Head of Data Science

£140,000 - £160,000 per annum
Permanent
Posted February 18, 2026

Head of Data Science

Salary: £140K-£160K

Location: London (Hybrid)

Data Idols are partnered with a digitally-led organisation that is investing heavily in data and machine learning as a core driver of commercial performance and competitive advantage.

They are now seeking a Head of Data Science to define and lead the next phase of their ML capability. This is a strategic leadership role focused on building a scalable, high-impact data science function that consistently delivers measurable business outcomes.

This is not a hands-on individual contributor role. It is a mandate to shape strategy, build capability, and ensure machine learning directly influences revenue, margin, customer experience, and operational performance.

The Opportunity

You will define and execute a company-wide data science and machine learning strategy, ensuring investment is tightly aligned to commercial priorities and measurable business outcomes. You will build and lead a high-performing data science function, establishing clear standards, prioritisation frameworks and performance metrics, and positioning machine learning as a long-term strategic differentiator for the organisation.

Skills & Experience

  • Experience operating at scale where ML directly influences commercial performance
  • A track record of building and leading high-performing data science teams
  • Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at a senior level
  • A solid technical foundation as a former hands-on data scientist

This is an opportunity to shape machine learning as a strategic lever within a scaling, commercially sophisticated organisation. Please submit your CV for consideration.

Head of Data Science

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