Data Science Manager (Metaheuristics)

We know life looks a little different for each of us. That's why at Tesco, we always welcome chats about flexible working. Some people are at the start of their careers, some want the freedom to do the things they love. Others are going through life‑changing moments like becoming a carer, nearing retirement, adapting to parenthood, or something else. So, talk to us throughout your application about how we can support.

Are you an Operational Research specialist with strong Meta‑heuristics experience? Then look no further and come and join our team! We'd love to hear from you if you have any questions about the role or our team.

Here at Tesco we focus on solving sophisticated business problems and developing data products that can be deployed at scale to our customers and colleagues. Our teams work across multiple areas including Stores, Online, Fulfilment, Marketing Clubcard, and we encourage rotation among our Data Scientists, so they can apply their skills to different business challenges and gain deeper levels of domain expertise. On any day you could be supporting the automation of decision‑making across the business; optimising processes for key business objectives; or conducting exploratory analysis for strategic decision‑making.

• The technical domain and leading technical engagements whilst managing a team of Data Scientists and supporting with the mentoring of others in the team on the best approaches to optimise problems and the development of Meta‑heuristics
• Supporting teams in designing and implementing reusable components for algorithmic development for static and dynamic optimisation problems
• Defining the strategic direction that the team should take, trading off contradicting priorities.
• Unblocking day‑to‑day technical challenges and ensure that the daily work is aligned with the technical vision.
• You will also communicate sophisticated solutions in a clear, understandable way to non‑experts
• Working on end‑to‑end developments, contributing to all aspects of the product lifecycle

• Be an influential Senior Data Scientist or Data Science Manager within Operational Research combined with specialist knowledge of Meta‑heuristics.
• Direct line management experience.
• You will have a high level of capability in a programming language, preferably Java or other OOP language and have experience of mentoring others whilst partnering with teams in the areas of scheduling, vehicle routing or bin‑packing on technical developments.

Our 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 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.

We're a big business and we can offer a range of diverse full‑time & part‑time working patterns across our many business areas, which means that we can find something that works for you. We work in a more blended pattern – combining office and remote working. Our offices will continue to be where we connect, collaborate and innovate. If you are applying internally, please speak to the Hiring Manager about how this can work for you – Everyone is welcome at Tesco.

We never ask for money during our hiring process. Any request for payment made in the name of Tesco is not legitimate. Please report suspicious activity to