Head of Data Science

At loveholidays, we’re on a mission to open the world to everyone, giving our customers unlimited choice, unmatched ease, and unmissable value for their next getaway. Our team is the driving force behind our role as our customers’ personal holiday expert — the smart way to get away.

About the team

Our data science team (currently four data scientists, and we’re hiring two more) works across the business to deploy machine learning approaches that help us realize our ambition of becoming Europe’s most loved Online Travel Agency. The team focuses on building value for our customers, suppliers, and loveholidays through deploying advanced machine learning techniques.

The impact you’ll have

Reporting to the Chief Data Officer, the Head of Data Science will help the business deliver AI-powered solutions to assist customers pre- and post-booking:

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• Drive conversion rate improvements by helping customers find their ideal holiday through sort order and recommendation algorithms.
  
• Drive more efficient traffic acquisition through bid optimization algorithms.
  
• Help the business make better data-assisted decisions through A/B test analysis reporting.
  
• Work across the business to ensure we are choosing the right applications for machine learning technology.
  
• The Head of Data Science is also responsible for creating and developing our data science talent through hiring, line management, and career progression.
  

Key responsibilities include:

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2. Building a deep understanding of the business to develop a company-wide data science strategy.
   
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   • Help the business, including your team, prioritize the highest impact data science initiatives.
     
   
   
   
3. Collaborating closely with senior leadership and the wider business.
   
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   • Build a reputation for getting things done.
     
   • Bring data leadership and rigor to improve decision-making.
     
   • Manage stakeholder relationships across functions like engineering, product, operations, and the Executive Team.
     
   
   
   
4. Structuring complex data science projects to deliver incremental commercial value.
   
5. Building and running complex machine learning systems within the data science team and with engineering teams.
   
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   • Ensure adoption of engineering principles in data science applications.
     
   
   
   
6. Developing and scaling a high-performing team of data scientists through hiring, coaching, and career development.
   

Qualifications include a proven track record in unlocking commercial value through data science, mentoring skills, and strong knowledge of machine learning and statistical algorithms focused on structured data. Experience with cloud-based data science applications, performance, scalability, and reliability, along with expertise in Python and familiarity with other programming languages like TypeScript, Java, Golang, Rust, is required.

Perks of joining us

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• Company pension contributions at 5%.
  
• Individualized training budget for on-the-job learning.
  
• Discounted holidays for you, your family, and friends.
  
• 25 days of holidays per year, increasing with service.
  
• Options to buy and sell annual leave.
  
• Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and eye care vouchers.
  

At loveholidays, we focus on developing an inclusive culture that encourages personal growth and collective success. We value diverse perspectives and ideas that enhance our teams and the insight you could bring to our journey.

The interview journey

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• Introductory chat with the hiring manager (Chief Data Officer).
  
• Cross-functional interviews covering your approach to leading the data science team and your technical expertise.
  

Note: Preparation prior to the interviews is required.

About the company

loveholidays offers a bespoke way of searching for your next getaway, allowing you to personalize your holiday with ultimate flexibility. Book confidently knowing your holiday is ATOL protected, with various payment options available.

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