Head of Data Science
loveholidays
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: London • United Kingdom
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Job Level
About the role
- Reporting directly to the VP of Data, you will lead the function that embeds intelligence at the heart of how we grow.
- You will define and drive Data Science’s contribution to core commercial outcomes; from conversion and pricing performance to acquisition efficiency and experimentation velocity.
- Your work will shape where we invest in Machine Learning and AI, and ensure those investments translate into measurable advantage.
- You will partner with Product and Commercial leadership to identify the highest-leverage opportunities for machine learning, and lead their delivery end-to-end.
- You will ensure our systems are production-grade, scalable and embedded within our engineering standards; transforming intelligence from isolated projects into durable capability.
- And you will build a high-performing Data Science organisation with visible leadership depth, clear progression and develop a strong reputation for Data Science at loveholidays within the industry.
- Define and evolve our Data Science strategy in line with company priorities.
- Partner with Platform and Commercial leaders to identify where intelligence can unlock step-change improvements.
- Bring a clear point of view on AI investment, ML investment, experimentation evolution and long-term capability.
- Lead the development and productionisation of ML systems across search, pricing, recommendation, marketing optimisation and elsewhere.
- Drive measurable value through direct delivery and by scaling ML capability across the organisation.
- Ensure our experimentation and modelling approaches are rigorous, scalable and commercially grounded.
- Translate complex technical work into clear business insight, action and outcomes.
- Attract, develop and retain exceptional Data Scientists.
- Create an environment where embedded Data Scientists operate as proactive partners within platform teams.
- Establish clear standards for technical excellence and engineering maturity.
- Represent Data Science in senior forums with clarity and conviction.
- Influence cross-functional decisions through evidence, credibility and strategic thinking.
Requirements
- Proven experience leading a high impact data science function in a digital product or marketplace environment.
- Strong commercial instinct; you understand how models connect to revenue, margin and customer experience.
- Track record of building and scaling high-performing Data Science teams.
- Deep expertise in applied machine learning in production systems, including performance, scalability and reliability (e.g. DORA metrics).
- Strong Python background and comfort working across modern engineering ecosystems (our systems are written in TypeScript, Java, Golang, Rust, Python and others).
- Confident operating at senior leadership level and influencing across functions.
- Desirable: Google Cloud Platform including BigQuery & AI Platform.
- Desirable: Bayesian statistics.
- Desirable: Agent based simulation and reinforcement learning.
Benefits
- Company pension contributions at 5%.
- Individualised training budget for you to learn on the job and level yourself up.
- Discounted holidays for you, your family and friends.
- 25 days of holidays per annum (plus 8 public holidays) increases by 1 day for every second year of service, up to a maximum 30 days per annum.
- Ability to buy and sell annual leave.
- Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan and eye care vouchers.
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
machine learningdata scienceapplied machine learningBayesian statisticsagent based simulationreinforcement learningPythonTypeScriptJavaGolang
Soft Skills
leadershipstrategic thinkinginfluencingcommunicationcollaborationproblem-solvingcommercial instinctteam buildingmentoringcross-functional decision making