required:

• A strong data science background including solid coding skills, ideally including Python
• Good knowledge of traditional ML techniques including recommender systems and deep learning
• Knowledge of building DS solutions end to end, from discovery to production and maintenance
• Experience of coaching and developing others
• Cultivating a team environment which is innovative, motivational, highly-productive and setup for rapid change
• Able to lead sophisticated research projects
• Skilled in collaboration both within and between teams/departments
• Experienced in Agile e.g. Kanban and Continuous Delivery

The roles and responsibilities of this role include:

• Lead the team to research, develop and deploy sophisticated smart systems within the ecommerce area of the Ocado Smart Platform. This covers areas such as product discovery, customer level personalisation and assortment optimisation
• Work with the Ecommerce Head of Data, Engineering Managers and Product teams to input to the Data Science roadmap - helping to prioritise and align with the area’s overall goals and missions
• Manage your team’s projects end to end, advising and informing Product managers and Engineer leaders on the plans, progress, needs and results.
• Facilitate the continuous improvement of your team with mentoring, coaching, 1:1s and feedback
• Take line management responsibility for the members of your team.
• Recruit people into the team when required and assist other teams with their recruitment
• Encourage knowledge sharing initiatives and help build the data science community

Company Benefits

Our employee benefits are designed for you, we care about people and we’ve ensured we have a wealth of benefits that focus on your well-being. We regularly review our benefits to ensure we are supporting our employees appropriately. Currently, we offer technically stretching work, a competitive salary and;

• Hybrid working patterns meaning part of the working week can be spent working remotely (typically 3 days per week). However, your working pattern will depend upon your role/team.
• 30 days working from anywhere policy
• Wellbeing support through Apps such as Unmind and an Employee Assistance Programme
• 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after 5 years service (plus optional holiday purchase)
• Pension scheme (various options available including employer contribution matching up to 7%)
• Private Medical Insurance
• 22 weeks paid maternity leave and 6 weeks paid paternity leave (once relevant service requirements complete)
• Train Ticket loan (interest-free)
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Free shuttle bus to and from Hatfield Train Station to the Hatfield offices
• Free shuttle bus to and from Welwyn Garden City Train Station to the Welwyn Garden - City offices
• Opportunity to participate in Sharesave and Buy as You Earn share schemes
• 15% discount on Ocado.com and free delivery for all employees
• Income Protection (can be up to 50% of salary for 3 years)
• Life Assurance (3 x annual salary)
• We also have regular divisional socials, sports clubs not to mention the Ocado Technology Academy for a packed schedule of courses, conferences and events. If you think you have what it takes to make a difference, please submit your application below.

Interview Process

• Initial remote interview to check basic knowledge (above) - code and open questions
• Technical interview
• Behavioral interview with the Head of Data Ecommerce